Big Ten Preview Week 4

The best part of this weeks post is it contains 2 less games with Northwestern and Purdue having bye weeks.  This is a down week for the Big Ten with no high profile games.  Can someone tell me how SDSU vs Michigan slipped to the BTN?  With the list of the below games?

Big Ten Game of the week:

San Diego State vs Michigan (sorry you will have to come back on Friday for that one)


The Rest of the Games:

CMU at MSU:  Both lost games last weekend to rivals.  CMU is coached by former Michigan State QB Dan Enos.  Still they just don't have the talent to stay with MSU if they don't have a hang over from the Notre Dame Game where they were dominated.  I expect MSU to run the ball and asking the Chips to stop it.  MSU is favored by 21.5 points.  MSU 31 CMU 10

EMU at PSU: Ron English takes his team from the Big House to Happy Valley.  EMU showed they are a quality football team against Michigan, while JoPa struggled to beat Temple.  The line favors PSU at 28.5.  Take those points.  PSU 24 EMU 7

BCS Match Up Alert: Colorado at OSU: Ohio State might of had it's worst game in 10 years on Saturday.  They couldn't pass the ball at all.  They did find some success running the ball and the defense isn't too bad either.  Colorado is 1-2 and can't play with the OSU defense.  OSU -15.  OSU 28 Colorado 3

WMU at Illinois:  Illinois had a big win last week over ASU and is now ranked.  We know that Western isn't a joke and can move the ball down the field with QB Alex Carder.   The key to the game is can Zook's D hold up? Ill. -11.5.   Illinois 24 WMU 17

South Dakota at Wisconsin:  Really?  Wisconsin -42.5.  Wisconsin 61 SD 10

Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa: Looking at this game you would consider it a blow out.  LM played TCU tough in week 1 and can play a little defense.  Iowa is still trying to find themselves with a come back win last week and a loss in week 2.  Iowa -17 which is too much.  Iowa 21 LM 17

North Dakota State at Minnesota:  NDS can play football and a good FCS team.  Minnesota looked good in a loss week 1, lost week 2 and won week 3 over Ball State.   Minn is -9.  I will call an upset NDS 24 Minn 21

IU at North Texas:  Come on Indiana! Are you really traveling to North Texas?   You couldn't pay me to watch this game.  IU is favored on the road at -6.  IU 10 NT 3

Nebraska at Wyoming: Another travel game for a Big Ten team to a non-BCS opponent.    Nebraska is #9 in the country and Wyoming is 2-0.  I think Nebraska will struggle in the first half and then pull away.  Nebraska -23.  Nebraska 28 Wyoming 13

Big Ten Week 3 Preview

I have to admit I was a little concerned for the Big Ten last Saturday.  Ohio was struggling with Toledo and both Iowa & Purdue lost games.  (Side note: Rich Rod did the Rice - Purdue game.  I was thinking how awkward was that? Purdue hates him while their former head coach dropped the "Snake Oil Salesman" on him and current coach Danny Hope introduced him to his player he got suspended when RR sent video to the Big Ten office.  Then of course on the other side of the ball was one of RR's most famous recruits that he was barley able to keep from Lloyd Carr's class, Sam McGuffie and then transferred) 

Penn State wasn't really competitive against Alabama and the rest of the games were just yawners.

So how does this week look?

Big Ten Games of the Week: (we have 2 this week)

MSU at ND:  Poor MSU they are in the worst possible situation this week.  They are 2-0 and ND is 0-2 and everyone is taking how good they are and that they just need to cut out the turnovers.   I actually see ND winning this game and winning this game big.  I think the chances of ND going 0-3 is pretty low compared to MSU going 2-1.  Vegas agrees that ND will win and has made them a 4.5 favorite.  ND 31 MSU 17

OSU at Miami:  OSU played terrible last week and Miami didn't play at all after a loss to Maryland the week before.  I think Ohio will play better then they did against Toledo but how well will Miami play?   The big joke in this game is that they won't be any referees on the field during the game because neither team plays by the rules.  Give an edge to the Hurricanes if they don't have a 100 turnovers.  Vegas has Miami as a 2.5 favorite.  Miami 28 Ohio 21

The Rest of the Big Ten:

Penn State at Temple:  That's right JoPa is taking his show on the road to a MAC school.  Last year this was my upset special of the week, it didn't happen but Golden turned a good season into the Miami job (many thought he would replace JoPa at PSU in 10 years or so).   I really think this could be another upset with Penn State still having their head down from last week.  Vegas has Penn State favored by 7.5 points.  I have no idea what Temple has this year but what the heck;  Temple 21 PSU 20

Pitt at Iowa is an interesting game.  Iowa lost an overtime game last week to Iowa State and Pitt is 2-0 but struggled with Maine last weekend.   Pitt has a new coaching staff including a bunch of former RR/Michigan assistants.  Neither team is playing well but the edge has to go to Iowa since they are at home and mad after last week performance.  Vegas has Iowa -3.  Iowa 24 Pitt 14

Arizona State at Illinois is another game worth watching.  ASU is Threet-less this year and has QB that is 6-9 throwing around the yard.   I have no idea what Zook has this year but we know their QB is very mobile.   Zook could use a win over a ranked team but does he have the players to do it?   Vegas agrees with me on this game and has Illinois -1.   This game is a toss up. Zook 31 ASU 27

Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois in Chicago = pain for the Huskies.  Wisky is only favored by 16.5 points.  It won't be that close.  Wisconsin 31 NI 10

Northwestern at Army:  Northwestern is the better team by don't sleep on Army, they are getting better.  NW is -7.5.   NW 17 Army 14

Washington at Nebraska:  I wish this was a better match up but Nebraska is much too physical for these Huskies. Black Shirts -16.5   Nebraska 34 Wash 7

Miami (OH) at Minnesota:  I'm not sure the Gophers coach Jerry Kill will be available for the game and there seems to have been a big letdown after the USC game.  Miami of Ohio isn't too bad either. 
Miami 28 Minn 24

South Carolina State at IU:  Indiana is favored by -15.5 and will get its first win of the season.  IU 28 SCS 12

You know the deal about the Michigan game but there are some interesting Big Ten games this week.  Ohio, MSU, PSU, Northwestern and Wisconsin are all on the road (or at neutral sites).  There are also 5 BCS school match ups, which is nice to see.

Big Ten Preview Week 1

Welcome to back to College Football my friends!  Tonight we tee it up for real.  The Big Ten even gets it going tonight as well.  Love it!

Tonight's Match Up:

UNLV and Wisconsin:  What a great match up between two teams that really can run the floor.  I expect Wisconsin to play tough physical defense and look for them to have the rebound edge.   UNLV will try to get out on the fast break.   Sorry, I guess I haven't figured out that we are in football season now. 

I'm glad they are playing this game tonight at 8:00 because it's usually at 10:00 on Saturday and nobody really watches it.  Wisconsin filled their QB void with NC State transfer Russell Wilson (he didn't marry Katy Perry right?) and it will be interesting to see how quickly he picks up the Wisconsin offense.  Then again all he has to learn is how to hand the ball off to a running back.   The Badgers are 35.5 point favorite, so expect lots of runs and not a very good game.   Wisconsin 41 UNLV 10
(best game of the night is Wake Forest at Syracuse)


Game of the Week:

Northwestern at BC:  This is a real football game and congratulations to The Wildcats playing a BCS opponent in week 1.  Both of these teams a evenly matched.  Northwestern showed glimpses of good football as well as some bad football yesterday.  BC is a bit more physical then Northwestern but both teams are well coached.  Northwestern's QB Persa is probably not going to play which will really hurt the Wildcats.   BC is favored by 3.  BC 21 NW 14


High School Game of the Week:

Youngstown State at MSU:  This game is on Friday night.  Yes, that's right Friday.   It makes me laugh how Dantonio is such a Tressel Slappy.  He even bought  brought The Vest's old school up to East Lansing for a pay day.  Tressel and Dantonio must have worked this out years ago. 

YSU used to be good when Tressel was paying players  was coaching there, those days are long gone.  The Spartans #1 goal in this game is to stay healthy so they can attend the prom later in the year.   Sparty is a 34.5 favorite in this game, so another Big Ten great game.  MSU 51 YSU 14


Akron at OSU:  Ohio State has it's first game under Luke Fickel and continues to help fund the other MAC schools is Ohio.  (Play Cincinnati every year!  They are a BCS school in your state!).  I expect OSU to start slowly on offense but play good defense.  There will be a punt block or a pick 6 and the blow will start.   Vegas has OSU -34.   I think it will be a bit closer OSU 28 Akron 7

Indiana State at PSU:  Is this a conference game?  No it isn't and the biggest question in this game will be if JoPA will be coaching on the sideline or in the press box.  Who cares!  PSU -37.   Penn State 44  ISU 17

Middle Tennessee State at Purdue:  Don't sleep on Middle Tennessee they can play some football down there.   I think Danny Hope's squad will win a close game as long as everyone has their ACL in tact.  Purdue -17 in this one.   Purdue 20 Tennessee State 10

Tennessee Tech at Iowa.  I guess the Big Ten is throwing some money into the Tennessee economy this weekend.  Which I am sure will help Bruce Pearl in his new "Marketing job".   Iowa -40.5  Wow these games suck!  Iowa 40.5 TT 0

Chattanooga at Nebraska;  Really?  Ok, this Tennessee thing has gone way to far now.  Something is up!  Does Delany have a hunting cabin in Tennessee? Nebraska plays it's first game as a member of the Big Ten and like any good member they follow the rules by blowing out school from Tennessee.   Nebraska -36.  Nebraska 64 Chatt 13

Minnesota at USC:  A real football game.  Congratulations!  I have heard Jerry Kill gets his teams prepared well and that they might give USC a run for their money on Saturday.  It might be closer then you think and USC hasn't had to cut their scholarships yet. Vegas has USC -28?   USC 28 Minn 17


Arkansas State at Illinois:  Some of said that Illinois is the team to watch this year in the Big Ten.  As Michigan fans we know they can score a few points but we also know they can give up some as well.  Zook's staff is now in year 2 and they should be better this year.   Vegas has Zook favored by 21.  I think it will be a bit closer then that.   Ill 31 ASU 21

Indiana at Ball State:  The battle of the state of Indiana!  It always makes me laugh when a Big Ten team goes on the road to a MAC School.  Could you imagine Michigan playing at Bowling Green?  I expect this is another close game.  Vegas has IU -6.   I think we might have an upset here, there will be a team full of kids had they didn't get an IU offer.   Ball State 21 IU 20.


