Thursday's Big Ten Preview

Game of the Week:

#21 Wisconsin and #1 OSU: This game has been circled on many calendars all year. We thought both teams would be in the top 10 and this would be one of the games that would decide the Big Ten championship. Well, OSU has risen to #1 and Wisconsin has lost Big Ten games to Illinois and Penn State. What does that mean for this weekend? Most likely another win by the Buckeyes. Wisconsin gives up a ton of yardage against the run and that's music to the ears of the "the magical vest". Buckeyes can't sleep on the Wisconsin, but they usually don't: OSU 27 Wisconsin 17 in a Big Ten Network match up.

Iowa at Northwestern: Either one of these teams can get beat any given Saturday. Iowa plays well at home but not on the road. Northwestern's spread offense can be deadly when on target and against defenses that are not ready for it. Iowa has the higher paid coach and coming off a nice win against the Spartans. Northwestern just lost to Purdue. Iowa gets a rare road win 21-17.

Purdue at Penn State: This is actually a pretty good Big Ten match up. Purdue likes to spread it out and Penn State likes to shut down the run. Purdue beat NW last week and PSU lost the "White Out" against Ohio State. I believe Penn State has the better team but I don't believe they match up well against the spread. Purdue's defensive will not be able to stop Penn State either. Look for a few touchdowns in this one. Purdue 31 Penn State 31 OT we go! (PSU wins a close one at home)

Illinois at Minnesota: The golden gophers are really out classed in this one. An easy game for the young Illinois squad as they prepare for their trip to Columbus next week. This one will be a sleeper from the beginning. Illinois 41 Minnesota 14

Ball State at IU is out of conference.

On Friday look for the preview of the in-state, 100th meeting, battle for the "Paul Bunyan Trophy"