Sorry folks, as I travel across the country this site might get a little raggedy with lack of a true computer to work from. Eleven teams spread across six games in the Big Ten this weekend as Iowa, Minnesota and Penn State are off. Just because it is slim pickens, doesn’t mean this is a lame duck week. In fact, this is one of the stronger weeks thanks to a huge top-25 showdown.
Game of the Week:
Nebraska at Michigan State
The ranked clubs come in with some control over their tournament hopes – Nebraska more so than MSU since they are still undefeated. Each can put up a lot of points so don’t expect this to be the stereotypical Big Ten slug fest. MSU is more balanced offensively so if they can find a way to slow Ameer Abduallah, one would think that Tommy Armstrong Jr would have a hard time keeping up with the MSU scoring. At least putting the game on Armstrong’s shoulders is how MSU fans would want it to play out.
Saturday, 8 /7 central, ABC
Sleeper:
Ohio State at Maryland
The Buckeyes’ first true road trip of the season (the Navy game was in the Ravens’ home stadium and there were plenty OSU fans there) and it is against a good team too. Maryland will send a message to the rest of the league if they can pick off OSU in this one. We know the Terps can score and we know OSU’s secondary has allowed plenty of points so for the upset to happen Maryland’s defense will have to play their best game of the young season. Even that might not be enough unless they get some breaks in the special teams.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, ABC
Don’t Ignore:
Michigan at Rutgers
Wait, why? Simple, if Michigan loses we might get to see a full-blown Kiffin and have Brady Hoke get fired as soon as the plane lands. This is also about Rutgers. They may be 4-1 but their lone loss is to a conference foe. Until they break through in league there will be questions if they can hang. Considering how ugly Michigan has looked this season they have a great chance to end that chatter shortly.
Saturday, 8/7, Big Ten Network
Snoozer:
Purdue at Illinois
The pillow fight between two of the worst teams in the league will be an ugly affair. Winning big might save Darell Hazell’s job, so there is that I guess.
Saturday, 12/11 central, ESPN 2 / WatchESPN app…or chew on some tinfoil for a couple hours. Either option has the same enjoyment level.
Upset Watch:
Right end – I don’t buy ranked teams winning on the road as much of an upset, so I’ll circle back to that Maryland game. OSU enters as more than a touchdown favorite on the road. They have the branding, the ranking and the swagger. Maryland has played better football this season. I think the Terps have a good chance in this one.
Wrong End – Penn State clearly didn’t think much of Northwestern a week ago and it cost them. Wisconsin now travels to Ryan Field. Considering how the Badgers have humiliated Northwestern in recent years it is easy to expect the same…except, Wisconsin has developed an annoying habit of starting slow this season. Another poor start could put the ‘cats far enough ahead. Can’t take this one lightly.
Wisconsin at Northwestern, Saturday, 3:30 / 2:30 central, ESPN2 / WatchESPN app
Elsewhere:
North Texas at Indiana, Sat, 2:30 / 3:30, BTN – The Mean Green are a well coached team who went bowling last year. If Indiana isn’t careful they could fall for this obvious trap game. One would guess that Indiana will be good and steamed about last week’s no show and dominate UNT. We’ll see which of the two-faces Indiana decides to show this Saturday.
Random Musing
The historically dominant Michigan Wolverines and the historically woeful Rutgers Scarlet Knights have about the widest gulf imaginable for two conference teams. Take a look:
Winning Percentage: .731 vs .508
National Championships: 11 vs 0
Bowl Games: 44 vs 10
All Time wins: 912 vs 637
Consensus All-Americans: 78 vs 4
Heisman Winners: 3 vs 0
NFL Draft Picks: 345 vs 56
First Round NFL Draft Picks: 41 vs 3
Weeks In AP Poll: 795 vs 38
Weeks At Number 1 In AP: 34 vs 0
All this means nothing though as Rutgers enters full of confidence and sit pretty at 4-1 while Michigan has had one of their worst weeks in program history and are teetering on the edge at 2-3 and their coach sits on the hottest seat in the country. The odd things this sport gives us never ceases to amaze me.
Big Ten and Counting 