Michigan - WMU Preview will be up on Friday. 

Enjoy Tonight!

Big Ten Preview Week 12

With the holiday on Thursday, I know your week wouldn't be the same without my Big Ten weekend preview.  So I will bring it to you a day early and you now can rest easy on Thursday and enjoy your Turkey.


Big Ten Game of the Week:

Michigan State at Penn State:  Michigan State fans this week have become Wolverine fans for just one week.  They want Michigan to upset the Buckeyes so they can go to the Rose Bowl.   Which is funny on a number of levels: #1 Michigan State almost lost to Purdue last week #2 Ohio State is a 17 point favorite  #3 MSU hasn't played well on the road after their victory in Ann Arbor.   Sparty take care of business on Saturday and then see what happens.  I would actually like to see the Sabin Bowl 2 in the Capital One Bowl on New Years Day:  Alabama vs MSU rather then watching State get blown out in the Rose Bowl by TCU or Stanford. 

JoPa announced last night he is not ready to move to Florida and is coming back for another year.   Which will get the Penn State fans pumped up.  Beaver Stadium will be full of fans wanting nothing more then to ruin Spartys co-Big Ten Championships hopes in Happy Valley.   BTW:  This rivalry that the Big Ten forced on us, never did play out.   Penn State started to find it feet before they started throwing "picks" in the second half against Ohio State.  MSU on the other hand has struggled to win games against lesser opponents.   JoPa is a two point dog at home.  It wouldn't be that close.  Penn State 28 MSU 14


Indiana at Purdue:  Wow, this is not a good game.  IU hasn't had a Big Ten win this year and Purdue even though playing well last week in East Lansing is on a 5 game losing streak.   I know this is one of the rivalries that the Big Ten wanted to protect, are they sure they want to do that?  Purdue is favored by 3 at home.   This game has a coach with a mustache vs a coach that throws his gum. Stache wins Purdue 17 IU 10

Iowa at Minnesota:  Iowa has had a disappointing year.  The schedule set up for them, they won their toughest conference road game in Ann Arbor and still will end up 8-4 this year.   Iowa clearly had a chance to run the table in the Big Ten and didn't.  Minnesota on the other had also had a chance to run the table in the Big Ten but they beat Illinois two weeks ago.  The Golden Gophers just want the season to end so they can continue their coaching search.  The Hawkeyes just want to book their travel to the Outback Bowl.   Iowa is a 14.5 favorite.  Iowa 42 Minnesota 10

Northwestern at Wisconsin:  This would be a game if Northwestern had their QB.  They don't so it won't.  I'm guessing the Badgers start off slow in this game as they start thinking at the Rose Bowl but pull away for a the comfortable win in the second half.  Wisky is favored by 23 points.  Wisconsin 41 Northwestern 28

 Illinois is off this week and travels to Fresno State next week. 

I will preview the game in Columbus on Friday.

Big Ten Preview Week 11

With some of the top teams in the nation on a bye week, this is a big weekend for the Big Ten with a number of high profile games. 

With out further adieu lets get right to it!

Big Ten Game of the Week:

OSU at Iowa:  This game would have been off the hype charts if Iowa didn't get tripped up at Northwestern last week.   Ohio State has been one of the most quiet 1 loss teams in the nation.  After their Wisconsin loss they have played pretty much the worst teams in the Big Ten and really haven't been making nation news.  I guess the media are pretty bored of just another Tressel year.  Lose a high profile game early and then run the table the rest of the year.   Iowa has been up and down at home this year.  They have a loss to Wisconsin but took MSU to the woodshed.   So which Iowa team will show up on Saturday.  Ohio State has struggled a bit on the road as well with the loss to Wisconsin and a close game against Illinois.   The "vest" is favored by 3 points.   This will be a close game and look for the weather to be the difference on the field.  Iowa 24 Ohio State 20


Illinois vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field:  ESPN Gameday will be at this historic game.  It will be fun to see football at Wrigley for the first time in my lifetime.   I hope nobody gets hurt with the lack of room at the back of the end zones.   Michigan beat Illinois twice after it's 3 OT game.   Meaning they lost to Michigan and then the next weekend had a hang over and lost to the 1 win Minnesota Gophers (who now have 2).   Northwestern on the other hand finally finished a game (were way ahead of MSU and PSU and lost) and beat a highly ranked Iowa team.  I think Northwestern is the better team right now, even if Illinois is the better team on paper.  Zook and Company are 8 points favorites, which is a bit shocking to me.  I think Northwestern wins this game.   NW 31 ILL 28  (a 3 run home run in the 9th for the win)

Purdue at Michigan State:  MSU has a very nice schedule and this week they host Boilermakers.  MSU had a bye last week and Purdue got beat at home in a rain storm against Michigan.   Purdue is just too injured and banged to be real competitive in this game.  MSU will win another easy one and is favored by 19.5 points.  If it's a quick track look for a blow out.  MSU 41 Purdue 14

Penn State vs IU at FedEx Field:  Indiana sold their home game to FedEx Field so they are playing at another neutral field.   IU also gave up 83 points last week after having Iowa beat on a last second pass play the week before but it slipped through their fingers.  IU won't get their first win of the Big Ten season in this one.  Penn State is a questionable 10 point favorite which is strange because it's almost like a home game for them.   PSU 41 IU 7


Minnesota has a bye this week and I will preview the Michigan - Wisconsin game on Friday.


