Big Ten Weekend Preview

So the Big Ten is taking it on the chin nationally by pretty much every media outlet.   I have to admit it's pretty much deserved but the league can't be up when two of it's highest profile teams are on major NCAA probation and won't play in a bowl game. 

So the best thing that can happen to this league is the start of the Big Ten season which kicks off on Saturday.


Big Ten Game of the Week:

OSU at MSU (MSU -3):  Urban Meyer will take his un-defeated Buckeyes into East Lansing to face a pretty good defense but an offense that is struggling.   MSU will want to run the ball and throw to the tight ends.  OSU will want to run Braxton Miller.   I see a low scoring game.  If your wondering who to root for as a Michigan fan, the clear answer is OSU.  They are in the other division and not eligible for the BIG 10 Championship game.   OSU 17 MSU 14

Indiana at Northwestern (NW -11):  Northwestern finds it pretty easy to be 5-0.   NW 31 IU 17


Penn State at Illinois:  (Ill. -1) This is the "Stop Recruiting my Players Bowl".  Both team are basically a mess.   Illinois 10 Penn State 7 

Minnesota at Iowa (Iowa -7):  The Golden Gophers are 4-0 with their best win over Syracuse.  Iowa has struggled with everyone and has a 2-2 record.  Don't know what will happen in this one, at some point the Hawkeyes have to find their way.  Iowa 24 Minnesota 17

Marshall at Purdue (Pur -17):  Marshall is not very good and Purdue is better then expected this year: Purdue 34 Marshall 13

Wisconsin at Nebraska (Neb -11.5)  This game normally would be getting a ton of hype this weekend but neither team has played very well.   Nebraska gave up like 1000 yards to UCLA and Wisconsin's rent a QB has finally back fired.   This is a tough one to call and I bet Monte Ball wishes he was playing in the NFL right now.   I give the edge to the home team.   NB 23 Wisconsin 10


Michigan has a bye of course.

Big Ten Story lines for Monday: 

OSU - MSU Fallout
Is Minnesota for real?
What happended to Nebraska or Wisconsin this year?
Is Purdue ready to upset Michigan?
How did Northwestern get to 5-0?