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We're almost two the end, kids. In two weeks the losing will be over, Darrell Hazell will accomplish history by becoming the first Purdue coach in 68 years to lose the Bucket three straight times, and we can stuff football away safely where Morgan Burke wants to stuff it. At least we now have basketball to ease the suffering.
There are only six games in the B1G this week. Wisconsin and Penn State both have the week off, so let's get into the six games:
Ohio State (9-0, 5-0) at Illinois (5-4, 2-3) Noon, ABC
A victory by the Buckeyes would give them the longest regular season winning streak in conference play across all of college football. Amazingly, Urban Meyer has NEVER lost a Big Ten regular season game. This week we will likely see Illinois go back to being Illinois instead of the rolling juggernaut they were last week. Ohio State 38, Illinois 14
Maryland (2-7, 0-5) at Michigan State (8-1, 4-1) Noon, ESPN2
The Terrapins are a dead team walking. They have some hope for one more win by getting Indiana and Rutgers in the last two weeks, but they are the only team in Big Ten play that has played worse than Purdue. Meanwhile, Michigan State is probably pissed off about last week and out for blood. They still control their destiny to win the Big Ten and have a huge game at Ohio State next week. Michigan State 41, Maryland 10
Purdue (2-7, 1-4) at Northwestern (7-2, 3-2) Noon, BTN
Two lousy offenses here, but at least Northwestern has a good defense. Juan and I will be in Evanston, but I am not sure why. After Hazell got his vote of confidence last night I hope it means something to this team, but I doubt it. We're just a terrible team that has lucked into a win because we faced a walk-on quarterback that had a meltdown. Northwestern 24, Purdue 7
Nebraska (4-6, 2-4) at Rutgers (3-6, 1-5) 3:30pm, BTN
This is essentially a loser leaves town match. The winner can still get to a bowl game, though Nebraska has the harder path with Iowa at the end. Rutgers still has Army and Maryland. The loser has seven losses and will join Maryland and Purdue on the bench. At least last week Nebraska showed a little something. If you look at On the Banks they are in Dead Coach Walking mode like Purdue is. Nebraska 31, Rutgers 24
Michigan (7-2, 4-1) at Indiana (4-5, 0-5) 3:30pm, ABC/ESPN2
This is an interesting game because Indiana is genuinely good for three quarters, then folds at the end. They can definitely give Michigan a game, but the Wolverines have one of the best defenses in America. That is going to be the difference here. Michigan can get key stops while Indiana cannot. Michigan 27, Indiana 17
Minnesota (4-5, 1-4) at Iowa (9-0, 5-0) 8pm, BTN
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It's the Floyd game! The Gophers need a victory to keep some bowl hopes alive, while Iowa has its eyes on a trip to Indianapolis and maybe the playoff. At this point they are likely winning the West because they would have to drop two of three to Minnesota, Purdue, and Nebraska, which is not happening, especially if they win this game. Iowa 24, Minnesota 17