On a side note:  Fox Sports has won the bid on the Big Ten Championship Game.  This is not a big surprise since Fox Sports is already a partner with the Big Ten Network.   Fox will air the first 6 Championship games in prime time.

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 10

Last week had a bunch of not so exciting match ups that turned into some pretty exciting games.  Michigan and Illinois put up a basketball score, JoPa got #400 by coming back from 21 down, and Indiana had an upset of Iowa in their hands but couldn't hold it. 

Let's hope this week is just as exciting with the better match ups:

Big Ten Game of the Week

Penn State at Ohio State:  Penn State has a 3 game win streak under it's belt and Ohio State is doing what it does every year, winning Big Ten games.   On paper Ohio State clearly has an advantage in talent and playing at home.  Vegas agrees and has made them an 18 point favorite.   Matt McGloin is now the starter at QB for JoPa and has the confidence of beating Michigan and a come back win over Northwestern under his belt.  That will help the PSU stay close early but Michigan's and Northwestern Defense isn't close to Ohio State's.  Look for Matt to throw a couple of picks and the final score won't reflect a pretty close game. OSU 31 Penn State 13

Iowa at Northwestern:  This is a strange game for me.  Northwestern seems to play really well each year against the Hawkeyes and I'm not sure what causes that.  On the other hand, Northwestern had Michigan State and Penn State beat and let them both off the hook.  Iowa should have lost at IU last weekend but got a W after a dropped touchdown pass.   Will Northwestern continue to play it's best football against Iowa and will Iowa sleep through another road game?  Vegas has Iowa a 2 score favorite at 9.5 points.   I think this will be a close game but Iowa is clearly the better team.  Iowa 24 NW 20

Minnesota at Illinois:  I feel sorry for the Golden Gophers.  They don't have a Big Ten win and don't have a head coach.  They are also walking into a Gopher trap on Saturday.  Illinois is really mad after their top 20 defense in the country gave up 67 points and all most 700 yards to the Wolverines last week.  The Gophers are the perfect medicine for Zook and company to be bowl eligible. Illinois is favored by 21.  Illinois 42 Minn 17

Indiana at Wisconsin:  Wisky started a bit slow against Purdue last week but found their mojo and got in the winners circle.  IU almost had their biggest win of the season but dropped the ball.  Indiana doesn't play well on the road in the Big Ten and Wisconsin pretty good at home.  Look for 400 yards from Wisconsin on the ground.  Wisconsin is a 21.5 favorite.  Wisconsin 38 IU 21

I thought this weekend had better match-ups then last weekend but the lines are 9.5, 18, 21, and 21.5 points.  I guess I'm wrong.

MSU is off and I will preview the Michigan - Purdue game on Friday.   
 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week #9

Wow, nine weeks sure do fly bye when your having fun.   When I previewed the season, I got a couple of things right like Iowa losing at Arizona and Wisconsin beating Ohio State.  I also go a lot wrong like saying MSU would go .500 this year.   I thought they would lose to Michigan and Wisconsin but they have gotten through both games. So how will they do this week?

Big Ten Game of Week:

Michigan State at Iowa:  The Hawkeyes had it's table set for a Big Ten Championship with it's win in Ann Arbor and home games against: Wisconsin, MSU, and OSU.  Well, something strange happened on the way to dinner table and Kirk Ferentz went Les Miles and miss managed the clock and cost his team at a shot at least overtime.  After the Michigan game, MSU has struggled against Illinois and Northwestern before pulling both games out late.  The BCS has MSU ranked #5 but some folks are still not buying the Spartans.  You can put "Vegas" in that category and has the Spartans all most a touchdown underdog (6.5) in this game.    This is a put up or shut up game for the Spartans.  If they win this game they will win the Big Ten and go un-defeated this year.  Could Sparty really play for the BCS Championship?  Nope.   Iowa 31  MSU 21


The other games:

Northwestern at Indiana:  I think Northwestern is a decent Big Ten football team and should of had a win over Sparty last week.  Every year Michigan makes IU look really good and then they fall apart.  I was very surprised how they laid down at Illinois last week.  I am off the IU band wagon. NW is a 3 point favorite.  Northwestern 42 IU 28

Purdue at Illinois:  At the beginning of the year, I expected Purdue to be playing pretty good football by now and Illinois heading for a last place finish in the Big Ten.  Well, they have reserved roles and Purdue doesn't have any healthy QB's and Ron Zook is saving his job at Illinois, who has been the surprise of the Big Ten this year (outside of Sparty).  Ron's boys are a 17 point favorite in this game.   This game won't be close either.  Illinois 28 Purdue 7

Ohio State at Minnesota:  How is this a prime time game?  The TV executives whiffed on this one.   This is a match up between the most talented team in the Big Ten vs the least talented team in the Big Ten.  It won't be close.  OSU is favored by 25 points.   OSU 42 Minnesota 10


Wisconsin has a bye week.

I will preview the Michigan at Penn State game on Friday.

Big Ten Preview: Week #8

Michigan is off this week and for Michigan fans a weekend without a Big Ten loss is a good one.  There are some good games this weekend and one that might determine the Big Ten champion. 

