Four of the six games this weekend ended up pretty darn good. We all expected MSU vs. Michigan and Wisconsin vs. Minnesota to be solid games. Even Northwestern and Purdue wasn’t really a surprise. But Iowa vs. Arkansas State? Really? Yep, the Red Wolves are the second FCS team to give the Fighting Kirk Ferentz’ fits. I was 4-2 this week, brining me to 34-10 (.772) on the year.
#22 Michigan at Michigan State (Noon)
Line: Michigan State by 2
Prediction: MSU wins 34-28
Result: MSU wins 26-20
Well, it rained. And Forcier was healthy. And wouldn’t you know, MSU still won the game. Okay, so my prediction was pretty wide open, so I guess I set myself up so I couldn’t really be all that wrong. For the most part though, I felt like there would be lots of points put on the board, and there really weren’t. If it weren’t for a mini-meltdown in the last five minutes of the game, I would have looked joyfully foolish.
Wisconsin at Minnesota (Noon)
Line: Minnesota by 3
Prediction: Minnesota wins 35-31
Result: Wisconsin wins 31-28
Do I get points for at least getting the score pretty close? No? Fine then. Both Adam Weber and Eric Decker went off. Weber was 16-30 (okay not so great) for 271 yards (that’s better). Decker had 8 receptions for 140 yards and a TD. But Decker didn’t get an awesomely bloody chin, so I guess he came up short. Something tells me when your two best players have a damn good game and you don’t win the game, things aren’t looking so hot.
Northwestern at Purdue (Noon)
Line: Purdue by 7
Prediction: Purdue wins 31-28
Result: Northwestern wins 27-21
Purdue did pretty much everything they could to give the game away, and it still took Northwestern until 2:09 left in the game to take advantage of six (yes, six!) turnovers to take their first lead of the game. The Boilers were in the lead 21-3 in the second quarter. After a Wildcat touchdown to bring the score to 21-10, Purdue gave up three consecutive field goals to bring the game to 21-19. Then Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka scored on a 2-yard run to take the lead. Purdue would drive, but QB Joey Elliot would overthrow his wide receiver while scrambling out of the pocket and seal the deal for the Cats.
Arkansas State at #13 Iowa (12:05 PM EST)
Line: Iowa by 21
Prediction: Iowa wins 38-3
Result: Iowa wins 24-21
Teams would be smart to declare relegation to the FCS when they play the Hawkeyes. Iowa lead 21-7 going into the final frame, and a late TD brought the Red Wolves within three points but they couldn’t convert the onside kick. Iowa’s margin of victory against FBS opponents has been 17 points. Against FCS foes, just 2 points. The Hawkeyes are playing with fire, and could get burned in the next three weeks as the host Michigan, then go on the road to face the Badgers and the Spartans.
#15 Penn State at Illinois (3:30 PM EST)
Line: Penn State by 6 1/2
Prediction: Penn State wins 27-17
Result: Penn State wins 35-17
Illinois is reeling after winning just one game a third of the way through the season. The Illini fell to Penn State after the Lions put the heat on in the fourth quarter scoring 21 points. Still, the Illini are a talented team, and could be ripe for an upset against the Spartans this weekend. Sure, they have three losses, but those were against Penn State, Ohio State and a 4-0 Missouri team.
#9 Ohio State at Indiana (7:00 PM EST)
Line: Ohio State by 16
Prediction: Ohio State wins 42-17
Result: Ohio State wins 33-14
It was never in doubt as Ohio State was dominant against the Hoosiers. The Buckeyes outgained Indiana by over 200 yards rushing. Seems like Ohio State is the team to beat this year, but I certainly don’t think they’re infallible. It’s a tough schedule to end the season, going to Happy Valley and then taking on the Hawkeyes in the Shoe, before playing an exposed Michigan team in the final game.
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