This is the first week of conference play where most of the "contenders" play each other. The division races will be a lot clearer after Saturday. Last week of picks were my worst of the season. In the 2 games that I did pick correctly, I missed badly on the details of the game (NW wins in a shootout, and OSU wins by 30+). Lets see if I can get this train back on track. For the record, I am still doing better than ESPN B1G Bloggers.
Purdue (3-3) @ Ohio State (7-0) Saturday 12:00pm
Well I went with Purdue in a close win over Wisconsin and got burned, so I am done with the struggling Boilers for the time being. Ohio State has its flaws, but they aren't big enough to allow most conference teams to capitalize on them. Purdue cannot stop the run lately, and this looks like the 3rd week in a row where they will surrender at least 250 yards on the ground. Miller and Hyde will each have big games. On the defensive side of the ball, Purdue really lacks play-makers so Ohio should be in attack mode all game. This one will get out of hand, Ohio State big.
Minnesota (4-2) @ Wisconsin (5-2) Saturday 12:00pm
Both teams have 2 losses, but both are trending in opposite directions at the moment. Minnesota has lost two games in a row, and Wisconsin has bounced back very well from the painful loss at Nebraska with 2 big wins. The Golden Gophers struggle at stopping the run, and the Badgers will exploit that all day long. The Wisconsin offensive line continues to improve each week, and they are in the driver's seat of making it to back to back championship games. Wisconsin should wear down Minnesota, and win big.
Nebraska (4-2) @ Northwestern (6-1) Saturday 3:30pm
This is my game of the week in the conference. Both teams really need a win to keep their conference title hopes alive. Nebraska was stunned last year at home against the Wildcats, so payback should be on the mind of the returning players. The Husker offense is very talented. The Wildcats will struggle to slow down Nebraska's running attack. While Northwestern has a decent offense of its own, I just cannot see them matching Big Red point for point. As much as I would like to see Northwestern win this game, I think Nebraska ends up running away with it.
Penn State (4-2) @ Iowa (4-2) Saturday 8:00pm
Both teams are 2-0 in conference play, but only one is post seasone eligible. So, this game is more important for Iowa to stay in front of the Legend's Division. The Nittany Lions were the conference's hottest team 2 weeks ago, but after a bye week and 2 blow out wins for Michigan, they have given up that title. It will be interestinng to see how Matt McGloin and company come off the break. Penn State has not won in Iowa City since 1999. Even though Iowa is coming off of their best win of the season, I still do not think they are very good. I think Matt Mauti and company shut down the Hawkeye running attack, and so far James Vandenberg has not shown he can win a game with his arm. Penn State breaks the losing streak at Iowa and the Hawkeyes are on the outside on the Legend's Divison race.
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