Big Ten Preview - October 22, 2005

Big Ten

Ohio State at Indiana - Both teams are 4-2, but Ohio State's two losses have come at the hands of Texas and at Penn State. Indiana hasn't exactly lost to shabby teams either, having lost at Iowa and at Wisconsin. The primary difference here is that Ohio State came close to beating both. With Ohio State's dominate defense, Indiana should have trouble getting anything started, particularly in the running game. Great defense beats mediocre offense every time. Ohio State 24 - Indiana 7.

Northwestern at Michigan State - This should prove to be a very exciting game. Northwestern still has a chance of winning the Big Ten if it wins out and Penn State drops another game. The former seems unlikely to happen as Northwestern still has Michigan, Iowa, and Ohio State to come. Regardless, it should play a major factor in the conference race. Northwestern's last three games have all been decided by five points or less, but that is unlikely to happen on Saturday. Michigan State and QB Drew Stanton are going to light up the Northwestern defense just like Arizona State did earlier in the year. Northwestern's only chance is in a shoot-out, and even then it seems unlikely it can keep up. Factoring in the home field advantage of MSU, at the end of the day Northwestern is back in the middle of the Big Ten pack. Northwestern 31 - Michigan State 45.

Michigan at Iowa - Few imagined that these two preseason top-ten teams would both be unranked come the end of October. Iowa fell victim to its frequent slow starts, and Michigan was simply disappointing. The loss at resurgent Notre Dame seemed to take the wind out of the Wolverines, and every time they start to gather momentum they lose a close one. These boys can play, if they want to. It certainly helps to have RB Mike Hart back, as well. Iowa has yet to beat any solid teams this year, and it was destroyed by Ohio State. Iowa simply cannot play with the big boys this year. Look for Michigan to ride its momentum from the Penn State victory and RB Mike Hart to a close victory at Iowa. Michigan 23 - Iowa 17.

Purdue at Wisconsin - Typical of Purdue, it looks legitimate until it plays someone with a pulse. Currently in a four game slide, Madison hardly seems like the place to break out of it. Wisconsin has been consistent all year and RB Brian Calhoun has been amazing at times. After the remarkable win last week against Minnesota, the Badgers have everything going for them. Purdue can still score some points, but its defense is going to have a hard time stopping anything Wisconsin tries. It will be closer than most think if Wisconsin takes Purdue too lightly. Purdue 21 - Wisconsin 31.

Penn State at Illinois - This game will be over early in the third quarter. Illinois is terrible. It hasn't even come close to victory in over a month. Penn State, on the other hand, is "Back," as every sportscaster and writer reminds us on an hourly basis. After the heartbreaking loss to Michigan in the final seconds, the Nittany Lions could be in danger of dropping another, if they weren't playing a scout team. Illinois comes at a good time for Penn State, and it will allow Joe Paterno to see what effect the injury to WR Derrick Williams will have. Penn State 34 - Illinois 10.