Seven of the 11 games involving Big Ten teams were within four points last week. Doubtful that we’re going to get the same number of great games this weekend, but a couple certainly stand out. Besides the marquee game of the week with Michigan State and Notre Dame, we could also see competitive games with Northern Illinois at Purdue, Indiana at Akron, Arizona at Iowa, and Northwestern at Syracuse.
Temple at No. 5 Penn State
Line: Penn State -30
Prediction: Penn State wins 42-3
Penn State didn’t put up as many points as I expected against the ‘Cuse, and the running game hasn’t solidified yet for the Lions. But Daryll Clark leads the conference in TD throws and yards per game, and Penn State could call nothing but passing plays against Temple and still win by four touchdowns.
No. 8 Cal at Minnesota
Line: Minnesota +14
Prediction: Cal wins 38-17
This one seems to be the popular upset pick in the Big Ten this week. I’m still not impressed with Minnesota, despite beating Syracuse in overtime and won against Air Force 20-13. Cal visits Minnesota in the new TCF Stadium, but I’m thinking Cal will be victorious against the Gophers on Saturday.
Ohio State outplayed USC for much of the game, but came up short against USC in week 2.
No. 11 Ohio State at Toledo (at Toledo?! Cleveland Browns Stadium)
Line: Ohio State -20
Prediction: Ohio State wins 31-10
What can you say about a team that averages 45 points against per game in it’s first two games, and actually has a WIN? Sure, Toledo was able to hang half-a-hundred on Colorado, but it won’t happen against Ohio State. The Buckeyes will be looking for a rebound after losing a close game against USC.
Eastern Michigan at No. 25 Michigan
Line: Michigan -24
Prediction: Michigan wins 38-10
Some in the Michigan camp are calling this game a potential trap game. Trap game? What, you think the team is looking ahead to Indiana? Come on, get a grip. I realize that it’s former Blue defensive coordinator Ron English’s return to the Big Hole, but this isn’t going to be Appalachian State circa 2007.
Woffard at Wisconsin
Line: No line due to I-AA
Prediction: Wisconsin wins 31-7
Wisconsin got taken to overtime last week against a Fresno State team that is currently getting handled by Boise State. Should be an easier go for Wisconsin as they take on FCS Woffard, who are 1-1 after an opening game loss to South Florida and a second week win against Charlestown Southern.
Northern Illinois at Purdue
Line: Purdue -13
Who would have thought Ralph Bolden would be leading the nation in rushing?
Prediction: Purdue wins 31-21
Purdue was supposed to be in the cellar of the big ten. Three weeks in, and who would have thought that the Boilers would have the leading rusher in the country, and would be leading the Big Ten in total offense (493 yards per game) and scoring offense (44 points per game)? Certainly not I. I’m sticking with the Boilers, 31-21.
Michigan State at Notre Dame
Line: Michigan State -10 1/2
Prediction: Notre Dame wins 24-17
Our Spartans are just a bit overmatched this weekend. While Notre Dame is likely overrated, there are still a lot of question marks on the Spartan squad. Are we really going to continue this two quarterback thing? Can the offensive line open up enough holes to let someone run the ball consistently? Will the defensive backs continue to give opposing receivers so much cushion you could take a nap on the field? We will see tomorrow. Notre Dame has a tendency to be their own worst enemy. If it’s close going into the fourth, all bets are off. You can read the full preview here.
Indiana at Akron
Line: Indiana +5 1/2
Prediction: Indiana wins 27-17
Something about the non-conference schedule makes some teams completely manic. Akron lost by 24 to Penn State, only to rebound by scoring 41 against Morgan State. Three hours ago, I probably would have been compelled to pick the Zips. But then they suspended their starting quarterback Chris Jacquemain indefinitely, and backup Matt Rodgers has had more success as a rusher than a passer. Indiana wins this one, 27-17.
Arizona at Iowa
Iowa freshman Brandon Wegher ran for 101 yards and a touchdown against rival Iowa State.
Line: Iowa -5 1/2
Prediction: Iowa wins 31-24
This could shake out to be an interesting game. Iowa started the season slowly against Northern Iowa, then took control against in-state rival Iowa State. Meanwhile, Arizona shut down what we have found out to be a pretty good Central Michigan squad, then beat Northern Arizona last week. The rushing game is starting to come together for the Hawkeyes, I have them winning 31-24.
Northwestern at Syracuse
Line: Northwestern -4
Prediction: Syracuse wins 24-23
With all the preseason discussion about adding a twelfth team to the Big Ten, it appears that Syracuse has managed to get nearly half way there just through it’s non-conference schedule. The Orange play their third (and final) game against a Big Ten squad when they face Northwestern tomorrow. They went into overtime against Minnesota, then held Penn State to 28 points. I’m calling the upset (albeit a small upset) against Northwestern, Fighting Greg Paulus’ win 24-23.
Update: I originally and erroneously said that Ohio State was playing at Toledo. While Toledo is technically the home team, they are playing at a neutral site in Cleveland Browns Stadium. Needless to say, it will be filled with Buckeye fans. The change has been noted above.
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