Big Ten Preview Week #5: Big Ten Play Begins

In golf, they call the pre-season the "silly season" because the guys really don't practice they just go to a couple of tournaments play ok and cash a few checks.   For some college football teams, they just finished the silly season.  For others, Big Ten play is their only hope of having a successful year.   This week starts the second or real season for Big Ten schools.  I also like it because I don't have to preview 11 different games.  So it works out for all of us!

Big Ten Game of the Week:

Wisconsin at Michigan State:  When the season began, I would have bet a $1 that the Penn State at Iowa game would be this week's BTGOTW (big ten game of the week) but with Dantonio's mild heart attack (is any heart attack mild?) but returning to coaching in the press box and both teams undefeated, this is clearly the better game.  Both are power teams that like to run the ball.   Both have good running backs and good non-conference wins (ND and ASU).    I think this will be a very close game and believe it or not MSU is a home dog getting 2 points. I usually side with a home team is a close game, but I have a strange feeling that Wisconsin is the better team.  Wisconsin 24 MSU 21


More Big Ten Play:

Northwestern at Minnesota:  The Golden Gophers really need a win and Northwestern is quietly un-defeated this year.   Could Tim Brewster be gone before the end of October?  He could, if the Golden Gophers don't start playing better football.   This is another home dog scenario where Northwestern is giving 5.5 points.   It won't be that close.   Northwestern  28  Minn 14

Ohio State at Illinois:  Illinois has given Ohio State fits in the past but this team lead by Ron Zook doesn't really have much to offer to stop Mr. Pryor and company.   Ohio State always has a Big Ten sleeper game on the road (last year it was Purdue) but not in this game.  Guess what another home dog game:  OSU is favored by 17 points.   Seems about right.  OSU 31 Illinois 10

Penn State at Iowa:  Both team has high hopes for a Big Ten Championship.   Iowa's schedule set up nicely for them being able to host PSU, MSU, and OSU during Big Ten play.  Both teams have already lost a game on the road in 2010.  Penn State got man handled by #1 Alabama and Iowa got down quickly to Arizona and wasn't able to recover.   Penn State's offense will struggle against Iowa's defense.  I see this game as a defensive battle with not a lot of points scored.  Iowa is favored by 7 points.   Iowa 17 Penn State 7

Purdue has a bye.

I will preview the Michigan - IU game on Friday.

A thought to ponder on a Thursday afternoon:  How big would next weeks Michigan - MSU game be if both teams were undefeated?  Story lines:  Dantonio's heart condition, RR trying to beat his instate rival for the first time, two really good running teams,  MSU's first time in the new Big House, and I'm sure there will be a little brother reference or two.  (note: MSU does not play OSU this year)