Big Ten Predictions 2011: 7 Upsets Waiting to Happen

Every year, in every conference, there are countless upsets that nobody sees coming.  There are also upsets that people may have suspected but never thought would actually happen.

The Big Ten is bound to see numerous upsets this year, just as it does every season.  Here's a look at seven games that won't necessarily result in a upset but potentially could if the favored team isn't careful.

7. Iowa at Purdue (Nov. 19)

Iowa will certainly be the favorite in this one but may have to be careful when traveling to West Lafayette.

The Hawkeyes will be coming off two very hard games, Michigan and Michigan State, and depending on the outcome of those two games, they may not be taking Purdue seriously.

Purdue, on the other hand, will probably be fighting for a bowl berth.  Coming into this game, the Boilermakers will likely be 4-6 and a loss would eliminate any hopes of a bowl game.

Purdue closes the year with Indiana, which is a probable win, so they know that a win over Iowa would likely get them to six wins.

Iowa should be able to move the ball on Purdue's defense, so the key to this game will be how well Purdue's offense plays.

Because Purdue's pass offense won't be very good this fall, expect Ralph Bolden to be the key to a Purdue victory in this one.  He will be going up against a revamped Iowa front seven, so it will be interesting to see who wins that matchup.

Since this is the second last game of the year, though, Iowa's inexperienced defense should be settled in by this point of the season.

Iowa will probably win, but they will still have to be very careful in this one.

6. Michigan at Michigan State (Oct. 15)

Michigan State will be the favorite coming into this one but unlike last year, will likely have one or two losses when the two teams meet.  Michigan, on the other hand, could be undefeated entering play.

MSU will likely lose to both Notre Dame and Ohio State early, before getting a much-needed bye week before this game.  Michigan will certainly be tested by this point in the season, as they will have already played Notre Dame, San Diego State and Northwestern.

The intensity surrounding this game will be higher than ever before, as Michigan State will want to keep their short streak alive in this rivalry, while Michigan will be looking to end it.

Brady Hoke knows the importance of ending their streak and will do whatever it takes to make sure his team wins.

The biggest key to this game is how well Michigan's defense plays.  Michigan State has a balanced offense, so it won't be easy for Michigan to stop them.  If they can slow down the running game, that would go a long way in deciding who wins.

Michigan will be able to move the ball and put up points, so it will be up to their defense to win the game.

5. Wisconsin at Illinois (Nov. 19)

It is unlikely, but Wisconsin could potentially be undefeated coming into this game.  Illinois would like nothing more than to ruin their perfect season.  However, chances are that Wisconsin will have one, maybe two losses at most.

Whatever their record is, they cannot take this game lightly.  For some reason, Illinois is getting absolutely no attention from the media, and is seemingly being picked to finish near the bottom of the Big Ten.  Well, that won't be the case.

Illinois is loaded on offense and their defense should be solid again.  Going 8-4 is not out of the question for them.

In fact, Illinois looks to be good enough to beat at least one team that they're not supposed to.  This game would fall into that category.

This is the second last game of the year, and Wisconsin could potentially be looking ahead to their showdown with Penn State the following week.  If that's the case, Illinois can beat them.

It will be extremely tough to slow down Wisconsin's offense, but Illinois should be able to move the ball.  Wisconsin's defense probably won't be great, and Nate Scheelhaase and Jason Ford could have a big day running the ball.

If the run game is clicking and Illinois can somehow slow down James White and Montee Ball, look for the Illini to pull the upset.

4. Michigan State at Northwestern (Nov. 26)

Michigan State will likely stumble into this game with at least three or four losses, and will be wrapping up a very disappointing season.  If that's the case, their motivation will be low, and it will be the perfect time for the Wildcats to pounce.

Northwestern, on the other hand, could potentially be playing to solidify a bowl spot.  There is a good chance that the Wildcats enter this game with only five wins and will be looking for that elusive sixth win.

Northwestern's defense doesn't look like it will be anything special, so they'll probably have trouble stopping Michigan State in this game.  MSU's defense doesn't look to be great either, though, so Northwestern should certainly be able to score.

Obviously, Dan Persa will be the key for Northwestern's offense.  If he has a bad game, then they will likely lose.  If he plays well, though, they will have a great chance of pulling the upset.

3. Ohio State at Illinois (Oct. 15)

As mentioned earlier, Illinois will beat someone they're not supposed to, and it just might be Ohio State.  In fact, they nearly pulled off the upset last year, but Ohio State narrowly escaped.

The Bucks will be coming off a road trip to Nebraska, which looks like a loss, so it will be interesting to see how they rebound against Illinois.  Since Jim Tressel isn't there to hold this team together anymore, it's possible that Ohio State could spiral out of control after they lose their first game.

If they're not motivated for this game, Illinois will take advantage and win.  The Fighting Illini usually play well against Ohio State, and know how to beat them.

The Bucks could have trouble moving the ball on a solid Illinois defense, and that could cause them huge problems.

Illinois' great running game probably won't run all over the Ohio State defense, but it will still put up points.

If Nate Scheelhaase and Jason Ford can have good games and the defense plays well, look for Illinois to pull the minor upset.

2. Nebraska at Michigan (Nov. 19)

This seems to be a popular upset pick for a lot of people.  This is the second last game of the year for both teams, and it comes in the wake of a brutal stretch for Nebraska.

The week before this game they play at Penn State, and the week after they face Iowa at home.

Don't be too surprised if Michigan wins this one.  Brady Hoke's young team will be very experienced at this point, and will know how to win big games.

The key will be Michigan's defense.  When looking at the matchup, they actually have a reasonable shot at slowing down Nebraska's offense.  It will probably be extremely cold, so Taylor Martinez probably won't be throwing the ball a whole lot.

If Michigan can take away his running ability, then the load will be placed on Rex Burkhead.  It will be extremely difficult to stop him, but it will be interesting to see how Michigan's defense handles him.

Obviously, Nebraska's defense is great, and Michigan may have a hard time scoring.  Don't be surprised if this is a very close, low scoring game.

1. Nebraska at Penn State (Nov. 12)

This will be an extremely tough game for Nebraska to win.  In fact, it wouldn't be too big of an upset if Penn State wins.  Nebraska plays at Michigan the week after this game, and it's very unlikely that they win both that game and this one.

This will be a huge game for both teams, as they could realistically both come into play at 8-1.  Even though they are in separate divisions, this game could go a long way in determining the winner of each.

Even though Penn State's defense struggled last year, it should be very solid this year and could give Nebraska problems.  Penn State's secondary should be especially good, so don't expect Nebraska to have much success throwing the ball.

The key for Penn State's defense will obviously be stopping the run.

However, on the flip side, Penn State could have a hard time moving the ball on Nebraska's defense.  Whoever their quarterback is will have plenty of experience at this point, so the position shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Still, expect Silas Redd to carry the offense and possibly have success against Nebraska's defense.  Look for Penn State to win this one in a minor upset.