Big Ten Preview Week 4

The best part of this weeks post is it contains 2 less games with Northwestern and Purdue having bye weeks.  This is a down week for the Big Ten with no high profile games.  Can someone tell me how SDSU vs Michigan slipped to the BTN?  With the list of the below games?

Big Ten Game of the week:

San Diego State vs Michigan (sorry you will have to come back on Friday for that one)


The Rest of the Games:

CMU at MSU:  Both lost games last weekend to rivals.  CMU is coached by former Michigan State QB Dan Enos.  Still they just don't have the talent to stay with MSU if they don't have a hang over from the Notre Dame Game where they were dominated.  I expect MSU to run the ball and asking the Chips to stop it.  MSU is favored by 21.5 points.  MSU 31 CMU 10

EMU at PSU: Ron English takes his team from the Big House to Happy Valley.  EMU showed they are a quality football team against Michigan, while JoPa struggled to beat Temple.  The line favors PSU at 28.5.  Take those points.  PSU 24 EMU 7

BCS Match Up Alert: Colorado at OSU: Ohio State might of had it's worst game in 10 years on Saturday.  They couldn't pass the ball at all.  They did find some success running the ball and the defense isn't too bad either.  Colorado is 1-2 and can't play with the OSU defense.  OSU -15.  OSU 28 Colorado 3

WMU at Illinois:  Illinois had a big win last week over ASU and is now ranked.  We know that Western isn't a joke and can move the ball down the field with QB Alex Carder.   The key to the game is can Zook's D hold up? Ill. -11.5.   Illinois 24 WMU 17

South Dakota at Wisconsin:  Really?  Wisconsin -42.5.  Wisconsin 61 SD 10

Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa: Looking at this game you would consider it a blow out.  LM played TCU tough in week 1 and can play a little defense.  Iowa is still trying to find themselves with a come back win last week and a loss in week 2.  Iowa -17 which is too much.  Iowa 21 LM 17

North Dakota State at Minnesota:  NDS can play football and a good FCS team.  Minnesota looked good in a loss week 1, lost week 2 and won week 3 over Ball State.   Minn is -9.  I will call an upset NDS 24 Minn 21

IU at North Texas:  Come on Indiana! Are you really traveling to North Texas?   You couldn't pay me to watch this game.  IU is favored on the road at -6.  IU 10 NT 3

Nebraska at Wyoming: Another travel game for a Big Ten team to a non-BCS opponent.    Nebraska is #9 in the country and Wyoming is 2-0.  I think Nebraska will struggle in the first half and then pull away.  Nebraska -23.  Nebraska 28 Wyoming 13

Wolverine Wednesday: How Come The Big Ten Isn't More Active?

Because, they like the stack of dollar bills they already have. 

The Big Ten likes its current position with the recent addition of Nebraska and the current revenue split.   If they added two more teams the pot of money gets smaller.   For Devil's Advocates sake lets take a look at a pair of teams that could be a nice fit:

The High Maintenance Couple:

Texas and Notre Dame:  These two are the prettiest girls at the party and they know it.  They each have their own TV contracts and want more money then the other schools if they agree to come to a conference.   These two are clearly big names but they come with way too much baggage and demands.   If they can't share, they won't get an invite.  That Longhorn network is already a mess and ESPN should shut it down.  ND says they would rather go to the ACC instead of the Big Ten, really?  Why?  ND is the girl friend you should never call again. 

Big 12 Raid:

Texas and Oklahoma:  We know the issues with Texas and Oklahoma doesn't have the academic record that the Big 10 is looking for.  But let's be honest, with MSU and OSU in the Big Ten, OK wouldn't be that much of an academic stretch.  The problem is OK travels with it's little brother OK State and there really isn't room for 3 and just the OK schools alone isn't really that attractive. 

Big East Raid:

I don't think any Big East schools make much sense for the Big Ten.  UConn and Rutgers Football Programs are too small.  Even though you would bring in the NY market, I'm not sure the risk is worth the reward for mostly a professional sports market.  You really don't relate NYC with college sports and I'm not sure the move to the Big Ten would make it a college football town.  It isn't a strong football recruiting area either.  They have a couple top prospects per year.    (Yuri Wright comes to mind)

The ACC has a $20M exit fee so strike that out. 

The latest news is the PAC 12 is staying at 12 (they don't want to over pay Texas either).  Missouri is knocking on the door of the SEC and asking to join the party.   WVU was already been rejected by the SEC and this weekend they have a chance to take it out on Les Miles and LSU.   So the net of this is, the Big Ten feels good at 12 teams and probably won't consider expanding unless Texas or ND call them and drop their revenue demands. 

----------

• SDSU might be the best team, Michigan has played so far this year this year.   This game on Saturday worries me.  Pat Forde is picking SDSU 28-27.

• One advantage that Michigan has on Saturday is not only Hoke and Staff coaching them last year but the noon kick off.  It's a fact in the NFL that West Coast Teams that travel East for 1:00 kick offs do not do well.  Having the noon kick off plays in Michigan's favor.  Let's hope SDSU is sleep walking for the first half and Michigan gets off to a quick start.

• Vincent Smith has earned the start at RB and I agree.  He seems fully healed from his ACL from the Ohio game his freshman year.

• I have real concerns with Will Heininger and Nathan Brink on the defensive line.  I'm not sure the walk on experiment is working.   Richard Ash must be struggling and we might see more of former offensive lineman Q. Washington or some rush linebackers.  I continue to give Craig Roh a pass due to his health.

