Big Ten Thursday

Between preparing to travel to Evanston this weekend, remodeling my dining room, and refinancing my house, I have hardly had any time to do my actual job, let alone to post this blog.  But to be fair, I will put together an abbreviated Big Ten Preview.

Indiana at Ohio State (Noon (all times EST) ESPN)  Ohio State played a little soft against Illinois last week.  The high-flying offense went right back to typical Tressel-Ball once Pryor went down and the game was close (Pryor is expect to play Saturday).  In the end, Ohio State is still the best team in the conference and every good team gets one free pass, especially on the road.  Indiana played a valiant game against Michigan and almost sent the Bloomington crowd home in a frenzy; but the Hail Mary fell short.  Indiana's defense is not as stiff as Illinois and both teams will be playing in reaction to last week's game -- Indiana a let-down hangover; OSU needing to win big.  IU will score enough points to keep the starters in, but this game will never truly be in question.

Minnesota at Wisconsin (Noon BTN) Minnesota gave NU a major scare last week, based on opportunistic defense and a surprisingly strong running attack.  Wisconsin played a pretty good game last week, but it was not enough for an obviously better prepared MSU squad.  Both teams are coming off tough losses and both need to win for different reasons.  Wisconsin needs to win to maintain respectability and to keep any hope of a Big Ten Title alive.  Minnesota is running out of ways to keep Tim Brewster employed.  The Gophers will not be able to get their run game going and will be forced to throw early and often.  They might sneak a few points in here, but Wisconsin will cruise.

Illinois at Penn State (Noon ESPN2) Illinois has played well above its 2-2 record.  Neither of its two wins were very impressive, but their performances against Mizzou and OSU were far better than anyone could have expected.  Penn State is just the opposite.  They looked weak at best when beating Youngstown State and Kent; and they have looked worse against Alabama (24-3 loss), Temple (22-13 win), and Iowa (24-3 loss).  In those three games, PSU has scored only one touchdown.  This is a team on the brink of extinction.  If you are a sentimentalist, this is sad as JoePa's time seems to have finally run its course for the last time.  It you are an Illini fan, this is an opportunity to pounce.  If this game were not in Happy Valley, I would have picked Illinois.  PSU will win a very low scoring affair in very ugly fashion.

Michigan State at Michigan (3:30 ABC) The two rivals have only met as undefeated squads one other time since the 60s.  MSU looks to continue the domination of its little brother with its third win in a row.  More importantly, MSU wants to continue an improbable run which has cast them as both the emotional favorite and, quite frankly, the team with the least amount of holes in the conference.  Michigan is equipped with the best player in the country, but one of the worst defenses.  Michigan State will be able to score points in bunches and Michigan will have to be able to hang on for the ride.  If Michigan can force some turnovers, they may have a chance.  But in a straight-up mistake free game, MSU is simply too solid of a team this year.

Purdue at Northwestern (7:30 BTN) In the last game of their "protected rivalry" (pause for tears), NU comes in to the game with a mismatch on their hands.  Purdue is decimated with injuries, and although they have a very mobile (3rd string) quarterback, without any other weapons, the NU front seven will have a field day.  More on this game tomorrow, but this could get ugly.

Nebraska at Kansas State (7:30 tonight ESPN) Yes you can skip the first round of the baseball playoffs to see the Big Ten's future rival; what are you going to miss?  A no-hitter or something?  If you have not seen Taylor Martinez play, catch the game tonight and begin having nightmares about the next three years.  KSU is undefeated and playing very well.  Big Red may have a little trouble in the Little Apple.  But Nebraska is playing with something to prove, and with Texas down and Oklahoma not on the schedule, they want to take every opportunity to show that it was the Big 12 that screwed this one up. 

Go Cats!