Vikings defensive end Jared Allen wasn’t trying to make excuses after Sunday’s 24-20 loss to Tampa Bay, a game that left his team 0-2 on the season.

It was the second consecutive game the Vikings let a halftime lead get away. After holding a 10 point lead in the fourth quarter, Allen declared yesterday’s defeat worse than the opening game 24-17 loss against San Diego.

“It’s inexcusable.  It’s unacceptable,” Allen said in a quiet and stunned locker room after the game.

In San Diego, particularly in the second half, the Vikings offense wasn’t productive.  Yesterday it was the defense that couldn’t hold back a Bucs team that led by quarterback Josh Freeman built a reputation last season for comebacks and wins on the road.

Allen was asked about the Bucs’ track record for rallying late in games, but focused on the Vikings with his answer.  “I don’t know.  We just didn’t finish the game, honestly.  I gotta watch the film.  I am in disbelief still we lost this game.  We were in complete control, dominating, and somehow we let it slip away.”

The Vikings had the Bucs off balance with their offense in the first half and led 17-0.  But in the third quarter Tampa Bay began to take over the momentum with their offense while the Vikings offense ran only five plays and had just one first down.

In the second half Tampa Bay scored on four of five possessions.  The only drive that didn’t produce points was when Freeman threw an interception in the end zone.

The Vikings, including center John Sullivan, had no difficulty explaining the loss.  “It’s very matter of fact,” he said. “You gotta play for 60 minutes in the NFL.  We haven’t done that the last two weeks. …We’ll learn to play for 60 minutes and then we’ll be fine.  Until that happens, obviously the last two weeks are what you get.”

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After three weeks Sports Headliners has seen enough to rate the Big Ten football teams from 1-12.  Here’s how they rank:

Wisconsin: Quarterback transfer Russell Wilson elevates Badgers offense to elite national level.

Nebraska: Remember these names: quarterback Taylor Martinez, defensive lineman Jared Crick, linebacker Lavonte David.  Remember these dates:  Huskers at Wisconsin, October 1; home against Ohio State on October 8 and Michigan State October 29.

Ohio State: Injuries, suspensions and the departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor put a major hit on what was once the conference’s most talented roster.

Illinois: Illini have high impact assistants in offensive coordinator Paul Petrino and defensive coordinator Vic Koenning.

Michigan State: Spartans have Big Ten’s best passing offense but need to play more physical football on both sides of the ball.

Michigan: Defense is part of the Wolverines vocabulary this season, but how in the hell do you take the most exciting quarterback in the league and move him under center?

Penn State: quarterback dilemma in Happy Valley has Joe Paterno undecided and Nittany Lions fans worried.

Iowa: Hawks gave up 71 points in last two games and are still trying to figure out how to put defense back on a pedestal in Iowa City.

Northwestern: Super coach Pat Fitzgerald still needs to attract better players to Evanston.

Minnesota: Keep the faith but talent this season seems better suited to competing in the MAC.

Purdue: Boiler fans clamoring for a game against Slippery Rock after opening 2-1 against Middle Tennessee State, Rice and Southeast Missouri State.

Indiana: Hoosiers wear uniforms and helmets like No. 1 Oklahoma, play like last place Indiana.

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