Michigan State @ Northwestern 12:00pm
The Spartans surprised me last week when they struggled against woeful Nebraska. I don’t think this week will be as close. The Wildcats are coming off of another heartbreaking loss, and even though they might be the best 0-6 B1G team ever, they do not match well against Michigan State. Northwestern runs a running spread, but it is not as effective as Nebraska’s. Look for the Spartans to get back on track, and keep the Wildcats under 100 yards rushing. This puts a lot of pressure on Siemian’s and Colter’s arm. They do not have the playmakers on the edge to attach the Michigan State defense. Look for the Spartans to grind out yards on the ground, and for Cook to have an effective day with play action.
Illinois @ Purdue 12:00pm
Will anyone even watch this game? I would need a lot of payment to sit through all 60 minutes. In a battle for B1G embarrassment, this game could actually be close. Is this the week that the Illini get their first conference win in two years? Purdue has been playing better the past two weeks, but I don’t think they will be able to score as much as Illinois.
The Gophers have been the surprise team in the conference this season. However, their record is a bit deceiving as their two toughest B1G games are still on the schedule. Wisconsin is still looking for style points from the pollsters. Minnesota has really improved this season, and developed an identity as a program (more than Michigan can say at this point). The Badgers are playing their best football of the season right now. Even though this game will be in TCF Bank Stadium, I think Wisconsin will wear down Minnesota on the ground which will soften up the secondary for some long play action passes. Both teams have 2 losses, but the Badgers are the far superior squad. Look for both Gordon and White to have another big week.
Indiana @ Ohio State 3:30pm
A week after surviving against the 2nd half Illinois comeback, Ohio State gets another non-bowl eligible team. Indiana has a potent offense, but was completely shut down last week in Madison. The Buckeyes defense was exposed against Illinois. I expect Coach Wilson to have a good offensive game plan in this one, and for the Hoosiers to score more than 3 points. However, the Indiana defense still is the worst in the conference and Ohio State will rack up points in a hurry. Also, Urban is not scared of running up scores, so look for the Buckeyes to try to top 60 in this one.
Nebraska @ Penn State 3:30pm
If this game was played 20 years ago, it would be the talk of the country. However both teams are just not very good this year. The Nittany Lions are fading down the stretch as the defense gets more tired and banged up. The Huskers are still playing for a January 1st day, where they will enjoy getting mauled by another SEC team. The Hackenberg – Robinson connection should be strong in this game, but Ameer Abdullah will be the difference maker. Look for him to go over 150 yards, and Nebraska to outscore Penn State.
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