• Oops!  If I can get a press pass, I guess this guy could sneak in.  Michigan pulled his.  (I hope I am still on the list :)

Big Ten Week 3 Preview

I have to admit I was a little concerned for the Big Ten last Saturday.  Ohio was struggling with Toledo and both Iowa & Purdue lost games.  (Side note: Rich Rod did the Rice - Purdue game.  I was thinking how awkward was that? Purdue hates him while their former head coach dropped the "Snake Oil Salesman" on him and current coach Danny Hope introduced him to his player he got suspended when RR sent video to the Big Ten office.  Then of course on the other side of the ball was one of RR's most famous recruits that he was barley able to keep from Lloyd Carr's class, Sam McGuffie and then transferred) 

Penn State wasn't really competitive against Alabama and the rest of the games were just yawners.

So how does this week look?

Big Ten Games of the Week: (we have 2 this week)

MSU at ND:  Poor MSU they are in the worst possible situation this week.  They are 2-0 and ND is 0-2 and everyone is taking how good they are and that they just need to cut out the turnovers.   I actually see ND winning this game and winning this game big.  I think the chances of ND going 0-3 is pretty low compared to MSU going 2-1.  Vegas agrees that ND will win and has made them a 4.5 favorite.  ND 31 MSU 17

OSU at Miami:  OSU played terrible last week and Miami didn't play at all after a loss to Maryland the week before.  I think Ohio will play better then they did against Toledo but how well will Miami play?   The big joke in this game is that they won't be any referees on the field during the game because neither team plays by the rules.  Give an edge to the Hurricanes if they don't have a 100 turnovers.  Vegas has Miami as a 2.5 favorite.  Miami 28 Ohio 21

The Rest of the Big Ten:

Penn State at Temple:  That's right JoPa is taking his show on the road to a MAC school.  Last year this was my upset special of the week, it didn't happen but Golden turned a good season into the Miami job (many thought he would replace JoPa at PSU in 10 years or so).   I really think this could be another upset with Penn State still having their head down from last week.  Vegas has Penn State favored by 7.5 points.  I have no idea what Temple has this year but what the heck;  Temple 21 PSU 20

Pitt at Iowa is an interesting game.  Iowa lost an overtime game last week to Iowa State and Pitt is 2-0 but struggled with Maine last weekend.   Pitt has a new coaching staff including a bunch of former RR/Michigan assistants.  Neither team is playing well but the edge has to go to Iowa since they are at home and mad after last week performance.  Vegas has Iowa -3.  Iowa 24 Pitt 14

Arizona State at Illinois is another game worth watching.  ASU is Threet-less this year and has QB that is 6-9 throwing around the yard.   I have no idea what Zook has this year but we know their QB is very mobile.   Zook could use a win over a ranked team but does he have the players to do it?   Vegas agrees with me on this game and has Illinois -1.   This game is a toss up. Zook 31 ASU 27

Wisconsin vs Northern Illinois in Chicago = pain for the Huskies.  Wisky is only favored by 16.5 points.  It won't be that close.  Wisconsin 31 NI 10

Northwestern at Army:  Northwestern is the better team by don't sleep on Army, they are getting better.  NW is -7.5.   NW 17 Army 14

Washington at Nebraska:  I wish this was a better match up but Nebraska is much too physical for these Huskies. Black Shirts -16.5   Nebraska 34 Wash 7

Miami (OH) at Minnesota:  I'm not sure the Gophers coach Jerry Kill will be available for the game and there seems to have been a big letdown after the USC game.  Miami of Ohio isn't too bad either. 
Miami 28 Minn 24

South Carolina State at IU:  Indiana is favored by -15.5 and will get its first win of the season.  IU 28 SCS 12

You know the deal about the Michigan game but there are some interesting Big Ten games this week.  Ohio, MSU, PSU, Northwestern and Wisconsin are all on the road (or at neutral sites).  There are also 5 BCS school match ups, which is nice to see.

Big Ten Preview Week 2

Week one was like Big Ten's version of the NFL's preseason.   I am still in favor of each Big Ten team playing a preseason game against a D1A or a team not on the schedule so they can work the bugs out and give some guys some game experience (for example freshman wouldn't lose thier redshirt if they played).  Charge everyone $5 to get in and enjoy the show.   It would be great for revenue and maybe the first game of the year wouldn't be so bad if the kids got a chance to play a preseason game. 

Now on to the show................

GAME OF THE WEEK

Alabama at Penn State:  This was a miss match last year and I still think it's pretty close to one.  Bama has some young QB's but they still have a very strong defense and running game (even with Dee Hart out with an ACL).  Bama is ranked #3 in the county and Penn State is ranked #23.  JoPa's team is better then they were last year but Bama's defense is just way too strong and will be the difference in the game.   Bama is favored by 10.  Sabin 24 Jopa 10

The Rest of the games...........

Florida Atlantic at MSU:  Sparty plays FAU at home even when they play them on the road (last years game was at Ford Field).   Sparty struggled in this game last year for some reason.  Vegas doesn't expect them to this year making them a 32 point favorite.  With MSU struggling with YSU last week, I would take the points and see what happens.  MSU 31 FAU 14

Toledo at Ohio State:  Bucky does a great job helping the Ohio economy by playing other MAC schools in the state.  It's just a way to give back instead of rigging raffles I guess.  This will be another bad game before OSU heads to Miami (no not Miami of Ohio but I see what you were thinking!) to play a real game.   If you watched the Akron game last week, just change the color of the jersey for the visitor and there you go.   Bucky is a 19 point favorite, which means Toledo can play a little bit.  OSU 28 Toledo 7

