So it seems to be a three horse race for the Big Ten crown: Iowa, OSU, and PSU. After this weekend, it most likely will be a two horse race. Some interesting matchups and must win games this week.

Now on to the show.

 

Big 10 Game of the Week

 

OSU at PSU
Many thought this game would decide the Big Ten champion back in August. Both teams have struggled at times and looked pretty powerful at times.
JoPa's only loss came against Iowa and The Vest has lost to USC and Purdue.
This is going to be a close game since both teams play very well on the defensive side of the ball. Whichever team protects the ball the best will win this game. I expect TP to be nervous and make a few mistakes in his homecoming.
Penn State is favored by four at home.
Penn State 20, OSU 17


Northwestern at Iowa
The Hawkeyes were asleep for three quarters against IU last week and woke up to find themselves down 14 points. They decided they better step up and scored like 300 fourth quarter points.
I have a feeling the Iowa coaches have been coaching against a similar let down all week in practice. This one will not be close.
Iowa is favored by 16.5.
Iowa 42, NW 14

 

Illinois at Minnesota
Both teams enjoyed wins over the Big Ten teams from Michigan last week. Minnesota is a different team playing at home and will handle Illinois' new found confidence that they always seem to gain when they play the Michigan defense.
The Golden Gophers are a 6.5 favorite.
Minn 31, Ill 20

 

Wisconsin at IU
Indiana has played well in spurts this year but always seem to lose it at the end.
Wisconsin on the other hand is just playing power football and winning games just like the Badger Nation expects. I'm sort of thinking this might be a letdown game for Wisky and might be a Purdue-OSU type of situation.
Wisconsin is favored by 10.5 .This is my upset alert special of the week!
IU 28, Wisky 24

 

Western Michigan at MSU
Western is not as good as many people expected this year and Sparty, believe it or not, is not even playing .500 ball yet. The Spartans keep their bowl hopes alive after beating a down WMU.
Sparty is favored by 20.5.
MSU 38, WMU 10

 

The Michigan-Purdue game will be previewed on Friday.