Big Ten Preview - 10.29.05

Big Ten

Indiana at Michigan State - As much as I hate to do this, I'm sticking with Michigan State. Yes, the Spartans looked pathetic against Northwestern. Yes, they played with no heart. Yes, the defense was terrible. Yes, the offense struggled. But, that was Northwestern. This is Indiana--at team that is 72nd in scoring defense. That number should not improve after this weekend. If ever there was a time for Michigan State to right the ship, it's now. Indiana 17 - Michigan State 35.

Ohio State at Minnesota - Ohio State is the real deal. The defense is great and the offense is good enough. After putting a hurtin' on Indiana last week, they're ready to move back into real competition. Minnesota is a solid team, but when they play real defenses, they cannot put up the points they need to win (excluding Michigan). I don't expect this to be as bad as the 44-14 Penn State beatdown, but Ohio State should win in a defense-dominated game. Ohio State 21 - Minnesota 13.

Wisconsin at Illinois - Illinois' best win is over Rutgers on opening weekend. Of course, they only have two, so the pickins are slim. Wisconsin should roll in this one. Wisconsin 38 - Illinois 14.

Purdue at Penn State - This is a dangerous game for Penn State. Purdue is not a typical 2-5 team. They've dropped five in a row, but to a bunch of surprisingly good teams. They took it to the wire in a couple of those games. Purdue can win, that just doesn't mean that they will. Penn State is playing great football behind QB Michael Robinson. Purdue has continually come up short against good teams, and this game should be no exception. However, Purdue has the added motivation that a loss eliminates any chance of a bowl game. They may play with heart, but Penn State has much more to lose, like the Big Ten championship. If Purdue comes to play, this may be a great game. Purdue 20 - Penn State 34.

Michigan at Northwestern - This is the game of the day in the Big Ten. Michigan is playing well, so it's time to see if Northwestern is for real. Too much is being made of the blowout win over Michigan State. That was not the Michigan State team that upset Notre Dame. That was a flat, unispired group of eleven men playing like they had somewhere else to be. Northwestern played great, and certainly the Spartans' horrible performance can be partially attributed to the Northwestern defense. However, Michigan is not flat. After starting 3-3, they've showed serious heart the last two weeks in dramatic wins against Penn State and Iowa. Michigan doesn't quit, and I expect them to bring Northwestern back to reality. Michigan 27 - Northwestern 24.