Iowa at Iowa State:  This is the annual game for that Corn Trophy that everyone hated.   So you got that going for you.  Iowa State is probably more concerned if they will be in Conference USA next year.   This is a road game for the Hawkeyes and this game is usually close even though ISU isn't that great most years.  Iowa is a 7 point favorite on the road.   Iowa 21 ISU 20

Oregon State at Wisconsin:  I have to give Wisky credit for scheduling a PAC 12 opponent on Saturday.  Most years this would be a really good game but OSU lost to a team that I didn't even know had a football team last week.  I always think a team is dangerous the week after an upset.  I would give OSU a better chance if Wisconsin had to travel across country, they don't and I don't think this one will be close.  Wisconsin is a 20.5 favorite.   Wisc 40 OSU 17

Fresno State at Nebraska:  Usually Fresno State has a pretty good team, I guess that is not the case this year as Nebraska is 28 point favorite.  I haven't seen either team this year but there is no way Fresno is going to be able to stop the running game of Taylor Martinez.  Neb 42 FSU 10

South Dakota State at Illinois:  I guess South Dakota was already booked for this Saturday.  This game is embarrassing to the Big Ten.  Are you kidding me?  Only one service has a line on this game and Zook is a 20.5 favorite.   Someone needs to give Zook the number to a few MAC schools.   Ill 45 SDS 3

Virgina at Indiana:  Neither team is very good but I have to credit IU for playing the ACC.  Back in the day this would be a good basketball match up but after IU lost to Ball State last weekend, I think the new coaches will install a countdown clock until Gunner Kiel is on campus.  Virgina is a 7 point favorite on the road.  IU 10 Virgina 7


Eastern Illinois at Northwestern:  The Wildcats had a nice win at BC last week without their starting QB.  I think Persa is still questionable and probably shouldn't play since Northwestern is a 30 point favorite and  Tony Romo isn't showing up for Eastern Illinois (he played there right?). NW 40 EIU 13

New Mexico State at Minnesota:  The Gophers played well at USC last week and almost left LA with an upset.  Jerry Kill is getting some good buzz as the Gophers look to be improved this year.    New Mexico has been a very bad program for the past few years.   Minn is favored by 20 points and it shouldn't be that close.  Minn 51 NMS 2

Purdue at Rice:  This game caught me off guard, I didn't expect that the Boilermakers were going on the road to play Sam McGuffie and Rice.   Sam only had one rush for 4 yards in the Texas game last week and is questionable this week with a leg injury.    Purdue struggled to beat Middle Tennessee State as they blocked a field goal to save the win.  This game has the smallest line of the week with Purdue favored by 1.   I think Rice at home will be tough to beat for Purdue.  I also expect that Texas might be 210 degrees.  Rice 24 Purdue 14

 
There are a lot of noon games this week, so pick the better match ups to watch.  I will pick the ND - Michigan game on Friday.

Michigan Friday: Wonders if Delany's hindsight is 20/20?

Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany should be applauded for the work he has done with the Big Ten Network and bringing in Nebraska.  Many has criticized his approach with a number of topics including: logos, legends and leaders.  He also hasn't been very aggressive in discipline for players and coaches off field actions.  He usually allows the teams or the NCAA to carry the big stick. 

Now he is sitting with a huge mess with one of his biggest name coaches getting deeper and deeper into more trouble as time goes on.  What should he do?  Nothing or Something like the SEC did to Bruce Pearl?

Here is what he said, yesterday at the BCS conference:  "Based on what we knew, we just spoke on behalf of the kids and the NCAA made the decision it made," Delany said Thursday at the annual Bowl Championship Series meetings in New Orleans. "But I don't think anybody had the knowledge that we have now."

The only new news is that JT knew about it and kept it quiet.  Would that fact made you take action against the players?  Of course it would have regarding Tressel. 

Jim what do think will happen with JT and OSU?

"I'm concerned about it. I think it's a serious situation," Delany said. "The facts are fairly well known and I think the institution will get in front of the infractions committee and then they'll render their opinion in a timely way."

Jim did you stick up for the players last December?

"I spoke on the fact that it wasn't a recruitment issue -- it wasn't an agent issue, it was an extra benefit issue, and it was an extra benefit issue that to our knowledge was isolated and confined," he said. "So it was on that basis that I appealed on behalf of the school. But we didn't have the information we have today."

That makes sense, these guys just picked a tattoo guy in Columbus and struck this one time deal.  I'm sure this never happened before in Columbus.  Great Take, Jim. 

In fact, the Columbus Dispatch is now reporting that there were more items and players involved in the selling of grear and bowl gifts.  I guess that is what Jim is referring to as "new information".

My take is Jim seems to be a very good business man and sells the Big Ten very well.   I'm concerned about the other part of his job and his inability to see the forest through the trees and mostly when it comes to his big name coaches.   His silence or lack of punishment in this matter speaks volumes.   Let the NCAA or the institution handle it, is a pretty weak stance for a serious situation in his own backyard.

Michigan Monday: Michigan vs Mississippi State

Is that enough "M's" for you in one title?  Yes, the Wolverines got a favorable bowl last night as they accepted an invitation to play in the Gator Bowl on New Years Day.  I know NYD isn't what it used to be but after two years of not watching the Wolverines at all during the holidays, I think the Gator Bowl was a nice choice for the Wolverines.

Mississippi State was some what of a surprise as an opponent for the Wolverines.  Most expected a Michigan - Florida match up but the Outback Bowl decided they rather snatch up the Gators.   Then the rumor floating around was Tennessee but that didn't happen either and now the Wolverines face a top 30 defense in Dan Mullen's Mississippi State squad. 

