There are other games this week besides the key West Virginia - Louisville game. The Big Ten has a few games that might not make it on the National level, but should be good football to watch. Both Ohio State and Michigan have easy weeks, but for the rest of the conference it is all about bowl eligibility and playing on New Year's Day.
Penn State @ Wisconsin - To make it simple, the winner goes to the Capital One Bowl while the loser will probably end up in the Outback Bowl. This was one of the Games of the Week on the In The Bleachers Podcast. So to hear our analysis and our picks
check it out.
Ball State @ Michigan - It is senior day in the Big House and the 200th consecutive game that there will be a crowd of over 100,000 watching a game in Michigan Stadium. I doubt that there will be that many left in the stands after halftime. It will be interesting to see how much Mario Manningham plays to get read for Ohio State in a few weeks. Michigan wins this one big 49-7.
Indiana @ Minnesota - This is a game about two teams going in different directions. Indiana has impressive victories against Michigan State and Iowa this year while the Gophers have yet to win a Big Ten game. With a win the Hooisers can become bowl eligible but the Gophers need to win out to have any shot at playing in December. Freshman QB Kellen Lewis has been a real nice surprise for Indiana, but to win they must stop the running attack of Amir Pinnix. I want to take Minnesota in this one but they have burnt me twice already this season. The Gophers play good in the dome but not good enough this week. Indiana 30-23.
Northwestern @ Iowa - This is a game Iowa should and has to win. Northwestern is going through some growing pains with the new coach, losing to a Division 1-aa team, and blowing a huge lead at home against Michigan State. The Hawkeyes have been a big disappointment this year as most thought they would contend with Ohio State and Michigan for the Big 10 Title. It looks right now that Drew Tate will be under center for Iowa but even if he wasn't they would win this game. Northwestern is playing for pride right now. Iowa 34-10.
Purdue @ Michigan State - It all comes down to if the Spartans have quit on their season or do they want to send John L. Smith out on a winning note. Indiana handed the Spartans their heads last week, but there is no reason that this team can't hang with Purdue. Some how Drew Staton needs to channel the offense that played against Notre Dame and the 4th quarter at Northwestern. Purdue is one win away from being bowl eligible but last week they put up a big goose egg at home against the Nittany Lions. There won't be as much wind this week to mess with Painter's passes and the Boilermakers should put up some big numbers once again on offense. Purdue 40-21.
Ohio State @ Illinois - It is a shame that the Illini have had such a rough stretch playing Penn State, Wisconsin, and now Ohio State in consecutive weeks. They are definitely a team on the rise taking both the Lions and Badgers to the bitter end before losing. I don't think the Buckeyes will allow that to happen to them. Troy Smith will have another solid day throwing to whichever receiver he wants to because they will all be open. Also, they have too much speed on defense to allow Juice Williams to do any damage. This one could get ugly quick. Ohio State 45-7.
