:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61383861/usa_today_11206811.1536850384.jpg)
We have a lot more this week in the annual Big Ten/MAC challenge, but unfortunately it was our own Purdue that became the first (and maybe only) victim this year. There are four Big Ten/Mac games and the league is comfortably favored in all four. In fact, is the strongest chance we have for an undefeated week as a conference. Only Purdue, Illinois, and Ohio State are facing serious challenges. Everyone else should roll.
Kent State (1-1) at No. 11 Penn State (2-0) Noon, Fox Sports 1
If Kent State can’t beat Illinois they won’t beat Penn State. Penn State 48, Kent State 7
Rutgers (1-1) at Kansas (1-1) Noon, Fox Sports Regional
It is the year 2018 when virtually every college football game is easily viewable, but this one is not. Kansas actually won a real, live road game a week ago, but still lost to an FCS team. Rutgers actually scored on Ohio State. That is the limit to which I am writing about this game, and it is a service it is barely televised. Rutgers 21, Kansas 17
Ball State (1-1) at Indiana (2-0) Noon, BTN
Ball state recently had a three-game winning streak over Indiana and didn’t look that bad last week against Notre Dame. The Cardinals were not a good team last year at 2-10, but they still came close to upsetting Illinois. Aside from that, they gave up more than 50 points to five different teams. Their defense is at least better this year, so this might have some upset potential. Indiana 31, Ball State 17
Temple (0-2) at Maryland (2-0) Noon, BTN
Temple lost to an FCS team and Buffalo, so they suck. Maryland 40, Temple 10
Troy (1-1) at Nebraska (0-1) Noon, BTN
I think Troy might be a good G5 team, but are they good enough to beat a Nebraska team that is clearly still a work in progress? I don’t know. They were drilled by Boise State and they, in turn, drilled Florida A&M. This is probably a game where they hang around for a while before fading late to give Scott Frost his first win. Nebraska 34, Troy 21
BYU (1-1) at No. 6 Wisconsin (2-0) 3:30pm, ABC
BYU is always an interesting challenge. They have a win at Arizona but lost at home to California. That might mean they are good, but Wisconsin certainly is playing on another level at the moment. Jonathan Taylor is averaging almost 200 yards per game on the ground, but this is the toughest defense he has faced so far. Wisconsin 30, BYU 20
SMU (0-2) at No. 19 Michigan (1-1)
Michigan found an offense last week against Western Michigan and now they face a team giving up 44 points per game. That likely means another blowout for the week. The Mustangs just do not have the offense to keep pace. Michigan 49, SMU 10
Miami (OH) (0-2) at Minnesota (2-0) 3:30pm, BTN
Minnesota surprised me last week with a stout defense and one hell of a play by Antoine Winfield Jr. to clinch the game. Miami was shut out a week ago against Cincinnati. The Gophers reaching a bowl game is predicated on winning this game and getting to 3-0 out of conference. Do that, and they can definitely find three wins on the conference schedule. Minnesota 27, Miami (OH) 13
South Florida (2-0) at Illinois (2-0) 3:30pm, BTN
Speaking of 2-0 teams, the Illini are 2-0! Now they get a South Florida team that is 2-0 and has a win over Georgia Tech. Can Illinois reach a bowl game if they finish the non-conference 3-0? Well, they do play Rutgers, Purdue, Minnesota, and Nebraska down the road. It would be a major surprise, but if Illinois can win this one they definitely crawl out of the Big Ten cellar. South Florida 31, Illinois 17
Northern Iowa (0-1) at Iowa (2-0) 7:30pm, BTN
Black Heart Gold Pants Preview
Northern Iowa is always a pesky FCS team and they have had two weeks to prepare for an Iowa team coming off of a dull win in El Assico. Northern Iowa only lost to Montana 26-23 in week one. Iowa should win this one, but I bet it is going to be boring as hell. Iowa 27, Northern Iowa 10
Akron (1-0) at Northwestern (1-1) 7:30pm, BTN
What is the real Northwestern? Losing 21-7 at home to Duke was a shock and makes me question how good Purdue is for losing to them by 4 and giving up 31 points. Now they get Akron who has a blowout of an FCS team to its credit and a weather cancellation. They might be able to hang around a bit here, but Northwestern should still win.
Missouri (2-0) at Purdue (0-2) 7:30pm, BTN
So here we are at our game and I don’t know what to think. I know we can play well enough to win this game. I was surprised that the Missouri writers were more confident in us. I have been down though because there really should have been no way we lost the EMU game. It happened though, and the truth is that this could be a step back year before a leap forward in 2019. I would not be surprised if we came out, played well, and won by a touchdown. I also would not be surprised if we got absolutely blown out. If Purdue wins, it is a testament to Brohm’s abilities because it means he has fixed some glaring issues in a week, while a loss probably showcases a lack of talent. As long as we don’t start losing recruits I am still going to trust Brohm and judge him when those guys get here just because his 2019 class is significantly better, top to bottom, than any class currently on the roster. Missouri 41, Purdue 27
No. 4 Ohio State (2-0) vs. No. 15 TCU (2-0) at Jerry World 8pm, ABC
Is this the week we get the “Ohio State has overcome so much adversity” montage since Urban Meyer is still suspended? If they lose this, especially in a close one, they have their built in excuse to argue for the playoff at 12-1. The thing is, Ohio State’s offense has been a death star so far, and I don’t see it slowing down. Ohio State 41, TCU 23