Even though Michigan State didn't get a BCS Bid they are playing a very difficult Alabama team in what should be re-named as the Saban Bowl.   Iowa seemed to get the short end of the stick having to play Missouri a 10-2 Big 12 Team on December 28.   I don't think MSU has the talent to say to Bama but I think Iowa can beat Missouri. 



More News and Notes From This Weekend:

• Change of Hart?  Too bad to see Mike Hart limp off the field on Sunday with another ankle injury but it seems Dee Hart might be re-thinking his de-commit to Michigan.  Rod Smith was reportedly down in Orlando on Friday to talk with Dee and watch his game.   It seems Rod got him off the ledge a bit but Dee still has some decisions to make, like enrolling early or not and if Michigan stays with RR long term.  Let's hope he stays Maize and Blue.  I'm thinking he probably wants to do the "hat thing" at the Army All American Game.  Michigan needs players like this young man.

• Kevin Sousa - Has de-committed from the Wolverines and verbally committed to Wake Forest.  Kevin is a young QB that "needed some work" to play at Michigan and probably saw a depth chart that listed guys like Denard, Tate, and Devin.  Which didn't really equal early or even late playing time.  So he decided to go a different direction, which seems to make a lot of sense for him.  Good Luck Kevin!

• Tommy Two Times?  Not on Saturday.  Michigan beat Tommy Amaker's solid Harvard team with some clutch second half shooting by Stu Douglass.  Tommy beat the Wolverines a couple of years ago when they traveled to Harvard.

• Kill The Gophers?  This line reminds me more of Caddy Shack then Big Ten Football but it seems the Minnesota Golden Gophers have hired Jerry Kill of Northern Illinois as their next head coach.  Jerry is also the former Saginaw Valley State head man and his team just lost to Miami (OH) in Ford Field over the weekend in the MAC Championship Game.

• TomVH from Mgoblog reports: That 4 star WR Devin Lucien will visit Ann Arbor on January 7th.

• Looks like Jim Harbaugh is about to sign an extentsion at Stanford.   Is there a Michigan clause?

Big Ten Preview Week 11

With some of the top teams in the nation on a bye week, this is a big weekend for the Big Ten with a number of high profile games. 

With out further adieu lets get right to it!

Big Ten Game of the Week:

OSU at Iowa:  This game would have been off the hype charts if Iowa didn't get tripped up at Northwestern last week.   Ohio State has been one of the most quiet 1 loss teams in the nation.  After their Wisconsin loss they have played pretty much the worst teams in the Big Ten and really haven't been making nation news.  I guess the media are pretty bored of just another Tressel year.  Lose a high profile game early and then run the table the rest of the year.   Iowa has been up and down at home this year.  They have a loss to Wisconsin but took MSU to the woodshed.   So which Iowa team will show up on Saturday.  Ohio State has struggled a bit on the road as well with the loss to Wisconsin and a close game against Illinois.   The "vest" is favored by 3 points.   This will be a close game and look for the weather to be the difference on the field.  Iowa 24 Ohio State 20


Illinois vs Northwestern at Wrigley Field:  ESPN Gameday will be at this historic game.  It will be fun to see football at Wrigley for the first time in my lifetime.   I hope nobody gets hurt with the lack of room at the back of the end zones.   Michigan beat Illinois twice after it's 3 OT game.   Meaning they lost to Michigan and then the next weekend had a hang over and lost to the 1 win Minnesota Gophers (who now have 2).   Northwestern on the other hand finally finished a game (were way ahead of MSU and PSU and lost) and beat a highly ranked Iowa team.  I think Northwestern is the better team right now, even if Illinois is the better team on paper.  Zook and Company are 8 points favorites, which is a bit shocking to me.  I think Northwestern wins this game.   NW 31 ILL 28  (a 3 run home run in the 9th for the win)

Purdue at Michigan State:  MSU has a very nice schedule and this week they host Boilermakers.  MSU had a bye last week and Purdue got beat at home in a rain storm against Michigan.   Purdue is just too injured and banged to be real competitive in this game.  MSU will win another easy one and is favored by 19.5 points.  If it's a quick track look for a blow out.  MSU 41 Purdue 14

Penn State vs IU at FedEx Field:  Indiana sold their home game to FedEx Field so they are playing at another neutral field.   IU also gave up 83 points last week after having Iowa beat on a last second pass play the week before but it slipped through their fingers.  IU won't get their first win of the Big Ten season in this one.  Penn State is a questionable 10 point favorite which is strange because it's almost like a home game for them.   PSU 41 IU 7


Minnesota has a bye this week and I will preview the Michigan - Wisconsin game on Friday.


On a side note:  Fox Sports has won the bid on the Big Ten Championship Game.  This is not a big surprise since Fox Sports is already a partner with the Big Ten Network.   Fox will air the first 6 Championship games in prime time.

Michigan vs Purdue Preview

Location:  Ross Aide Stadium
Time: 12:00 EST
TV: Big Ten Network
Line: Purdue + 12.5
Weather: High of 70, 40% chance of rain

Neither one of these teams are lighting up the Big Ten, both come into this match up with a 2-3 conference record.  Both teams have also had big losses at important positions:  Michigan in the defensive backfield and Purdue at the QB position.  Purdue has also had a strange string of ACL injuries that have hit other offensive positions as well, which has given the Boilermakers this new mascot (which I really like and you knew it was coming!)

Michigan is coming off a 3 game losing streak with the basketball score and triple overtime win last Saturday.   Purdue is currently on it's own 3 game losing streak but with Purdue's offense injuries it's really impressive they have won 2 Big Ten games.  They also played Wisconsin close for a half last weekend at home before the game got out of control.   Purdue is 2 wins away from a bowl game with Michigan, MSU, and IU still left on the schedule.   So do you think they want this game?

