Week nine feels like the calm before a storm as most of the games appear to be one-sided affairs. Of course that is usually when things go haywire. Although not my game of the week, we do get the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry game. With MSU’s recent dominance in the series and greater success overall, this has moved from the “little brother – big brother” category of rivalry games to full on hate (with vandalism). As Kam said in our power rankings, if there is any time to salvage the season – and possibly Hoke’s career at Michigan – this is the week to do it.
Game of the Week:
Maryland at Wisconsin
The last time we saw these two teams, UW was struggling with Illinois and Maryland was dominating Iowa. Each team still has outside shots at their division – Wisconsin with a lot more control for the West since they have yet to play Iowa, Nebraska or Minnesota but neither can drop a second league game. The biggest chess match in this game will be how the Terps sup-par rush defense can stack up against the Badger’s primary strength. Should be an interesting one for my alma mater’s homecoming.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, Big Ten Network
Sleeper:
Minnesota at Illinois
Despite Wes Lunt’s injury, Illinois played pretty well against Wisconsin. They have had a week to prepare for a Gopher team that has struggled the last two weeks against inferior opponents (Northwestern, Purdue) and Illinois’ coaching staff also knows they are fighting for their jobs and the players will want to stand up for the coaches that recruited them. Like a wounded bear, the Illini should be frisky so the Gophers need to be ready…especially if Illinois throws some trick plays at them. Of course the rest of the division will be rooting hard for UI to pull of the upset since the Gophers are the only unblemished team in the West right now.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, ESPNU / WatchESPN app
Don’t Ignore:
Rutgers at Nebraksa
I know the Scarlet Knights got roughed up a week ago in Columbus but a lot of teams have felt that sting. Let’s see how Kyle Flood regrouped his club for another daunting road trip. Remember, RU opened on the road in Seattle against WSU and has played some very good football at times this year. If they hold onto the rock and the defense puts in a good effort, it is possible for them to get a major league win. Nebraska of course is playing catchup in the West due to the loss to Michigan State. Another conference loss will put them in a two game hole against Minnesota and slip them behind one-loss Wisconsin and Iowa.
Saturday, 12 / 11 central, ESPN2 / WatchESPN app
I usually try to spread these games out, but no such luck this week. I think your jump button on the remote will be getting a workout while you watch the third noon start on your tablet.
Snoozer:
Ohio State at Penn State
Buckeyes are on a roll and have a strong pass rush. Penn State had a bye week but looked flat in Ann Arbor before that. They have no way to counter that OSU pass rush so expect a rough one for Hackenberg and the Nittany Lion offense. Should be over by halftime.
Saturday, 8 / 7 central, ABC / WatchESPN app…or jump into the lion den at the local zoo, either one should provide about the same total minutes of excitement.
Upset Watch:
Right End – Is a home win in league an upset? Well, Illinois is currently a 5.5 point dog to the Gophers. I wouldn’t put it past them to get a landmark victory for Tim Beckman–though I can’t help but feel it would be too little too late for the embattled coach.
Wrong End – Badgers are double digit favorites right now against a Maryland team with a better record. Terps have found various ways to win this year while UW is still searching for a passing game. Wisconsin needs to play fundamental football to get past this tough opponent.
Elsewhere:
Michigan at Michigan State – Sat, 3:30/2:30, ABC / WatchESPN – Oh yeah, this game is on. Very difficult to see Michigan having enough on either side of the ball to hang, especially on the road where the Spartan faithful has made their stadium a house of horrors for a lot of teams the last few seasons. Rivalry games can be goofy though and much like Illinois, Michigan has something to play for as the kids love Hoke…presumably.
Random Musing:
Holy hell it is Friday afternoon and I haven’t done the gambling guide yet?! Time to get this show on the road, folks!
Big Ten and Counting 