There is also a game with a very interesting line.  Any upsets?  

So let's get on with the show.....................

Big Ten Game of the Week

Wisconsin at Iowa: Is clearly the Big Ten game of the week. Iowa comes in after a win in Ann Arbor where they gave up over 500 yards of offense to the Wolverines and Wisconsin had a win over someone like the #1 team in the nation or the Ohio State Buckeyes. Could the Big Ten Title be on the line in this one? It might. Wisky can’t afford a loss and Iowa still hosts the Buckeyes and Spartans. Wisconsin will try to run the football into the strength of the Iowa defense.  Whichever team flinches first will win.  Iowa is favored by 5.5 points. Wisconsin struggles on the road for some reason. Iowa 21 Wisconsin 20


Michigan State at Northwestern: Someone alert the media, The Spartans are un-defeated and ranked #7 in the country. I thought basketball practice just started, I didn’t realize they were playing Big Ten games already. I really think State’s guard play will be the key to victory in this one. Sorry, this is football and State comes in with a win over Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois already and they don’t play Ohio State this year. They have Iowa next week. This is the definition of a trap game. MSU historically has struggled against Northwestern for some reason. Vegas has State only favored by 5: Upset Special of the Week: NW 27 MSU 21


Purdue at Ohio State: Purdue has more starters on the IR list then they do on the field but that hasn’t kept them from winning lately. I’m not sure how they are doing it these days but the backups are playing very well. Purdue upset Pryor and Company the last time they met but this game is in C-Bus where there will be many points scored by the Buckeyes. It will be a payback game after last year and last week.  Ohio State is a 23.5 favorite. OSU 42 Purdue 14


Penn State at Minnesota: Could both of these teams be looking for a new head coach at the end of the year? Minnesota will be for sure and has already started the process. Mike Leach would like it. Which is ok, if you lock all your closets and don’t give Mike the keys. Both of these teams are struggling, Penn State has dropped two in a row in the Big Ten and Minnesota only has one win this year. Penn State will get back their winning ways before Michigan comes to town to play a night game. JoPa is favored by 9.5. Penn State 28 Minnesota 10


Indiana at Illinois: At first glance, this line is very strange to me. Vegas seems to be buying Zook and Company who played pretty well the last three weeks against OSU, PSU, and MSU. IU on the other hand, started the year 4-0 and lost to Michigan at home before getting killed at Ohio State and playing an FCS opponent close. Still IU can score points, even though they can’t stop anyone on defense. Illinois offense has struggled when they get close to the goal line which should be interesting. Is this a sucker bet? Illinois is favored by almost two touchdowns at 13.5 points. That really doesn’t make sense to me, I fully understand that Indiana is on their regular Big Ten downturn but they still can score points! Indiana 31 Illinois 27

Big Ten Preview and Picks Week 7

This week there are 2 Big Ten Teams with a bye (Penn State and Northwestern) and another one playing an out of conference game.   A pretty strange week for the Big Ten that does have some headline games.


Big Ten Game of the Week

#1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin:  In my pre-season prediction I picked Wisconsin in this match up, they dominated the game in Columbus last year but gave up 3 non-traditional touchdowns on pick 6 and 2 touchdowns on special teams.  (Can you really dominate a game that you were blown out in?  Probably not).  The Wisconsin crowd will be "jumping all around" and we be ready for a 7:00 EST kick off.  Pryor struggled the last time he was in Madison but did lead a last minute drive for the win.  Like, I mentioned before I liked Wisconsin before their trip to East Lansing.   OSU did struggle on the road against a all of a sudden not terrible Illinois team.    The Buckeyes are a 3.5 favorite on the road.  This is a coin flip game for me and one that "the Vest" doesn't seem to lose.  OSU 24  Wisc 21


The Rest of the Big 10...............

Arkansas State at Indiana:  IU got brought back to earth last Saturday with their trip to C-BUS.  IU's quick start now as 2 loses in a row.  Well time to relax, sit back and watch IU beat Arkansas State on Saturday.   Well, Arkansas State can play a little bit of football and played Louisville with in 10 points a couple of weeks ago.  IU is only a 11.5 favorite.  Still IU will throw and throw often:  IU 32  Ark State 17

Minnesota at Purdue:  Somehow Purdue won last week when their official mascot got changed from a Train or a Big Drum to Perry. 

I guess Perry can play some football and Purdue beat a decent Northwestern team last week.  I didn't see the game and not sure how that happened.  Minnesota comes to town with the title of the worst team in the Big Ten with an overall record of 1-5.  If Perry comes to play, I think Purdue can win this game.  If Perry is out with a second ACL, Tim Brewster and crew can finally get a Big Ten win.   Purdue is favored by 5.5 this week (what is with all the 1/2 points this week?).   Purdue 21 Minnesota 20


Illinois at Michigan State:  Who are these teams?  The Spartans are talking Rose Bowl after wins over Wisconsin and Michigan.  Illinois is talking Pizza Bowl after playing well against Ohio State and beating Penn State on the road.  To quote Lombardi, "What the hell is going on out there?"  The Spartans are projected to be #10 in the BCS ranking when they come out on Sunday.   So 2 of Michigan rivals could be in the top 10 of the BCS rankings.  Sorry, I need to use the rest room for a second.  My breakfast bagel isn't sitting well after writing that.  How about Purdue's new Mascot - Perry?

