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Only one team is off this week, and that is Indiana. Everyone else is in play with one game being a top 25 face off. This is the week we start to see some teams begin to pull away in each division. Ohio State can take firm control of the East at 3-0. Wisconsin is the favorite in the West, but Iowa and Minnesota can stay undefeated to push them.
Kent State (2-2) at #8 Wisconsin (4-0) Noon, ESPNU
Wisconsin has outscored its non-conference opponents 110-0 so far, so can they pitch a complete shutout of their opponents? I think so, because Kent State is… not good. Wisconsin 55, Kent State 0
Purdue (1-3, 0-1) at #12 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) Noon, ESPN
I don’t think Purdue wins this. If it does, it would be in a similar style to the Ohio State upset last year where the Buckeyes gained a ton of yards, but couldn’t produce points in the red zone. I think they got something like 6 points on 5 red zone trips because of a missed field goal, and a few fourth down stops. It is hard to see Purdue winning this game unless Penn State makes a ton of errors and turnovers, and the Boilers are dead last in the Big Ten in turnover margin, having gotten just two and given up 10. I do think we can at least cosmetically make it better with some late drives and the freshmen show some fight. Penn State 45, Purdue 24
#14 Iowa (4-0, 1-0) at #19 Michigan (3-1, 1-1) Noon, FOX
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This should be a very interesting game, because Michigan fans are ready to melt down after what happened against Wisconsin. If they drop this one they are in danger of losing more conference games than they win because Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State still remain on the schedule. Iowa can also make a move into the top 10 with a victory, thus making their inexplicable home loss to Purdue in a few weeks that much more exciting. Iowa 24, Michigan 21
Maryland (2-2, 0-1) at Rutgers (1-3, 0-2) Noon, BTN
Yes, this is a Big Ten game. No, it probably won’t matter at all in the Big Ten standings. Maryland is an impressive freefall after being briefly ranked. Rutgers is starting the coaching cycle anew after winning just 8 games in four years. I still can’t believe that one of those wins was over Purdue. As for this game, Maryland wins. Maryland 31, Rutgers 17
Illinois (2-2, 0-1) at Minnesota (4-0, 1-0) 3:30pm, BTN
Is Lovie Smith next on the chopping block? Minnesota has not been pretty, but they have four single possession wins and anyone would take that. They are looking for a modicum of revenge here too after Illinois ran them out of Champaign last season. I don’t think that happens again, as Tanner Morgan is playing some really good football right now. Minnesota 38, Illinois 21
Northwestern (1-3, 0-2) at Nebraska (3-2, 1-1) 4pm, FOX
If Purdue is going to make a bowl game (and yes, I think we can still make a bowl game) it has to beat both of these teams. Neither has looked very good so far, but at least Nebraska has shown a bit of an offense. Hunter Johnson has been a disaster for Northwestern at quarterback. They can’t move the ball at all, so if Northwestern wins this Nebraska can freak out. Nebraska 27, Northwestern 13
#25 Michigan State (4-1, 2-0) at #4 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0) 7:30pm, ABC
Here is your top 25 matchup of the week, and Michigan State has usually played Ohio State pretty close over the years. The Buckeyes are looking rather impressive this year and there is no Purdue to stop them since it is unlikely we’re going to make the Big Ten championship game. I don’t think anyone is on the same level as them in the conference. Ohio State 38, Michigan State 17