A bowl game isn't the only reason that Danny Hope and the Boilermakers are looking for a third straight win over the Wolverines.   They are still upset about 2 things the Wolverines did in the past 3 years.  #1 was the signing day change of heart from Purdue to Michigan from star WR Roy Roundtree.  #2 was that Danny Hope meet RR at mid field after their victory in the Big House last year and introduced him to the kid that Danny believed RR got suspended by the Big Ten.

So to say the least, there is zero love lost between these two schools right now.  RR says that incident last year was in the past but you know he just wants to take the Boilermakers to the woodshed.  Danny of course feels the same way.   So this should be a good hard hitting game.

Purdue on offense prefers to run the ball and ranks #39 in the nation in rushing.  They really don't prefer to throw the ball where they rank #114.   That strategy will be welcomed by the Wolverine defense that ranks 105 in points against with a lot of youth in the defensive backfield.

Michigan on the other hand has the #9 ranked rushing offense and the #28 passing offense in the country which matches well against the 79th Purdue "points against" defense.  This is where Michigan has a clear advantage and should put up a lot of points. 

Tale of the Tape:

Michigan Offense vs Purdue Defense =  Maybe 0 Punts

Purdue Offense vs Michigan Defense =  Second Team All Stars

Special Teams = Have you seen Michigan kick field goals?

Intangibles =  RR vs Hope in a steal cage match


If it wasn't for thie long line of coaches with full thick mustaches the Michigan faithful would have very little respect for Purdue.  With that said, Purdue has won 2 straight over Michigan and the last time the Wolverines were in West Lafayette a backup running back Justin Stiller played QB and ran through the Michigan defense like a rat through cheese.  Even Justin is banged up with a foot sprain, so he is questionable for the game as well. 

Purdue has a talented defensive line which will be a good match up with Michigan's talented offensive line.   Purdue is strong in their pass rush and Denard/Tate will have to get rid of the ball quickly during passing plays.  Look for more screens and slats for the Michigan offense, then deep balls.

Sing Hail to the Victors if.........

• Michigan scores every time they touch the ball.
• Denard stays healthy all game and goes for 200 and 300
• Michigan gets stops on defense
• More Mike Shaw and Stephen Hopkins
• Roundtree has a big day catching the ball

Yell, Why do we play so bad on the Big Ten Network if..............

• If this becomes a shoot out
• Danny Hope has an RR magical formula
• Michigan gets caught in mis-direction or trick plays
• The Michigan defense continues to give up lots of points and lots of yards
• Michigan loses the turnover margin

Purdue knows they need this win and they really dislike the Wolverines.    They will try to run the ball, control the clock, and will throw out all the trick plays to get a W.  Purdue will have to score way over 30 points to win this game.  Weather could be the difference if it rains and Michigan gets the turnover bug.

This will be an interesting challenge for the Michigan defense which hasn't played very well on the road since the ND game.  If Michigan plays smart on offense, protects the ball, and get some stops on defense this game shouldn't be close.  Though I'm still not sold on the Wolverines on the road yet.  I'm hoping for a Michigan blow out win but I think it will be closer then that.  I think RR really wants a win against Hope and will have the Wolverines ready to play.  Michigan 100 Purdue 65    Robbie Hummel goes for 25 - who blew out his ACL as well.

I will be at the game, so please think of me when you hear a hunderd train whistles, movie clips, and that guy hitting that big drum. 

GO BLUE!

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 10

Last week had a bunch of not so exciting match ups that turned into some pretty exciting games.  Michigan and Illinois put up a basketball score, JoPa got #400 by coming back from 21 down, and Indiana had an upset of Iowa in their hands but couldn't hold it. 

Let's hope this week is just as exciting with the better match ups:

Big Ten Game of the Week

Penn State at Ohio State:  Penn State has a 3 game win streak under it's belt and Ohio State is doing what it does every year, winning Big Ten games.   On paper Ohio State clearly has an advantage in talent and playing at home.  Vegas agrees and has made them an 18 point favorite.   Matt McGloin is now the starter at QB for JoPa and has the confidence of beating Michigan and a come back win over Northwestern under his belt.  That will help the PSU stay close early but Michigan's and Northwestern Defense isn't close to Ohio State's.  Look for Matt to throw a couple of picks and the final score won't reflect a pretty close game. OSU 31 Penn State 13

Iowa at Northwestern:  This is a strange game for me.  Northwestern seems to play really well each year against the Hawkeyes and I'm not sure what causes that.  On the other hand, Northwestern had Michigan State and Penn State beat and let them both off the hook.  Iowa should have lost at IU last weekend but got a W after a dropped touchdown pass.   Will Northwestern continue to play it's best football against Iowa and will Iowa sleep through another road game?  Vegas has Iowa a 2 score favorite at 9.5 points.   I think this will be a close game but Iowa is clearly the better team.  Iowa 24 NW 20

Minnesota at Illinois:  I feel sorry for the Golden Gophers.  They don't have a Big Ten win and don't have a head coach.  They are also walking into a Gopher trap on Saturday.  Illinois is really mad after their top 20 defense in the country gave up 67 points and all most 700 yards to the Wolverines last week.  The Gophers are the perfect medicine for Zook and company to be bowl eligible. Illinois is favored by 21.  Illinois 42 Minn 17

Indiana at Wisconsin:  Wisky started a bit slow against Purdue last week but found their mojo and got in the winners circle.  IU almost had their biggest win of the season but dropped the ball.  Indiana doesn't play well on the road in the Big Ten and Wisconsin pretty good at home.  Look for 400 yards from Wisconsin on the ground.  Wisconsin is a 21.5 favorite.  Wisconsin 38 IU 21

I thought this weekend had better match-ups then last weekend but the lines are 9.5, 18, 21, and 21.5 points.  I guess I'm wrong.