Sorry, where were we?  Got ya, thanks.  Michigan State historically has had a let down after playing Michigan.  Usually it's against Northwestern.  I have a weird feeling about this game (maybe it's the breakfast bagel?) that maybe Illinois could pretend they are in the Big House and upset the Spartans.  MSU is only favored by a touchdown so Vegas isn't sold that the Spartans will run away with this game either.  Are these the new Spartans?  MSU 27 Illinois 17



Thought for the day:  You could make a case for either team in all the "conference" games this week.  All the lines in the head to head Big Ten match ups are under a touchdown.  Could be an interesting weekend. 


I will of course preview the Michigan - Iowa game on Friday.

Big Ten Week 6 Pick and Previews

There is clearly one big time game this weekend in the Big Ten.  That game will get reviewed by me tomorrow in my regular Michigan game preview. 

Here are the rest of the games:

Indiana at Ohio State:  Indiana's offense looked un-stoppable at times against Michigan's defense last week.  Terrelle Pryor banged up his leg in an un-inspiring win over Ron Zook at Illinois last Saturday.  At first glance, I think IU's Pistol offense could give the Buckeyes some trouble but then I think about the 2009 season when IU and Michigan played a similar game and then IU won only one Big Ten game the rest of the year.  If IU doesn't turn the ball over, I think this becomes another shoot out but I honestly think Ohio State's defense will slow or stop IU's attack a number of times.  Which is all they need since, IU's defense is pretty poor.  Ohio State is favored by 3 touchdowns or -21.5.    OSU 42 IU 24

Minnesota at Wisconsin:  Both teams are coming off big losses.  The Golden Gophers had a chance  to turn around their season with a home win against NW last week and lost by 1 point.  If this trend keeps up I don't think Tim Brewester is going to make it to Halloween and most definitely not past Thanksgiving.  Wisconsin on the other hand went from Big Ten Champ contender to after thought after their loss at East Lansing.  I think Wisky will start slow in this one, thinking about Sparty but will pick it up in the second half.  We have another big line with Wisconsin favored by 22.5 points.    Wisconsin 28 Minnesota 14

Illinois at Penn State:  Another game with both parties coming off losses.  Penn State lost at a good Iowa team and Illinois lost to a good Ohio State game.  Both of these teams are struggling and Penn State is just a better team on defense.   This will be a game that only PSU fans will like. JoPa is favored by 7.5 points.   Penn State 20 Illinois 10 

Purdue at Northwestern:  I'm not sure Purdue has enough healthy players to fill out the travel team.   Northwestern on the other hand is quietly un-defeated with wins over teams like Rice, Minnesota, Vandy, and Central Michigan.  Danny Hope's mustache gives his team a slight edge but that can't beat a balanced Northwestern team by itself.   NW is rated #23 in passing yards nationally and #29 in the nation in points against at only 18 points a game.   The line has NW - 9.5.  Northwestern 28 Purdue 7


Iowa is off.


A thought for the day:  After last weeks game, many Big Ten fans are feeling that Indiana might be a decent team this year (at least on the offense side of the ball).   Bowl bound right?  Well, after this weeks game in Columbus they host Arkansas State at home.  Then they only have 2 more home games in the Big Ten.  How does that happen you ask?  IU sold one of their home games to FedEX Field against Penn State.  Which might have back fired.  PSU is not as good as they have been the past couple of years (which means PSU fans might not pay top dollar to watch them play Indiana) and IU would have a great chance to beat them if they left the home game alone.  Oops.


Like mentioned above:  I will preview the Michigan - Michigan State game on Friday.

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)

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week #4

This has to be one of the most "down" weeks in Big Ten scheduling history.  It is full of Big Ten vs MAC teams and teams like Austin Peay and Northern Colorado.  Yikes, I'm not sure I can remember a Saturday when there wasn't at least one decent game in Big Ten country.   I wonder who Nebraska is playing?  Answer: South Dakota State.  Never mind.

Big Ten Game of the Week (Big Reach):

Temple at Penn State:  I did a Big Ten Preview for the Michigan Man podcast in August.  Two things I predicted was Arizona would beat Iowa and that Temple would upset Penn State.   Temple is a pretty good team that has wins over Villanova (#1 ranked in the FCS), Central Michigan, and UConn already this year.   If Penn State sleeps on Temple they will find themselves with a L on Saturday.  The line is PSU -13.5.  So Vegas is buying this won't be a blow out.  I will stay with my prediction:  Temple 21 PSU 20

The Other Games

Northern Colorado at MSU:  This will be the first game for the Spartans without their head coach after his heart attack on Sunday morning.  MSU will be inspired and this one won't be close.  Line is MSU -30.5.  MSU 42 NCU 10

Austin Peay at Wisconsin:  Wow, is this a basketball game?  It seems more like a December basketball game and not a football game in September.   Expect a huge day on the ground from the Badgers.  Line is -43 for Wisky.  Take the points with AP!  Wisconsin 40 AP 3

EMU at Ohio State:  I feel bad for former Michigan DC Ron English.  He is still trying to get his first win at Eastern and this is not the week.  I hope the Eagles got paid.  Line is OSU -44.  Yes, 44.   Vest 51 EMU 14

