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It’s almost over. That’s what we’re telling ourselves. In 9 days this season will mercifully end, hopefully with a shock bucket win to deny Indiana a bowl game. Until then, we must endure Wisconsin coming to town. I really hope our guys believe they can win, because don’t think anyone else does.
Ohio State (9-1, 6-1) at Michigan State (3-7, 1-6) Noon, ESPN
Michigan State officially ruined Ohio State’s “unenjoyable grind” season last year (moment of silence and pity for their fans having to go through an arduous and awful 12-1 campaign after winning a National title), now they can do it again. Well, it helped that Michigan state was insanely good last year and this year they are… not as good. At least we know both of these teams can shutout Rutgers. Ohio State 45, Michigan State 14
Iowa (6-4, 4-3) at Illinois (3-7, 2-5) Noon, BTN
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The most Iowa move ever would be to drop at game at Illinois after a huge home upset of Michigan. It probably won’t happen, but admit it: You can see it happen, can’t you? At least the Illini were nice enough to gift us with a conference win this year. Iowa 38, Illinois 17
Maryland (5-5, 2-5) at Nebraska (8-2, 5-2) Noon, ESPNNews
In 2006 this could have been an Orange Bowl matchup between the ACC champ and the Big 12 champ. Now it is a Big Ten on campus conference game. Nebraska may be without its quarterback, but Maryland has looked pretty bad when not playing the likes of Purdue. Lucky for their bowl chances, they get Rutgers next. Nebraska 31, Maryland 14
Wisconsin (8-2, 5-2) at Purdue (3-7, 1-6) Noon, ABC
We get a national broadcast on ABC, but it will be cold, windy, rainy and very ugly on the field. There is a very strong potential for attendance to be under 20,000 actually in the stadium, which makes it even more appropriate when Morgan Burke is honored. It is my hope that the Wisconsin fans there (which will probably outnumber Purdue fans, and we thank you for chipping into our coffers) will help us in booing him. Just when I was hoping Purdue football might be moving forward even a little, the rumors of Skip Holtz and Greg Olson as incredibly underwhelming hires make me wonder if Burke’s parting gift is a hand in hiring Hazell’s replacement. Wisconsin is playing for a Big Ten title and possibly a playoff spot. Purdue is playing because it is contractually obligated by the Big Ten to do so. Wisconsin 57, Purdue 10
Indiana (5-5, 3-4) at Michigan (9-1, 6-1) 3:30pm, ESPN
First off, hammer Indiana if you’re putting money on this. Michigan is a 24 point favorite, but is without its starting quarterback. Indiana has not beaten the Wolverines since approximately the Fillmore administration, but the last few games have been entertaining as hell. They are going to hang around. Michigan is probably going to win because, well, they are Michigan and they never lose to Indiana in football, but boy this is going to be a fun game to watch. Michigan 41, Indiana 35
Northwestern (5-5, 4-3) at Minnesota (7-3, 4-3) 3:30pm, BTN
I think Northwestern is still running for an obscene amount of yards. They’ll face a much tougher run defense this week in the Gophers, but Northwestern still looked awfully good last week, Purdue factor or not. Minnesota still needed a late defensive stop and turnover to beat Purdue, and that was only 2 weeks ago. That’s enough for me. Northwestern 27, Minnesota 21
Penn State (8-2, 6-1) at Rutgers (2-8, 0-7) 8pm, BTN
The only thing that would make me watch this game would be the unbelievable amounts of hilarity that would come from Penn State, in all their glorious “We’re back!!!!” celebrations, receiving a Wraith of God level of karmic payback by losing to an absolutely deplorable Rutgers team. Penn State 62, Rutgers 0