MSU is off and I will preview the Michigan - Purdue game on Friday.   
 

Big Ten Week 9 Previews

With all the NCAA news breaking, I all most forgot to give you the most anticipated post of the week.  My thrilling Big Ten Preview.   I know, it's exciting.   Which is just the opposite of the Big Ten match ups this weeks.   Not one good match up.  That's right not one. 

On to the show........................

Minnesota at Michigan State:  Not much to say it this one.  It's the Big Ten's last place vs the Big Ten's first place team.  MSU got embarrassed at Iowa after MSU's head coach allowed a player to leave a jail cell and step right into practice and play on Saturday.  Sometimes karma is a B*tch, right coach?  Back to the game.  This one won't be close and the Spartans are a 24 point favorite.   MSU 42 Minn 10


Iowa at Indiana:  I am officially off the IU train.  Michigan has made them out to be something they are not the last two years.  Here is another game that won't be close with Iowa favored by 17 points.  I expect Iowa to be a bit asleep early since this game comes after the Michigan, Wisconsin, and MSU stretch.   It will be closer then we think.  Iowa 28  IU 17


Wisconsin at Purdue:  Wow, here is another miss match.   Purdue is struggling without a healthy QB and  made news this week as Danny Hope complained about Zook running up the score on the Boilermakers last week.   The last Big Ten head coach that made a statement like that was Tim Brewster against Wisconsin and now Tim is out of a job.    I sure hope The Badgers keep it within 30 points.  Wisconsin is favored by 20.  Wisconsin 38 Purdue 3.  Can you ever get enough of this guy?  I can't

Northwestern at Penn State:  This is the most even match up of the weekend.  Penn State is coming off an impressive offensive performance against Michigan's dazed and confused defense last weekend.  Northwestern got by Indiana 20-17 to get to 6-2 this year.  This game could be JoPa's 400th win and the reason it's the 3:30 game.   This game will be really close since Northwestern is a bit under rated and Penn State after last week might be a bit over rated.  JoPa is favored by 6 points. Northwestern 30  Penn State 24 


I will preview the Illinois at Michigan game on Friday.

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week #9

Wow, nine weeks sure do fly bye when your having fun.   When I previewed the season, I got a couple of things right like Iowa losing at Arizona and Wisconsin beating Ohio State.  I also go a lot wrong like saying MSU would go .500 this year.   I thought they would lose to Michigan and Wisconsin but they have gotten through both games. So how will they do this week?

Big Ten Game of Week:

Michigan State at Iowa:  The Hawkeyes had it's table set for a Big Ten Championship with it's win in Ann Arbor and home games against: Wisconsin, MSU, and OSU.  Well, something strange happened on the way to dinner table and Kirk Ferentz went Les Miles and miss managed the clock and cost his team at a shot at least overtime.  After the Michigan game, MSU has struggled against Illinois and Northwestern before pulling both games out late.  The BCS has MSU ranked #5 but some folks are still not buying the Spartans.  You can put "Vegas" in that category and has the Spartans all most a touchdown underdog (6.5) in this game.    This is a put up or shut up game for the Spartans.  If they win this game they will win the Big Ten and go un-defeated this year.  Could Sparty really play for the BCS Championship?  Nope.   Iowa 31  MSU 21


The other games:

Northwestern at Indiana:  I think Northwestern is a decent Big Ten football team and should of had a win over Sparty last week.  Every year Michigan makes IU look really good and then they fall apart.  I was very surprised how they laid down at Illinois last week.  I am off the IU band wagon. NW is a 3 point favorite.  Northwestern 42 IU 28

Purdue at Illinois:  At the beginning of the year, I expected Purdue to be playing pretty good football by now and Illinois heading for a last place finish in the Big Ten.  Well, they have reserved roles and Purdue doesn't have any healthy QB's and Ron Zook is saving his job at Illinois, who has been the surprise of the Big Ten this year (outside of Sparty).  Ron's boys are a 17 point favorite in this game.   This game won't be close either.  Illinois 28 Purdue 7

Ohio State at Minnesota:  How is this a prime time game?  The TV executives whiffed on this one.   This is a match up between the most talented team in the Big Ten vs the least talented team in the Big Ten.  It won't be close.  OSU is favored by 25 points.   OSU 42 Minnesota 10


Wisconsin has a bye week.

I will preview the Michigan at Penn State game on Friday.

Big Ten Preview: Week #8

Michigan is off this week and for Michigan fans a weekend without a Big Ten loss is a good one.  There are some good games this weekend and one that might determine the Big Ten champion. 

There is also a game with a very interesting line.  Any upsets?  

So let's get on with the show.....................

