Big Ten: Week Eight Predictions

Three Big Ten teams play out of conference games this week, but the four games in conference are big games and will play a big role in the final standings. Northwestern at Eastern Michigan - The Wildcats are on a two game winning streak with wins against Michigan State and Minnesota. They have been using a strong passing game which is ranked 9th in the country in yards per game to out score their opponents. Eastern Michigan is riding a three game losing streak and his having a hard time getting any rushing attack on offense, so it is easy for teams to stack against the pass. Even though the Wildcats are weak on the defensive side of the ball, they should be able to handle the impotent offense which the Eagles will throw at them. Northwestern 39-21 North Dakota State at Minnesota - Do you recall the last time a Big Ten team faced off against the #1 ranked team in Division 1-aa? If not, just ask Michigan. The Bison have as many wins (6) as the Gophers do losses. Fullback Tyler Roehl leads the rushing attack for the Bison averaging 6.2 ypc and 13 touchdowns this season. Their quarterback, Steve Walker has completed 72% of his passes for over 1200 yards. This could spell disaster for the Gophers. Amir Pinnix must have a good game to control the ball on offense because Minnesota cannot have their defense is ranked last in the nation in total defense. Gopher QB Adam Weber cannot turn the ball over; he has 14 interceptions after 7 games this season. Both teams have a lot to play for, but don’t expect the Bison to get the press that the Mountaineers got after their win. North Dakota State 31-30 Northern Illinois at Wisconsin - I bet the Badgers are glad for a reprieve after suffering consecutive losses to Illinois and Penn State. This game will give the Badgers the much needed confidence on both sides of the ball. I expect to see PJ Hill run for over 150 yards and Tyler Donavan throw for close to 300 yards. NIU has struggled mightily this season, winning only 1 game against Idaho. To win this game, they will need a miracle from up above and to score around 30 points. Neither will happen. Wisconsin 42-9 Iowa at Purdue - In this game we have the Iowa offense, who has trouble scoring on anyone and the Purdue defense, who cannot stop anyone in the last two weeks. The strong units for both teams are the Purdue offense against the Iowa defense. The Boilermakers have lost two in a row to Michigan and Ohio State while Iowa is coming off a victory at home against Illinois. This is a must win game for the Hawkeyes if they want to play in a bowl game, but even last week we saw their offense sputter. I don’t think their defense is good enough to hold Purdue under 17 points, and that is the maximum I can see the Hawkeyes scoring this week. Purdue 24-17 Penn State at Indiana - The Nittany Lions played their best game in two years as they defeated Wisconsin 38-7 at home. They threw on first down over 50% of the time and I have to give credit to their offensive line who have been the unsung heroes since the loss to Illinois. The Nittany Lions’ offensive line will have their hands full going against the team that leads the nation in sacks. Along with that, defensively they will have to contain Kellen Lewis who leads the team in passing and rushing. Look for the Hoosiers to use James Hardy’s size to their advantage against the shorter Penn State corners. Penn State is on a roll, and if they are focused (like last week) they will win this game. If they are looking ahead to the potential match up against #1 Ohio State, the Hoosiers will roll. Rodney Kinlaw will have another good day running the ball and Penn State wins. Penn State 30-21 Michigan State at Ohio State - Is it the Buckeyes’ turn to become the third #1 ranked team to lose in consecutive weeks? The Spartans however are 3-13-1 against teams ranked #1 and have lost their last six games against those opponents. Only 1 team, Washington has scored more than 7 points against this Buckeye defense. Michigan State does have a potent offense, but it won’t be enough to outscore the Buckeyes at home. To win the Spartans must pressure and force Todd Boeckman to beat them. I would stack the box and not allow Chris Wells any room to run. Easier said then done, I’m sure. Ohio State 31-10 Michigan at Illinois - For only the second time this season, the Wolverines will play a game outside of Ann Arbor. Since losing their first two games, Michigan is 5-0 and has looked more impressive each week. Michael Hart is the heart and soul of this team, and the return of Chad Henne allows them to open up their offense and make defense defend the pass. Illinois is coming off a tough loss at Iowa, but their two big wins this season (Penn State and Wisconsin) came at home. Juice Williams will get the start this week but coach Ron Zook said that Eddie McGee will see some snaps also. The Illini have a good running back themselves in Rashard Mendenhall. This will be a nail biter but if you look at the stats, Illinois has given up well over 100 yards rushing in its past 3 games while Michigan’s defense has been improving each week. Hart will get his 100 and then some. The last time Illinois beat Michigan was in 1999, we will be using that same stat next year. Michigan 27-24 Last Week: 3-3 (.500) Overall: 44-13 (.772)