Every week i’ll look at 2 games in the big ten that are in the national spotlight and 4 teams that must win.
Game 1: 7 Michigan St vs 3 Oregon
Wisconsin had a real chance to send a message last week to the rest of the country against LSU. They did for 3 quarters and came up short. This week is arguably the Big Ten’s biggest showcase to prove their conference champion should be in that group of 4 at the end of the year.
Michigan State just might be the best chance to make the biggest statement with a win over Oregon. Michigan St out-muscled Stanford last year in the rose bowl. Oregon is a much different team. Oregon is fast and talented and has a solid secondary this year.
Can MSU win? Yes. How? Mirror image Stanford. Stanford controlled Oregon all year long to beat them in a PAC12 North matchup last year. Stanford limited mistakes and dominated ball control with an effective ground game. Offensively, Jeremy Langford has to get a boatload of first downs and keep the Oregon offense off the field. If Connor Cook manages the game, they can stay in it. To win, Cook will have to make a big play or two. Defensively, MSU has to contain Mariotta and keep him from making plays with his feet. If they can do what Stanford did last year, they can make a statement for the big ten.
Game 2: Michigan at 16 Notre Dame
This is the last scheduled game between these two rivals as Notre Dame adds more ACC teams to their schedule. Hoke is pissed. He is not happy that Notre Dame’s ego and cash grab is leaving tradition behind. Watch for him to add a little flavor to the game with a trick or two.
Michigan needs to make the big play. The Gardner to Funchess combo has to connect a couple times to make sure the scoring is there. If the defense can force a turnover or two from Golson, Michigan can cut ties for now on the winning end.
Did I mention that there is an agreement for Notre Dame and Ohio State to play a slate of games in the coming years? Yeah, Hoke’s pissed.
4TW!! 4 teams that have to win to boost the big ten image:
1. Michigan State. Gameday is there, enough said. 6:30/5:30c FOX
2. Michigan. Can we cut ties on the positive end? 7:30/6:30 NBC
3. Ohio State. Host Virginia Tech tonight at the shoe. 8/7c ESPN
4. Northwestern. Between Iowa, Nebraska and Wisconsin, Northwestern was thought to be a sleeper contender. They need to bounce back against perennial MAC power NIU to right the ship and be on the bowl path. 3:30/2:30c BTN
Good luck to all!
Big Ten and Counting 