I turned in a 4-1 record last week, with Michigan losing to keep me from going perfect on the week. Now we're heading into the final week of play in the Big Ten conference as teams jockey for bowl game positioning.
Michigan at OHIO STATE 21. Ohio State needs a win and a Penn State loss to win a share of the Big Ten title. It's looking pretty dire for Michigan as they likely play this game without QB Steven Threet and RB Sam McGuffie. But then again, when you already have the worst season in school history, what's another loss? Jim Tressel continues his dominance over Michigan in this game, and the Buckeyes will have a time of possession ratio of 2:1.
Ohio State 45 Michigan 20. Ohio State beats the spread.
Michigan State at PENN STATE 14 ½. Joe Paterno has never lost to the Spartans at home, and he's been coaching for some time now. The Spartans are looking for the win of the season and a possible trip to the Rose Bowl with a victory over the Nittany Lions. Brian Hoyer will have to have the game of his career, and Javon Ringer will need 100+ yards to pull this one out. Not to mention the defense will need to stuff Evan Royster at the line and pressure Darryl Clark to make bad passes. In short, they need to be perfect. Penn State just has to play decently, which I think they will do, wrapping up the Big Ten in the process.
Penn State 35 Michigan State 27. Penn State does not beat the spread.
Indiana at PURDUE 12. This is the battle for who will finish in dead last in the conference, high stakes. Purdue should win this game, partially by allowing Kory Sheets to control the ball on the ground and control the game clock. They'll also pressure Kellen Lewis to make bad throws for a couple interceptions. Woohoo for who sucks slightly less!
Purdue 35 Indiana 21. Purdue beats the spread.
Cal Poly at WISCONSIN. WTF? Where do we find these teams? Well, Cal Poly is #1 in the Great West conference, with an 8-1 record. Too bad they play in a conference that no one has likely heard of before now. If Wisconsin loses this game, the shameful year of the Big Ten getting beat by small teams will be complete.
Wisconsin 42 Cal Poly 27.
ILLINOIS at Northwestern 2 ½. Northwestern got a big win last week against Michigan, but they face a better team in Illinois this week, and are still without RB Terrelle Pryor. Juice Williams has been struggling a little of late for the Illini, but he should do well against a shaky Northwestern pass defense. This loss may affect Northwestern's bowl placement.
Illinois 31 Northwestern 28. Illinois barely beats the spread.
IOWA at Minnesota 6. Iowa's Shonn Greene surpassed Javon Ringer for the national lead in rushing yards last week. He'll make a concerted effort to maintain that lead this week in another Big Ten game with possible bowl implications. The Golden Gophers have star WR Eric Decker back, which will make this game much more interesting. This game should come down to defense, where Iowa holds the edge.
Iowa 34 Minnesota 27. Iowa beats the spread.
