Purdue (5-1, 1-1) at
Michigan (4-2, 2-0)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Ann Arbor, Mich.
Line: Michigan by 5
TV: BTN
What’s at stake: Check this logic: If Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden isn’t the Heisman front runner then Mike Hart has to be. After breaking the school record for total career rushing yards during his 214- yard performance against Eastern Michigan last week, Hart jumped to second among the nation’s running backs in total yards with 976. This week, Hart goes up against Purdue’s rush defense, which yields 136.3 yards per game. Here’s some more logic: If Hart has a field day, expect him to leapfrog McFadden in both the statistical categories and the Heisman chase.
Overview: Even after last Saturday’s Ohio State loss, Purdue still ranks first in the Big Ten in scoring offense, averaging 39 points a game. Hence, this will not be a defensive battle.
Prediction:
Michigan 27, Purdue 24
No. 19 Wisc. (5-1, 2-1) at Penn St. (4-2, 1-2)
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: University Park, Pa.
Line: Penn State by 6.5
TV: ABC
What’s at stake: With last week’s cheers of “overrated” still ringing in their ears, the Badgers are in dire need of a statement victory. Luckily, being pinned as the underdog for a road game against an unranked conference opponent is just the kind of motivation this team needs to rebound from its horrid loss to Illinois. Meanwhile, Penn State may have saved its season by clobbering Iowa – a team that has been historically tough on the Nittany Lions – but it is by no means out of the woods yet. Having been stuck with the toughest Big Ten schedule, Penn State needs to take advantage of every last remaining home contest before the onslaught of road tests.
Overview: Both the Badgers and the Nittany Lions are entering this afternoon grudge match shorthanded. Wisconsin’s leading receiver and best offensive weapon (no, it’s not P.J. Hill), Luke Swan, suffered a serious hamstring injury during the 31-26 loss to the Fighting Illini and will be out for the rest of the season. Austin Scott, Penn State’s lightning-quick running back, has been suspended by Coach Joe Paterno for violating team rules. Needless to say, the Badgers’ defense and the Nittany Lions’ offense both have their backs against the wall. The decisions made by Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli will likely determine the outcome of this game as long as Wisconsin’s secondary doesn’t fall asleep in Happy Valley … again.
Prediction:
Wisconsin 34, Penn State 20
No. 18 Illinois (5-1, 3-0) at Iowa (2-4, 0-3)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Iowa City, Iowa
Line: Illinois by 3
TV: ESPN2
What’s at stake: Many people think the Fighting Illini are playing outside of themselves. A well-known recruiter is calling games better than some of the most respected coaches in the Big Ten. An erratic, reckless quarterback is making sound decisions and refusing to commit turnovers. A school that hasn’t been ranked since 2001 is now considered to be the 18th-best team in the country. And after sticking it to Wisconsin last week in Champaign, Ill., the Big Ten is beginning to realize that the Illinois revival is for real. Can the Illini possibly keep up this furious pace? Can they really go undefeated in the conference? Well, against Iowa, let’s just say their prospects looks good.
Overview: Arrelious Benn, Rashard Mendenhall, Juice Williams. The Illini have too many offensive threats for Iowa’sdefense. After this game, the Big Ten might have to consider instituting the slaughter rule.
Prediction:
Illinois 31, Iowa 10
Indiana (5-1, 2-1) at Mich. St. (4-2, 0-2)
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: East Lansing, Mich.
Line: Michigan State by 5.5
TV: BTN
What’s at stake: The Hoosiers are one win away from becoming bowl eligible. Michigan State is playing for its first, and long overdue, Big Ten victory. Both schools boast impressive quarterbacks. Michigan State’s junior gunslinger Brian Hoyer is one of the most accurate passers in the league with 10 touchdowns compared to only three interceptions. Indiana’s Kellen Lewis has already passed for 1,463 yards and rushed for 447. This game won’t be a one-on-one contest, but expect the QBs to be a major factor in the outcome.
Overview: Coach Mark Dantonio has gotten off to a rough start in conference play, but that doesn’t mean he can’t win in this league … or can’t he?
Prediction:
Michigan State 41, Indiana 27
Reach Matthew Murray at [email protected].
