Last week helped clear up some of the races, but there is still plenty of fuel for this fire as top ten Wisconsin hosts the Wolverines in this week’s marquee match-up. No other games pit ranked foes but maybe that means were in for a chaotic upset frenzy? Eh, I don’t see it, but that’s why they’re called upsets, folks. Like always, all times are central.
Game of the Week:
Michigan at Wisconsin
This game has a strange feel to it. On one hand we see how good Wisconsin is as they pile up wins but for detractors it is really easy to build a “yeah but” argument because of their non-conference, their cross-over games, and they didn’t even take on a ranked opponent until just last week. Michigan is the opposite. So much hype to start the year and two losses to MSU and getting drubbed by PSU has people wondering just what this team is. I think for Wisconsin it is a chance to eat into those “yeah but” folks and for Michigan it is a massive opportunity for Harbaugh and his staff to get a cornerstone win. It isn’t exactly the Bucks in the shoe in terms of rivalry but a top 5 team on the road is something this current UM staff has yet to pull off.
- Saturday, 11 am, Fox
Sleeper:
Iowa has been, um, inconsistent offensively where as Purdue is still in the bowl hunt at 4-6. Knocking off Iowa is doable when the Hawks fail to score and that would leave these plucky Boilers just a win over rival Indiana away from an improbably 13th game this year.
- Saturday, 2:30 pm, BTN
Don’t Forget:
Ignoring the huge difference in record, two of the hotter teams in the league square off in Evanston this week. The Gophers have been playing much better ball and completely decimated Nebraska a week ago. The Wildcats meanwhile have pushed their record to 7-3 and amazingly didn’t have an overtime game last week, snapping their streak of three-straight OT thrillers that all ended up in the win column for Fitz’s crew.
- Saturday, 11 am, BTN
Snoozer:
Woof, this year’s installment of the Illibuck trophy game should be as bad as, well, every installment of the Illibuck trophy game.
- Saturday, 2:30 pm, ABC…Or anything, dear god, anything. The Failing Illini are unwatchable.
Upset Watch:
Look at the slate, OSU ain’t losin’ to Illinois. PSU is going to roll the Huskers, and Iowa isn’t good enough to any more to be the victim of an upset. That leaves Michigan stunning Wisconsin, Minnesota souring Northwestern, or Maryland pulling the carpet out from under Michigan State. Of those only one is a monumental-season shifting upset and that is Wisconsin ruining their “playoff” hopes. Plus, you know, it is Michigan. They are far from the team most expected but they’re still pretty dangerous.
Elsewhere (Alphabetical Order):
Indiana vs Rutgers – Each team is 4-6 so someone’s bowl bubble is popping this week in Bloomington. Indiana is the far better team and should win, but some nice improvements for Rutgers in year two under Chris Ash. I hope this turns into a fun little flip-back-to game.
- Saturday, 11 am, BTN
Maryland at Michigan State – Terps just have so many injuries. Remember this was the team that upset Texas…but honestly it is in name only now after all the hits they’ve taken. Sparty gets back on track at home.
- Saturday, 3 pm, Fox
Nebraska at Penn State – Coming off that inspiring game against Minnesota, I’m sure the Huskers are ready for this one. BAAAHAHAHAHAAHA, No, they’re terrible.
- Saturday, 3 pm, FS1
Random Musing
It’s one of the worst trophy games this week, folks! The Illibuck. Some history: Illinois is really bad and trail the series 67-30-4. Also the trophy is a turtle, something that really represents both schools…and Maryland.
Big Ten and Counting 