Akron at Indiana:  IU likes to score points and Akron has to travel from Ohio.   That's about all.  IU is favored by 22.5 points.  I think this one is a little closer then that.  IU 28 Akron 14

Northern Illinois at Minnesota:  Vegas thinks this will be the closet Big Ten game of the week with the Golden Gophers favored by 4.5.  The gophers are a mess right now and some people are predicting that thier head coach might not make it until Halloween.   Minnesota needs a win dearly.  I think they get one on Saturday.  Minnesota 24 NIU 17

Toledo at Purdue:  The Boilermakers are beat up and haven't been playing very well when healthy.  Toledo might make this game interesting.  The line has Purdue by 11.5.  I think Toledo will play well.  Purdue 17 Toledo 14

Central Michigan at Northwestern:  Central Michigan is a pretty good team and they are not having post Butch Jones problems.  On the other hand, Butch already has 2 losses at Cincinnati and they host Oklahoma this weekend.  I wonder if Butch looked at the schedule before taking the job at UC?   Central has been known for their high powered offense, but would you be surprised to learn that CMU has the 4th ranked defense in the country? They are giving up 9 points a game.  I had high hope for NW this year and they are starting to turn the corner with a 30-13 win over Rice last week.   These teams seem very similar (NW only gives up 12 points a game) and the line is NW -6.5.   NW 14 CMU 10

Illinois has a bye. 


I will preview the Michigan - BGSU game on Friday. 


A Thought to Ponder Today:  What should this weekend be called?  MAC Attack?  MAC invasion?  Big MAC Weekend?  

Big Ten Preview Week #3

The Big Ten had an up and down weekend in week 2.   Ohio State and Michigan had nice "national news" wins.  I was concerned about all the quality games at 3:30 last weekend and it turned out that only one was close (Michigan vs ND) and 7 Million viewers watched it.   The down part of the weekend was Minnesota's loss to FCS school South Dakota in Minneapolis. 

With Michigan now ranked in the top 25, the Big Ten has 5 teams in the polls with Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State. 

Let's take a look at the weekend match ups.

Best Big Ten Match up:

Iowa at Arizona:  I did a previewed the Big Ten season on the Michigan Man podcast back in August and I picked Iowa to win the Big Ten Title this year.  Their only tough road game during the Big Ten schedule is a trip to the Big House or Denard's Den.  I did predict Iowa to have one non-conference loss and this is the game I picked.  Big Ten teams historically have not travelled well West anytime during the season.  Recent Michigan games in memory are losses to Washington, Oregon, and an Ohio State loss to USC.   This game is a late one which kick off at 10:00 EST time on Saturday night.    Vegas has this game pretty close with Iowa holding a 1.5 edge.  I think Iowa is the better team but I just don't trust the travel.  Arizona 21 Iowa 17

Arizona State at Wisconsin:  This game might be a close second for the best B10 match up.  This might be called the Steven Threet Bowl.  Steve hasn't beaten too many D1 schools as a QB at any of the 3 schools he has attended but Wisconsin happens to be one of them.  He lead a second half comeback in the Big House after being down 19-0 at half time during RR's first year in Ann Arbor.  Steve was terrible in Arizona State's Spring Game but has had a very nice first two games as the Sun Devils starter.  Wisconsin on the other hand has been under the radar in winning two games in un-spectacular fashion.   The Badgers are favored by two touchdowns which I think is a lot.   Wisky 28 ASU 21

Notre Dame at Michigan State:  You would think Brian Kelly had enough of his former home state last weekend when Denard Robinson ran all over the Golden Domers.  This week his team heads up to East Lansing to play a team ND has struggled against no matter where they play them.   Right now ND is 1-1 in the Big Ten and looking for a Rose Bowl birth (sorry I must have fast forwarded a couple of years).  Back to 2010:  Sparty has two wins against Western Michigan and Florida Atlantic both basically home games.   They host ND which gives them an edge but I don't think anyone was happy how Sparty played against FAU last weekend.   If Dayne Crist is healthy and the ND defense plays like they did last Saturday, I think ND wins this one.  Sparty is a 3.5 favorite.   ND 31 MSU 24

The rest of the games............ 

Ball State at Purdue:  The battle of Indiana.  Purdue lost their top WR last week for the year but they have enough to beat a Ball State team that was pretty good a couple of years ago.  Purdue is favored by 17.   Purdue 38 Ball State 10

Ohio at Ohio State:  The battle of Ohio.  Maybe not but after the Miami game, OSU deserved another MAC opponent.  Does OSU ever have to go on the road?  Pryor will have another big game.  The Vest better get a back up ready just in case TP goes down during the season.  OSU is favored by 30.5.   The Vest 42 Ohio 6

Northern Illinois at Illinois:  The battle of Illinois.  The Big Ten sure has done a wonderful job supporting the economy of Illinois this season.  I think every Illinois directional school has played a Big Ten team.  Zook got his first win of the season last weekend and should pick up #2 this weekend.  Zook and company are only favored by 7 so Vegas isn't sold yet.   Zook 24 NIU 13

Indiana at Western Kentucky:  A Tri-State Shoot Out.  IU took a bye in week 2 (seriously who takes a bye in week 2?).  Why is IU playing at Western Kentucky?  Lots of questions for Indiana only after one game.  I think they struggle on the road early but their offense over powers WKU.   Doesn't WKU have that big red mascot?  I like that guy.   IU is favored by 12.  IU 28 WKU 21

