Last weekend was the start of separation in the Big Ten, and i think this week will symbolically be the end of it. I called the games 5-0 last week as everything went down how I thought it would for the most part. Michigan State showed the classic midseason form that Spartan fans have come to expect over the last 5 years in a thrashing by Ohio State. Michigan showed that they really only have the capability to play one half of football every week. So far we have 5 teams bowl eligible, with a few more in the hunt. The breakdowns will be a little sparse this week due to a hectic schedule that includes being the Best Man in a wedding out of state.
PENN STATE at Ohio State 2 1/2. This promises to be one of the most exciting Big Ten matchups this year in what will likely be the decider for who goes on to win the Big Ten. Penn State has been on a roll in the past few weeks to take over the #3 spot and get their QB Darryl Clark in talks as a darkhorse Heisman candidate. Oh yeah, that Evan Royster fellow at RB has chipped in a little bit too, running for 111 yards a game and 10 TD's on the season. This defense has come up big as well with 11 interceptions, 23 sacks, and 11 caused fumbles. Penn State needs to win this game for a shot at the National Title game. Ohio State played a good game against MSU last weekend, but has been a little inconsistent in preceding games. They'll need to be on top of their game Saturday night if they want to stand a chance. They'll need Pryor and Wells to rush for over 200 yards combined in addition to passing for 200+ in this game.
Penn State 31 Ohio State 27. Penn State beats the spread
MINNESOTA at Purdue. Minnesota is ranked for the first time in three years, and have only one loss at the hands of Ohio State. Meanwhile Purdue is fighting with Michigan and Indiana to finish with the worst records in the Big Ten. QB Adam Decker and WR Eric Decker should have a field day against the Purdue defense.
Minnesota 34 Purdue 17.
NORTHWESTERN at Indiana 8. Indiana, you suck. Kellen Lewis, I hope you're ok with being drafted very late in the NFL Draft. CJ Bacher and Tyrell Sutton will pass and throw all over the place for the Wildcats over a horrible Hoosiers team.
Northwestern 42 Indiana 24. Northwestern beats the spread.
MICHIGAN STATE at Michigan 4. This game all depends on who shows up to play on Thursday. If the Spartans play like they did last week, they will lose. If the Wolverines play the whole game like they did the first half last week, they will win. Could go either way. If Brian Hoyer is playing in this game he better get his act together for the Spartans and complete some passes, hopefully not into the hands of opposing players. Also, Javon Ringer needs to rush for 125+ yards. Michigan, well they simply need to not turn the ball over every possession to stand a chance. May be easier said than done for Rich Rodriguez's offense, they treat the football like a teen pregnancy, more than happy to give it away to anyone who wants it more.
Michigan State 28 Michigan 24. Even with the spread.
ILLINOIS at Wisconsin 2 1/2. When Illinois wins, they usually win big, as was evidenced by their destruction of Indiana last week 55-13. When Wisconsin loses, they lose disappointingly, 4 straight. I don't even think PJ Hill can save them anymore, have fun getting closer to a bowl berth this week Juice.
Illinois 48 Wisconsin 17. Illinois beats the spread.
