Big Ten Friday

With the Cats taking the week off, I will skip right to the other games in the Big Ten Conference this week.

Ohio State @ Wisconsin: The Buckeyes exhibited a rejuvenated spirit against Indiana last week, handling them easily.  But this trip to Madison will be the toughest test of the year thus far.  And it will certainly be one of the best two defenses that Pryor and the running game will face.  Wisconsin bounced back from the tough loss to MSU with a solid win against Minnesota and is looking to sneak back into the Big Ten Title race.  The Buckeyes are their best opportunity to score a big win, as the Badgers play Iowa on the road this year.

Wisconsin will need to rely on a balanced attack, but know that the passing game is going to need to be consistent in order to move the ball.  On the other side, Pryor will need to be very accurate with the football as turnovers could tilt the balance in this match.  I am very tempted to pick the Wisconsin upset this week, but Ohio State’s loss this year probably comes at Iowa.  Ohio State 27-23.

Illinois @ Michigan State: Both teams are coming off wins that are monumental for their respective programs.  And while, as the season plays out, neither opponent may turn out to be as strong as many had believed, the emotional high from the two road wins will carry these teams through the middle stretch of the schedule.

With that said, Illinois is simply outmatched in this game.  They have some nice pieces and Zook may just have done enough to keep his job this year.  But the Illini are going to have trouble moving the ball.  MSU’s defense is strong and opportunistic and that is not a good combination against this young Illinois offense.  MSU’s offense is really hitting its stride after being somewhat inconsistent at the beginning of the season.  Illinois’ defense is an under-rated unit, but will not be able to keep enough points off the board to make up for the shortcomings on offense.  MSU 30-14.

Iowa @ Michigan: This could not be a worse scenario for Michigan.  They are coming off a tough, emotionally charged loss to their in-state rival; and in to town come the Iowa Hawkeyes, fresh off a nice bye week.  On one hand, this will be a terrific test for both Denard Robinson and the Iowa defense – and that alone will make this game worth watching.  But expect Ricky Stanzi to have a career game against the Michigan secondary.

Look for this to be a close, entertaining game early.  Remember that Michigan was only a few picks in the red zone short of being right in the game with MSU last week.  But Iowa’s defense will pick up the pace and force some similar turnovers.  Eventually the crowd will get ugly and we will deal with talks about Rich-Rod’s job all week.  Iowa 28-17.

Minnesota @ Purdue: Purdue should be very familiar with Minnesota as it basically stole its game plan in order to beat Northwestern last week – where Minnesota failed the week before.  The true story of this game is Tim Brewster’s job.  His press conferences are becoming downright irrational and he is sounding like a desperate soul.  If he cannot evolve out of his emotional anger, how can he expect his team to focus?  This game and Penn State at home next week are Minnesota’s two best chances for a Big Ten win this year, so they better take advantage of it.

If Minnesota can stop the run and contain Henry, this will be a close game.  These teams have very similar makeup, but they are polar opposites on the emotional spectrum right now.  The Purdue fans will be rocking after their big win last week.  It will be another ugly win, probably with some eye-poppingly one-sided stats, but Purdue prevails in the end.  Purdue 20-16.

Arkansas State @ Indiana: Indiana copped out with scheduling Arkansas State for homecoming.  This may be the first time in my lifetime that a non-Big Ten team visited a Big Ten Campus for homecoming.  That might also be the most interesting thing to say about this game.  Indiana has clearly padded their schedule for a run at a Bowl game, much like the Glen Mason era Minnesota teams.  But this will be the fourth win and picking up two more will be difficult.

Indiana has too much offensive firepower and will run AK State all over the field.  Indiana 38-14.

Texas @ Nebraska: When Nebraska joined the Big Ten and threatened the long-term livelihood of the Big XII conference, the pundits pointed to this game as the game of the year.  Unfortunately, Texas has played lackluster at best and Nebraska looks like world-beaters right now.  The Big Red faithful will be loud and proud in this game and the Longhorns’ inability to run the ball will again be the key. 

If nothing else, take some time to watch this game to see Taylor Martinez play.  Nebraska 31-13.

Big Ten Power Rankings:

Admittedly this was very tough this week as my teams in spots 5-8 all lost.  Top four stay the same.  I may have copped out with a few ties in the middle.

1 Ohio State

2 Michigan State

3 Iowa

4 Wisconsin

T-5 Michigan

T-6 Northwestern

T-8 Purdue

T-8 Illinois

10 Indiana

11 Minnesota

Go Cats! (Get some rest)