Still getting used to this new schedule format as there are just five games and ten teams in action. Strange to see four idle teams. This week the teams that get to rest up are Maryland, Nebraska, Ohio State and Rutgers. Considering Kam and I ranked three of those teams in the top five, this week feels a little on the light side, but I’m sure we can find something that makes us park are butts on the sofa.
Game of the Week:
Northwestern at Minnesota
Three teams in the West have undefeated league marks. Two of those are squaring off in Minneapolis tomorrow. The suddenly resurgent Wildcats have picked off Penn State and Wisconsin in consecutive weeks and are the hottest team in the Western Division. Minnesota is coming off a bye but the last time we saw them in action they were taking Michigan to the woodshed. Both defenses have been solid, this could be a race to just 21 if the defense plays the way we have become accustom too.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, Big Ten Network
Sleeper:
Indiana at Iowa
Not only is this Iowa’s homecoming this is actually a big game for the Big Ten title race believe it or not. Iowa is the third undefeated team in the West and needs to take down pesky Indiana to keep pace with the winner of the Northwestern/Minnesota tilt. The Hoosiers have their sights set on a more reasonable goal – a bowl game. Considering Iowa is one of the easier opponents (on paper) left on IU’s slate, you know the Hoosier faithful are cautiously optimistic that they can pull off their second big road win of the year.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, ESPNU / WatchESPN app
Don’t Ignore:
Penn State at Michigan
This is a make or break game for both teams. Penn State still clings to very slim hopes of winning the East but need get back on track immediately. Michigan has bigger fish to fry like a winning record and dimming bowl hopes. Penn State is good but still flawed enough that there might be a touch of magic left in Michigan’s season to get a win. Feels doubtful but this is a funny sport and you know the Big House will be rocking – assuming they sold enough coke bottles.
Saturday, 7 / 6 central, ESPN2 / WatchESPN app
Snoozer:
Michigan State at Purdue
Even with the improvement in the Purdue passing game thanks to Austin Appleby the talent gap in this one looks to be massive. MSU also knows that the eye test is important for making the tournament so don’t be too surprised if they take advantage of some softer league foes to hammer them and look impressive for the committee.
Saturday, 3:30 / 2:30, ABC / ESPN2…of walk on hot coals. Either one sounds like a good use of time.
Upset Watch:
Right End – Did you Know that Michigan is a slight two point favorite? Based on how ugly they have looked Penn State has to like their chances at evening up their league mark.
Wrong End – Minnesota and Iowa are both slight home favorites (five and four points respectively) but considering how good Northwestern has looked the last two weeks and how good Indiana has played at times this year would it surprise anyone to see these teams lose?
Elsewhere:
Illinois at Wisconsin, Sat, 12/11, ESPN2 / WatchESPN app – Even with the massive issues under center, Wisconsin should have no worries in this one. The only interesting thing could be if Illinois cans Beckman before the bye week if Wisconsin destroyed them…like everyone around the league assumes will happen.
Random Musing
Why does UCF and UTSA want to be called that and not Central Florida and Texas San Antonio? If it that wrong to have cities or directions in their school name how come Southern Cal goes by Southern Cal as often as it does USC? Central Florida earned respect winning a BCS game a year ago but instructing media outlets to call them UCF seems cheap and second rate. They already proved themselves on the field, why squabble over something so silly?
Big Ten and Counting 