Yawn, yawn, yawn…when do OSU / PSU / Michigan start playing each other? Outside of a key western division race game in Madison, this week is a poo poo platter from the Big Ten brain trust. All times are central.
Game of the Week:
- Iowa at Wisconsin
With Iowa’s nasty defense and Wisconsin’s better balance and potential, these two are the…um…class of the Big Ten West. Whoever wins controls their fate in the division – barring a surge from anyone else. Iowa’s already meager offense has now lost key contributors all over the field and come in as MASH unit that is also coached by an OC who has zero rhythm or rhyme to his play-calling. This is good news for Wisconsin, whose defense hasn’t lived up to expectations. After getting pushed around on the ground two weeks ago to Purdue (194 yards) the rush defense looked better against Rutgers…but this is the game. If they can force Deacon Hill to win it through the air, UW will be fine because Iowa cannot pass right now.
- Saturday, 3:00 PM, Fox
Sleeper GOTW:
- Michigan State at Rutgers
RU comes in 4-2 after two losses in three weeks. They weren’t completely overwhelmed in either like past years so a bowl push feels imminent. Getting going against a reeling Sparty team will be just what the doctor ordered for the Knights. MSU started the year 2-0 but has since dropped three games with none of them particularly close…but then again they had to play national title contender Washington, a hot Maryland club, and a stingy Iowa defense. Perhaps taking on RU is just what their doctor ordered. One of these medical professionals will be proven right.
- Saturday, 11:00 AM, BTN
Don’t Forget:
- Illinois at Maryland
September Maryland was red hot. Then Ohio State took down the Terps…does that mean the dreaded October Maryland is here? We’ll know a lot more as they host a 2-4 Illinois team that has seemingly gotten worse. Against Nebraska they gained just 310 yards and was held to a paltry 7 points. One would think Maryland will cruise, but ask any Maryland fan and they’ll give you a “uhhh, we think….?” type answer.
- Saturday, 2:30 PM, NBC
Snoozer:
- UMass at Penn State
It was a bad week already PSU and then you had to schedule this cupcake? Yikes.
- Saturday, 2:30 PM, BTN – Like their Minutemen namesake, I expect this game to be over about 2:31 PM.
Upset Watch:
- Iowa at Wisconsin
Would it surprise you to know Wisconsin is 8.5 point favorites? This century, Wisconsin and Iowa have met every single year and just ten times as the game covered. History is not in favor of UW covering. Expect a really tight game…and if there is one positive you can say about the last two years of Ferentz-ball, it is they find a way to win this absurdly close games.
Elsewhere (Alphabetical Order):
Indiana at Michigan – So far IU’s two victories are over a FCS school who doesn’t give out scholarships and a two-point win over a dreadful Akron team. This one is over before it even starts.
- Saturday, 11:00 AM, Fox
Ohio State at Purdue – West Lafayette has been known to trap some clubs…but this doesn’t feel like the year for it. The Boilers are just 2-4 and have a bevvy of issues. Buckeyes will cruise.
- Saturday, 11:00 AM, Peacock
Bye Week:
Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern
Random Musing:
I’m visiting a farm next weekend with a corn maze and my dog is going to love it. I’m just worried as a hound she is going to chase anything and everything. Oh boy…(Don’t worry, I’ll be back for Iowa and Minnesota…I’m not crazy).
Big Ten and Counting 