Big Ten Game of the Week

Wisconsin at Iowa: Is clearly the Big Ten game of the week. Iowa comes in after a win in Ann Arbor where they gave up over 500 yards of offense to the Wolverines and Wisconsin had a win over someone like the #1 team in the nation or the Ohio State Buckeyes. Could the Big Ten Title be on the line in this one? It might. Wisky can’t afford a loss and Iowa still hosts the Buckeyes and Spartans. Wisconsin will try to run the football into the strength of the Iowa defense.  Whichever team flinches first will win.  Iowa is favored by 5.5 points. Wisconsin struggles on the road for some reason. Iowa 21 Wisconsin 20


Michigan State at Northwestern: Someone alert the media, The Spartans are un-defeated and ranked #7 in the country. I thought basketball practice just started, I didn’t realize they were playing Big Ten games already. I really think State’s guard play will be the key to victory in this one. Sorry, this is football and State comes in with a win over Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois already and they don’t play Ohio State this year. They have Iowa next week. This is the definition of a trap game. MSU historically has struggled against Northwestern for some reason. Vegas has State only favored by 5: Upset Special of the Week: NW 27 MSU 21


Purdue at Ohio State: Purdue has more starters on the IR list then they do on the field but that hasn’t kept them from winning lately. I’m not sure how they are doing it these days but the backups are playing very well. Purdue upset Pryor and Company the last time they met but this game is in C-Bus where there will be many points scored by the Buckeyes. It will be a payback game after last year and last week.  Ohio State is a 23.5 favorite. OSU 42 Purdue 14


Penn State at Minnesota: Could both of these teams be looking for a new head coach at the end of the year? Minnesota will be for sure and has already started the process. Mike Leach would like it. Which is ok, if you lock all your closets and don’t give Mike the keys. Both of these teams are struggling, Penn State has dropped two in a row in the Big Ten and Minnesota only has one win this year. Penn State will get back their winning ways before Michigan comes to town to play a night game. JoPa is favored by 9.5. Penn State 28 Minnesota 10


Indiana at Illinois: At first glance, this line is very strange to me. Vegas seems to be buying Zook and Company who played pretty well the last three weeks against OSU, PSU, and MSU. IU on the other hand, started the year 4-0 and lost to Michigan at home before getting killed at Ohio State and playing an FCS opponent close. Still IU can score points, even though they can’t stop anyone on defense. Illinois offense has struggled when they get close to the goal line which should be interesting. Is this a sucker bet? Illinois is favored by almost two touchdowns at 13.5 points. That really doesn’t make sense to me, I fully understand that Indiana is on their regular Big Ten downturn but they still can score points! Indiana 31 Illinois 27

Big Ten Preview and Picks Week 7

This week there are 2 Big Ten Teams with a bye (Penn State and Northwestern) and another one playing an out of conference game.   A pretty strange week for the Big Ten that does have some headline games.


Big Ten Game of the Week

#1 Ohio State at #18 Wisconsin:  In my pre-season prediction I picked Wisconsin in this match up, they dominated the game in Columbus last year but gave up 3 non-traditional touchdowns on pick 6 and 2 touchdowns on special teams.  (Can you really dominate a game that you were blown out in?  Probably not).  The Wisconsin crowd will be "jumping all around" and we be ready for a 7:00 EST kick off.  Pryor struggled the last time he was in Madison but did lead a last minute drive for the win.  Like, I mentioned before I liked Wisconsin before their trip to East Lansing.   OSU did struggle on the road against a all of a sudden not terrible Illinois team.    The Buckeyes are a 3.5 favorite on the road.  This is a coin flip game for me and one that "the Vest" doesn't seem to lose.  OSU 24  Wisc 21


The Rest of the Big 10...............

Arkansas State at Indiana:  IU got brought back to earth last Saturday with their trip to C-BUS.  IU's quick start now as 2 loses in a row.  Well time to relax, sit back and watch IU beat Arkansas State on Saturday.   Well, Arkansas State can play a little bit of football and played Louisville with in 10 points a couple of weeks ago.  IU is only a 11.5 favorite.  Still IU will throw and throw often:  IU 32  Ark State 17

Minnesota at Purdue:  Somehow Purdue won last week when their official mascot got changed from a Train or a Big Drum to Perry. 

I guess Perry can play some football and Purdue beat a decent Northwestern team last week.  I didn't see the game and not sure how that happened.  Minnesota comes to town with the title of the worst team in the Big Ten with an overall record of 1-5.  If Perry comes to play, I think Purdue can win this game.  If Perry is out with a second ACL, Tim Brewster and crew can finally get a Big Ten win.   Purdue is favored by 5.5 this week (what is with all the 1/2 points this week?).   Purdue 21 Minnesota 20


Illinois at Michigan State:  Who are these teams?  The Spartans are talking Rose Bowl after wins over Wisconsin and Michigan.  Illinois is talking Pizza Bowl after playing well against Ohio State and beating Penn State on the road.  To quote Lombardi, "What the hell is going on out there?"  The Spartans are projected to be #10 in the BCS ranking when they come out on Sunday.   So 2 of Michigan rivals could be in the top 10 of the BCS rankings.  Sorry, I need to use the rest room for a second.  My breakfast bagel isn't sitting well after writing that.  How about Purdue's new Mascot - Perry?

Sorry, where were we?  Got ya, thanks.  Michigan State historically has had a let down after playing Michigan.  Usually it's against Northwestern.  I have a weird feeling about this game (maybe it's the breakfast bagel?) that maybe Illinois could pretend they are in the Big House and upset the Spartans.  MSU is only favored by a touchdown so Vegas isn't sold that the Spartans will run away with this game either.  Are these the new Spartans?  MSU 27 Illinois 17



Thought for the day:  You could make a case for either team in all the "conference" games this week.  All the lines in the head to head Big Ten match ups are under a touchdown.  Could be an interesting weekend. 


I will of course preview the Michigan - Iowa game on Friday.

Big Ten Week 6 Pick and Previews

There is clearly one big time game this weekend in the Big Ten.  That game will get reviewed by me tomorrow in my regular Michigan game preview. 

