Big Ten Week 11 Preview and Predictions

Isn't it strange how the Big Ten conference implodes around Ohio State each year?

Purdue beats OSU early in the year and opens the door to Penn State and Iowa. Penn State gets beat by Ohio State last week, and this week Iowa travels to Columbus to get similar treatment without its starting QB. Fun stuff!

At least Ohio State will get to see what a Rose Bowl is like.

The Big Ten Championship Game: Iowa at Ohio State

This game was much more interesting before Ricky Stanzi went down last week. Now it might as well be Ohio State playing Northwestern. The only way Iowa has a chance in this game is for their defense to create turnovers and points like they did when they traveled to Penn State. The line is huge in this one, and I think Vegas has it right—Iowa is getting 17 points.

Iowa 10 OSU 31

Indiana at Penn State

Penn State lost a chance at the Rose Bowl last week with their home loss to the Buckeyes. Indiana, which has played well in spurts this year, is going to run into a pissed-off Penn State team looking to take their frustrations out on someone. Penn State is favored by 23.5 points at home. Yikes!

Penn State 38 IU 17

Michigan State at Purdue

This is going to be a close game. Purdue is coming off a win against Michigan in the Big House, and State beat up on Western Michigan last week. Both teams got beat the week before. Purdue beat the best team in the Big Ten in West Lafayette this year, and State sometimes doesn't travel well. MSU is favored by three in this game.

Purdue 24 MSU 20

Northwestern at Illinois

The Juice has finally gotten loose with two wins in a row. Northwestern beat the No. 5 team in the nation last week on the road. Both teams have momentum for this in-state rivalry game. Ron Zook and crew are favored by four at home. I'm thinking Northwestern pulls the upset.

NW 38 Juice 28

South Dakota State at Minnesota

Both teams should be used to cold weather. I don't know a thing about SDS, but I do know Minnesota has been on a strange roller coaster ride this year. They beat MSU two weeks ago but lost to Illinois last week.

Minnesota 24 SDS 7

The Wisconsin-Michigan game will be previewed on Friday.