USC at Minnesota:  This is the lame duck coach bowl.  Ouch!  I'm guessing Lane might stay at USC for a few years but I'm guessing Pat Haden the new AD is not a fan.  USC has like 50 players under scholarship right now and Minnesota just came off a loss to South Dakota.  I don't have any confidence in Lane but I know his old man can coach.  This one might get ugly even though USC is playing with one bad behind their back.  USC is favored by 12.5.   I don't think this one will be that close.  USC 42  Minnesota 21

Northwestern at Rice:  Return of Sam McGuffie to Big Ten Bowl.  This is a tricky road game for Northwestern but I don't think Rice has that much of anything.  Even our boy Sam has struggled playing for the Owls this year.  Wildcats are favored by 6.5.  NW 24 Rice 14

Kent State at Penn State:  State vs State Rivalry?  I know I'm reaching.  Penn State had a cupcake for breakfast, a beat down for lunch, and another cupcake for dinner.   Bolden looks better when playing a MAC school vs the #1 team in the nation.  JoPa is favored by 3 touchdowns.   Makes sense: JoPa 21 Kent State 0


Week 3 Story Lines:  Will former Wolverines "haunt" their Big Ten opponents?  Will Tate Forcier play? Will Tim Brewster need a few brews after the game?  Will ND rebound against MSU (only Crist knows)?  Will that Red Guy play defense for WKU?  Will the Big Ten go 2-0 vs Arizona schools? 

I say if IU wins that game they should get to have the Red Guy as their mascot.  They can play every year for him.  It could be titled the Red Guy Return Rivalry. 

I will preview the Michigan vs Minuteman match up on Friday.

Big Ten Preview: Week 3

Week 1 was a pretty good week for the Big 11 with only two teams taking the L (Purdue and Illinois).  This week might be a bit different with 3 high profile games on Saturday.

Florida Atlantic vs Michigan State:  This game is being played at Ford Field about an hour outside of East Lansing.  The reason is, FAU's stadium is under construction and they needed a venue where they could make some money.  So they picked a location in MSU's backyard.  So basically this is an away home game for the Spartans.   Crazy world we live in.  State is a 28.5 favorite in this one.  So the big question is:  Will State have their regular week 2 breakdown?  The answer is no.  But FAU did win on the road last week, so Sparty you better be nervous.  MSU 38 FAU 14

Illinois State at Northwestern:  Guess what it's another 28.5 line in favor of the Big Ten team.  Vegas must be loving the number 28 these days.  Illinois State is now being coached by a former Purdue assistant (and I am betting he wears a mustache - it's a Purdue coaches thing) and will try to keep this game close.  NW 24 ISU 14


San Jose State at Wisconsin:  I think Wisconsin is trying to make a play to join the PAC 12.  They have played UNLV and San Jose State the last two weeks.  Maybe they are interested in the WAC or the Mountain West?  Either way they come home to the friendly confines of Madison, WI and score an easy win by running the ball 100 times.   Wisconsin is a 38 point favorite (what 28 was taken?)  Wisc 42 SJS 7


South Dakota at Minnesota:  I can't find a line on this game, which is ok because we probably don't need one.  The only thing I'm surprised about in this game, is that the Golden Gophers are not traveling to play South Dakota on their home field.   Golden Gophers: 42  SD 10

Western Illinois at Purdue:  Purdue is coming off a tough road loss to ND last week but back at home this week.   Purdue is a 27 point favorite :)    Purdue 27 WI  6

Southern Illinois at Illinios:  Zook and company took a hit on the chin last week against Mizzou and Southern Illinois is no slouch and will be ready to play since most of these kids didn't get recruited by the local BCS program.  There isn't a line on this game and why would there be?  SIU 17 Zook 14

Iowa State at Iowa:  I think this has the makings of a pretty close game.  Iowa gets the nod in this rivalry due to playing at home and of course being the better team.  I still think the game will be closer then the 13.5 points that Iowa is favored by.  Iowa 24 ISU 14

Now to the Big Games this Weekend:

Miami at Ohio State:  Both teams had a cake walk last Thursday where they both scored 45 points.  Both teams are rated in the top 15 with Miami #12 and OSU #2.   The advantage goes to the home team of course in big games like this and OSU is a 8.5 favorite in this one.   The Buckeyes struggled on special teams last week and I still believe their running backs and WR's are good not great.   For Miami, it really matters which team is going to show up.  They have had over a week to prepare and I think they will come out ready to play.  If the "Vest" goes conservative in this one, OSU loses.  If he doesn't they probably sneak out a win.   Miami 28 OSU 27

Penn State at Alabama:  Both teams had easy wins last week but the advantage in this one goes clearly with the National Champions.   Penn State struggled early against Youngstown State and can't start slow against Bama or the game will be over.  This is way too much pressure to put on Robert Bolden a true freshman QB.  The line has Bama as a 12 point favorite.  I don't think it will be that close.  Bama 28 PSU 10

I will of course preview the Michigan - ND game on Friday.

Interesting Note Week 2:  Indiana has a bye week.  What?  One game and then a bye?  Way to carry that momentum of a win in week 1 into a bye week.  That is crazy.  Maybe they couldn't find an Illinois direction school to play.  The Big Ten this week plays 3 of them:  Southern, Western, and State.