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I had seriously considered going to tomorrow's game even as late as today. I knew I would never get a chance to go so cheaply as this week, plus I could knock off one of the two remaining Big Ten venues I need to visit before the responsibilities of fatherhood cut into my plans. My tickets for tonight's Bucknell game haven't sold yet, however, and that means I'll be going to watch some basketball instead, mostly because there are a lot more reasons to be excited about that team.
Even though I am not likely headed to Iowa City tonight, here are this week's staff picks. As usual, my pick will be in this afternoon's Big Ten Preview:
Steve Landrey
As we all know, this season has been a colossal let down. We've underachieved from the beginning of Big Ten play and it looks like the end of this season is going to bring a lot of new changes to the program; or so I hope. Iowa is struggling as well this season and quarterback James Vandenberg is having an extremely disappointing season after looking like one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. Even though Iowa is struggling, I have to go with the team that has the home-field advantage. Kinnick Stadium is a tough venue with loyal, rowdy fans. This is looking like it will be an ugly game on both sides of the ball for both teams.
Iowa 24, Purdue 18
Riley Schmitt (resident Purdue spy on Iowa's campus)
I predict I will be drinking all the beer.
Purdue: 10 yard extension for Danny Hope's mustache. Iowa: Wait, I thought they were the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Quick Thoughts on Bucknell " The Railroad Tie
Our fellow Purdue writers chime in on Bucknell.
Three Weeks Left: The Road to Indy Gets Clearer - Off Tackle Empire
With three weeks left and each team holding on to whatever slim margins of victory they can, the path to Indianapolis is becoming clearer for teams in both the Leaders and Legends divisions. This is where we start cheering for Indiana.
Expert predictions for the new season - Men's College Basketball - ESPN
Seventeen brave experts offer their predictions for conference champions, player of the year, the Final Four and the eventual national champion.
The Alphabetical, Week 11: No, you don't know how to read a defense - SBNation.com
Kawann Short gets a brief mention here.
Dispatches From Blogfrica: Hammer & Rails Talks Iowa-Purdue Football - Black Heart Gold Pants
Breaking down the Iowa-Purdue game with Hammer & Rails.
Preseason Bracketology: Louisville is your (very late) preseason top team - SBNation.com
Our boilers are not int he SB nation preseason bracektology, but were considered.
2012-2013 Notre Dame college basketball preview
Purdue's opponent in the Crossroads Classic.
B1G Power Poll: Your Presidential Horserace Edition - Off Tackle Empire
Your B1G team is running a presidential race...no, really.
E’Twaun Moore finds a new home | JCOnline Blogs
Smooge is tearing it up in Orlando.
Danny Etling on Hope, High School and All-American Game | The Black Hammer
The four-star quarterback from Terre Haute South high school will be key to keeping the class together should coach Danny Hope be replaced. Etling said the prospect of someone new at the helm for the Boilermakers was on his mind.
Week 11: We predict all five games " Big Ten Network
"But the Hawkeyes have more fight than the Boilermakers, who have been the most disappointing team in the Big Ten."