Thankfully the B1G season kicks off this weekend. For the next 9 weeks, at least 5 B1G teams will win a game. Since most teams have been embarrassed at least once already, the conference games should be pretty competitive and interesting. The B1G title is wide open, so let’s try to enjoy the quiet next few months until the “top” teams will get rewarded by being double digit underdogs in their bowl games.
Indiana (2-1) @ Northwestern (4-0) Saturday 12:00pm
Indiana is beginning to understand their head coach’s high powered passing attack, but the problem is its Indiana and they have little talent to speak of. Northwestern has improved in their first 4 games, and have become a legitimate B1G threat. The two Wildcat quarterbacks should be able to attack the weak Hoosier secondary. Indiana might be able to score a few points in this game, and maybe even hang around for most of the game. The problem is Northwestern will just end up scoring more.
Penn State (2-2) @ Illinois (2-2) Saturday 12:00pm
The records of these two are the same, but they are trending in opposite directions. The Nittany Lions are coming off of back to back wins, and the offense is staring to click. If McGloin doesn’t turn the ball over, Penn State could actually cause some issues in the Leaders Division. Illinois is coming off of a blowout loss to Louisiana Tech, at home. The Illini turned the ball over 6 times, and as Michigan fans found out, that makes it hard to win a game. There will be a lot of talent on both defenses, but I just can’t see Illinois bouncing back this quickly after the debacle last weekend.
Minnesota (4-0) @ Iowa (2-2) Saturday 12:00pm
The Golden Gophers are undefeated, yet the underdog as they head to Kinnick Stadium. Iowa has looked confused and just flat out bad in the first 4 weeks of the season. Minnesota has been one of the nice surprises in the B1G so far, but Gray hasn’t fully recovered from the high ankle sprain. He will likely be unavailable this week. As bad as the Hawkeyes have looked, I think Vandenberg and the passing attack bounces back a little this week and Weisman has another good game on the ground. Also, I think Iowa’s defense will be a little upset after giving up over 30 points to a terrible MAC team. Iowa wins in a close game and takes the hog back.
Marshall (2-2) @ Purdue (2-1) Saturday 3:15pm
Wolverine fans might be interested in this game to get a better feel for the Boilermakers before next weekend. Purdue still has one remaining tune up game against the Herd. Marshall throws the ball around the field with a lot of success, but Purdue’s pass rush will be able to get a lot of pressure on the quarterback. Look for Johnson or Allen to record at least one interception in this one. Purdue will put up some big offensive numbers again and roll in this one.
Ohio State (4-0) @ Michigan State (3-1) Saturday 3:30pm
Well since College Gameday will be in East Lansing for this one, I guess I have to pick it for the marquee game of the week. This game should tell us a lot about two of the favorites. Braxton Miller really struggled last season against Sparty, but he looks like a completely different player at this point. I am also interested in seeing how the Bucknut defense is able to stop Le’Veon Bell. I think the talented OSU secondary gives Andrew Maxwell problems all game, and Michigan State will be one dimensional again. The problem here is the scarlet and gray front seven is better than Boise St and Eastern Michigan. Miller makes enough plays through the air and with his feet to get Ohio State in the 20s which will be enough to beat the inept offense in green and white.
Wisconsin (3-1) @ Nebraska (3-1) Saturday 8:00pm
I already talked about this one in the upset alert. The Wisconsin defense is talking some trash this week about Taylor Martinez, and while I agree with most of the comments, it is not a smart thing to do to the quarterback of the best B1G offense. The Huskers will face the best defense they have played so far, but Nebraska’s offense is better than anything the Badgers have seen either. It will be a fun matchup to watch. I happen to think the guys in red and white from Madison will make enough plays to help their struggling offense. However, if Nebraska gets to 30, Wisconsin could be in trouble. Even without Ball, Nebraska will struggle to stop Wisconsin’s running attack. I think the Badgers sneak by the current Rose Bowl favorite. Another thing to watch for is both teams are wearing alternate uniforms for this one, and from what I have seen, they both look awful.
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