:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65661061/usa_today_13607825.0.jpg)
With three Big Ten teams undefeated into the second week of November the conference has a great chance of returning to the Playoff this year, especially since Ohio State is ducking Purdue by having us suck and miss the Big Ten Championship Game. This week we could have a preview of that game as Penn State heads to Minnesota, and the Gophers can all but lock up the West with a win.
#4 Penn State (8-0, 5-0) at #17 Minnesota (8-0, 5-0) Noon, ABC
I kind of believe in Minnesota. Yes, they have had a lot of close calls, but they certainly know how to pull out close games. This is probably their biggest game in decades and with a win, they virtually lock up the Big Ten West. As it stands, they are already in really, really good shape, as they would only need to beat Northwestern and the winner of the Wisconsin-Iowa game to head to Indianapolis. I think this ends up being a great game and you know what, I am gonna pick the Gophers. Minnesota 24, Penn State 21
Maryland (3-6, 1-5) at #1 Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) Noon, FOX
Ohio State essentially has two bye weeks before a two-game season against Penn State and Michigan. There is going to be blood here, everywhere. Ohio State 59, Maryland 0
Purdue (3-6, 2-4) at Northwestern (1-7, 0-6) Noon, BTN
It is Aidan O’Connell’s time to shine, but with David Bell questionable per Jeff Brohm’s comments do we have guys for him to throw to? Expect a lot of tight end usage and hopefully it is a breakout game for King Doerue. Northwestern’s offense is terrible. We just need to get to 20 points. I think O’Connell can get us to 20. Purdue 20, Northwestern 10
Illinois (5-4, 3-3) at Michigan State (4-4, 2-3) 3:30pm, Fox Sports 1
Could we have bowl eligible Illinois after this week? The Fighting Illini have been riding high for a month since the shocking upset of Wisconsin. Now they get a Michigan State team that has been offensively challenged all season long. Michigan State has only scored 17 in the last three games, but they were against Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Penn State. At least they have Rutgers and Maryland at the end of the schedule. Illinois 21, Michigan State 17
#18 Iowa (6-2, 3-2) at #13 Wisconsin (6-2, 3-2) 4pm, FOX
Black Heart Gold Pants Preview
This is basically a loser leaves town match for the Big Ten West. The winner is the last team standing that can really challenge Minnesota. Even then, the winner would have to beat the Gophers in their remaining game. I have no idea what to think of Wisconsin, who seems broken since the Illinois game. If they still struggle this week that gives me a small amount of hope for next week. Wisconsin 24, Iowa 17