Big Ten Football '09: Week Three Preview

Everyone take a deep breath, reload on the chips and salsa, and get ready to sit in that old recliner again.

It's time for week three.

After all of the hype surrounding last week's outstanding slate of games, this week seems a little more dull.

However, there are some interesting out of conference matchups in the Big Ten this week.

All times are eastern standard.

Saturday, September 19th

Indiana Hoosiers (2-0) at Akron Zips (1-1) 3:30  ESPNU

Indiana has somehow found it's way to a 2-0 record, to the delight of Hoosier fans everywhere.

The test in week three will be for Indiana to stop the Zips' offense. Quarterback Chris Jacquemain is a great passer, and can throw the ball all over the field. The Hoosier defense did a fairly good job against Western Michigan's quarterback Tim Hiller.

On the offensive side, the Hoosiers will have to see if running back Demetrius McCray's 134 yard performance was just a flash in the pan, or if he is the real deal.

Hoosiers 24, Zips 21

Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) vs Arizona Wildcats (2-0) 3:35 ABC

This is one of those matchups I was referring too. Iowa left tackle Brian Bulaga is listed as day to day as he receives tests for an undisclosed ailment. The Hawkeyes offense will look to get rolling without him.

This game will be a tail of two running games.

Both defenses are solid, especially at end for Arizona and in the Iowa secondary.

Arizona back Nic Grigsby has rushed for five touchdowns in just two games, but AU quarterback Matt Scott is only averaging 175 yards per game and has only thrown for one touchdown.

Watch for Iowa to stack the box on defense and try to dare Scott to throw the ball.

Hawkeyes 17, 'Zona 13

Michigan Wolverines (2-0) vs Eastern Michigan Eagles (0-2) Noon BTN

Michigan is coming off of a huge win against Notre Dame, and the Eagles are coming off of their second consecutive loss.

Michigan freshman quarterback Tate Forcier will get to test his arm against a Western Michigan club that gave Northwestern all they could take last week.

The Eagle's coach, Ron English, is a former Michigan assistant.

Michigan's secondary will need to watch out for Eagles quarterback Andy Schmitt, who will look to exploit a unit that looked soft at times against Notre Dame's receivers.

Michigan 42, Eagles 17

Michigan State Spartans (1-1) at Notre Dame Fightin' Irish (1-1) 3:30 NBC

Michigan State owns the Irish in South Bend, winning their last six contests there.

Not this time.

Charlie Weis is starting to feel a little heat after the loss to Michigan.

The Spartans are coming off of a heartbreaking loss to Central Michigan.

In a battle of teams coming off difficult losses, the arm of quarterback Jimmy Clausen and legs of receiver Michael Floyd will lead the Irish to victory. Floyd is averaging almost 30 yards per catch.

Sparty 17, Notre Dame 31

Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-0) vs California Golden Bears (2-0) Noon ESPN

Minnesota wide receiver Eric Decker may be the best in the nation, but he has little help. The Gophers will have to get their running game going, and quarterback Adam Weber will have to get someone else involved in the passing game.

The Minnesota defense will have a tough time containing the explosive Cal offense.

Led by running back Jahvid Best, the Bears have scored over 50 points in each of their first two contests, while Minnesota has struggled in victories over Syracuse and the Air Force...look out Gophers.

Gophers 28, Bears 34

Northwestern Wildcats (2-0) at Syracuse Orange (0-2) 7:00 ESPN Gameplan

Syracuse looks to go to 0-3 against the Big Ten, and quarterback Mike Kafka and the rest of the Wildcats will gladly oblige.

Obviously Greg Paulus' ability to trounce the Big Ten is limited only to the hardwood.

Northwestern's defensive front will wreak havoc on a weak Syracuse offensive line, and it will be a long day again for the Orange.

Wildcats 21, Orange 20

Ohio State Buckeyes (1-1) vs Toledo (1-1) (@ Cleveland) Noon ESPN Gameplan

Poor lil' Toledo. They think they have a chance in this one....

I guess they have already forgotten that the Buckeyes just don't lose back to back games, especially if they are supposed to win them.

The Buckeyes haven't lost consecutive games since 2004.

Good luck Rockets...

OSU 38, Rockets 14

Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) vs Temple Owls (0-1) Noon BTN

Another whooping in the offing, as the Lions look to improve to 3-0.

Even if linebacker Navarro Bowman is out, Penn State will leave Temple looking, well a little owly after the game.

Expect Lion's running back Evan Royster to finally get on track in the running game.

Nittany Lions 31, Owls 7

Purdue Boilermakers (1-1) vs Northern Illinois Huskies (1-1) Noon BTN

Northern Illinois was closer against Wisconsin in week one than they had any business being.

Purdue running back Ralph Bolden will look to continue his dominant running this season against a suspect defense.

Boilers 27, NIU 13

Wisconsin Badgers (2-0) vs Wofford Terriers (1-1) Noon BTN

Which Badger team will show up this week? The defense that allowed 21 points in the first half against Fresno State, or the defense that held Fresno State to three points in the second half?

Either way, expect another blowout, as Wisconsin running back John Clay solidifies his position as the Badger starter.

UW 52, Terriers 10

Bye - Illinois

Last week the conference showed that it is still one of the elite conferences in football, and this week, if Minnesota and/or Iowa can pull out a victory, the Big Ten will have made a claim to be the second best football conference in the nation.