Here are the rest of the games:

Indiana at Ohio State:  Indiana's offense looked un-stoppable at times against Michigan's defense last week.  Terrelle Pryor banged up his leg in an un-inspiring win over Ron Zook at Illinois last Saturday.  At first glance, I think IU's Pistol offense could give the Buckeyes some trouble but then I think about the 2009 season when IU and Michigan played a similar game and then IU won only one Big Ten game the rest of the year.  If IU doesn't turn the ball over, I think this becomes another shoot out but I honestly think Ohio State's defense will slow or stop IU's attack a number of times.  Which is all they need since, IU's defense is pretty poor.  Ohio State is favored by 3 touchdowns or -21.5.    OSU 42 IU 24

Minnesota at Wisconsin:  Both teams are coming off big losses.  The Golden Gophers had a chance  to turn around their season with a home win against NW last week and lost by 1 point.  If this trend keeps up I don't think Tim Brewester is going to make it to Halloween and most definitely not past Thanksgiving.  Wisconsin on the other hand went from Big Ten Champ contender to after thought after their loss at East Lansing.  I think Wisky will start slow in this one, thinking about Sparty but will pick it up in the second half.  We have another big line with Wisconsin favored by 22.5 points.    Wisconsin 28 Minnesota 14

Illinois at Penn State:  Another game with both parties coming off losses.  Penn State lost at a good Iowa team and Illinois lost to a good Ohio State game.  Both of these teams are struggling and Penn State is just a better team on defense.   This will be a game that only PSU fans will like. JoPa is favored by 7.5 points.   Penn State 20 Illinois 10 

Purdue at Northwestern:  I'm not sure Purdue has enough healthy players to fill out the travel team.   Northwestern on the other hand is quietly un-defeated with wins over teams like Rice, Minnesota, Vandy, and Central Michigan.  Danny Hope's mustache gives his team a slight edge but that can't beat a balanced Northwestern team by itself.   NW is rated #23 in passing yards nationally and #29 in the nation in points against at only 18 points a game.   The line has NW - 9.5.  Northwestern 28 Purdue 7


Iowa is off.


A thought for the day:  After last weeks game, many Big Ten fans are feeling that Indiana might be a decent team this year (at least on the offense side of the ball).   Bowl bound right?  Well, after this weeks game in Columbus they host Arkansas State at home.  Then they only have 2 more home games in the Big Ten.  How does that happen you ask?  IU sold one of their home games to FedEX Field against Penn State.  Which might have back fired.  PSU is not as good as they have been the past couple of years (which means PSU fans might not pay top dollar to watch them play Indiana) and IU would have a great chance to beat them if they left the home game alone.  Oops.


Like mentioned above:  I will preview the Michigan - Michigan State game on Friday.

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week #4

This has to be one of the most "down" weeks in Big Ten scheduling history.  It is full of Big Ten vs MAC teams and teams like Austin Peay and Northern Colorado.  Yikes, I'm not sure I can remember a Saturday when there wasn't at least one decent game in Big Ten country.   I wonder who Nebraska is playing?  Answer: South Dakota State.  Never mind.

Big Ten Game of the Week (Big Reach):

Temple at Penn State:  I did a Big Ten Preview for the Michigan Man podcast in August.  Two things I predicted was Arizona would beat Iowa and that Temple would upset Penn State.   Temple is a pretty good team that has wins over Villanova (#1 ranked in the FCS), Central Michigan, and UConn already this year.   If Penn State sleeps on Temple they will find themselves with a L on Saturday.  The line is PSU -13.5.  So Vegas is buying this won't be a blow out.  I will stay with my prediction:  Temple 21 PSU 20

The Other Games

Northern Colorado at MSU:  This will be the first game for the Spartans without their head coach after his heart attack on Sunday morning.  MSU will be inspired and this one won't be close.  Line is MSU -30.5.  MSU 42 NCU 10

Austin Peay at Wisconsin:  Wow, is this a basketball game?  It seems more like a December basketball game and not a football game in September.   Expect a huge day on the ground from the Badgers.  Line is -43 for Wisky.  Take the points with AP!  Wisconsin 40 AP 3

EMU at Ohio State:  I feel bad for former Michigan DC Ron English.  He is still trying to get his first win at Eastern and this is not the week.  I hope the Eagles got paid.  Line is OSU -44.  Yes, 44.   Vest 51 EMU 14

Akron at Indiana:  IU likes to score points and Akron has to travel from Ohio.   That's about all.  IU is favored by 22.5 points.  I think this one is a little closer then that.  IU 28 Akron 14

Northern Illinois at Minnesota:  Vegas thinks this will be the closet Big Ten game of the week with the Golden Gophers favored by 4.5.  The gophers are a mess right now and some people are predicting that thier head coach might not make it until Halloween.   Minnesota needs a win dearly.  I think they get one on Saturday.  Minnesota 24 NIU 17

Toledo at Purdue:  The Boilermakers are beat up and haven't been playing very well when healthy.  Toledo might make this game interesting.  The line has Purdue by 11.5.  I think Toledo will play well.  Purdue 17 Toledo 14

Central Michigan at Northwestern:  Central Michigan is a pretty good team and they are not having post Butch Jones problems.  On the other hand, Butch already has 2 losses at Cincinnati and they host Oklahoma this weekend.  I wonder if Butch looked at the schedule before taking the job at UC?   Central has been known for their high powered offense, but would you be surprised to learn that CMU has the 4th ranked defense in the country? They are giving up 9 points a game.  I had high hope for NW this year and they are starting to turn the corner with a 30-13 win over Rice last week.   These teams seem very similar (NW only gives up 12 points a game) and the line is NW -6.5.   NW 14 CMU 10

Illinois has a bye. 


I will preview the Michigan - BGSU game on Friday. 


A Thought to Ponder Today:  What should this weekend be called?  MAC Attack?  MAC invasion?  Big MAC Weekend?