Since the site, mainly Wordpress, decided to not let me login, so I spent the majority of the time trying to fix the problem and I didn't have time to prepare for this week's Big Ten games. I will make predictions but the write ups will be shorter.
Michigan State at Indiana -
ESPN 12pm - The Hooisers had a problem stopping Ball State last week and it will carry over to this week. I don't expect Javon Ringer to get to 200 yards again; but he'll get 150 yards against this porous Indiana defense. Michigan State's defense is very underrated and should have another good showing against Kellen Lewis and the Hoosiers. Spartans in a blowout.
Michigan State 38-10
Minnesota at Ohio State -
Big Ten Network 12pm - Adam Weber has grown up a lot since last year and now he has a quality receiver in Eric Decker to throw to, the Gophers have become more dangerous on offense. Weber has also cut down on his interceptions, throwing only one this year so far. Ohio State will once again start Pryor at quarterback. Last week Pryor had 4 touchdown PASSES, and if Beanie Wells plays, this could be a very nice duo for the rest of this year. This game will be closer than expect, but the Buckeyes defense is solid and will be the deciding factor in the win.
Ohio State 29-10
Northwestern at Iowa -
ESPN Classic 12pm - If you would've told me at the beginning of the season that the combined record of these two teams would be 7-1 coming into this game, I would've said you are crazy. Iowa lost a heart breaker 21-20 to Pitt last week and cost me my perfect record for the week. The Hawkeyes still have yet to find quarterback consistency from Ricky Stanzi and Jake Christensen, While the Wildcats keep plugging along with CJ Bacher and Tyrell Sutton has found his groove back. The game is in Iowa City...advantage Iowa, Northwestern has the advantage on offense, but I believe it will be Iowa's defense who is more tested and use to playing in tougher games that will give them the close win.
Iowa 17-10
Purdue at Notre Dame -
NBC 3:30pm - Notre Dame finally played a team with an offense and gave up over 200 yards on the ground. They finally played a team with a defense and only scored 7 points. I am not ready to say that Purdue's defense is better than Michigan State's but their offense are comparable. Purdue had a scare last week against Central Michigan but pulled it out in the end. I don't think they will have as much to worry about this week, and beat the Irish by double digits.
Purdue 30-20
Wisconsin at Michigan -
ABC 3:30pm - Both teams are coming off a bye week, so no advantage there, but it was Michigan who needed it much more than the Badgers. This game will show the huge gap that Michigan will have to overcome to get back to the top of the Big Ten. Their defense will have a hard time stopping PJ Hill, while their offense will struggle to move the ball against the Badgers defense. Wisconsin wins a sleeper of a game.
Wisconsin 35-9
Illinois at Penn State -
ABC 8pm - This will be the first test for the Nittany Lions this season, and they look to avenge their loss at Illinois last year. Illinois has a strong kick returner in Arrelious Benn who torched the Lions last year and they are still having trouble with their kickoff coverage. Containing Juice Williams and making him pass instead of run should be a #1 priority for the Lion's defense. Illinois has not looked their best at all this year and if they want to win they must keep the ball out of Penn State's hands. They have so many weapons on offense with Daryll Clark, Evan Royster, Deon Butler, Derrick Williams, and Jordan Norwood. That's not to mention maybe the best offensive line in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions are 1-7 in their last 8 Big Ten openers, but I think they are going to be too much for the Illini to handle.
Penn State 31-21
Last Week: 7-1 (.875)
Overall: 33-6 (.846)
