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This is the week the schedule gets real for a lot of teams. Cupcakes have been consumed and the one big non-conference opponent usually looms in this week before league play begins in earnest the following week. Our own Boilers have already gotten a home win over a Power 5 team and a tasty cupcake in UConn, but it gets real this week. The same is true for other teams.
Friday
Maryland (2-0, 0-0) at Illinois (1-2, 1-0) 9pm, Fox Sports 1
Even after a pair of ugly non-conference losses the Illini can lead the Big Ten West for another week with a home win over Maryland. This is usually the point where Maryland’s season goes south. They got the nice non-conference win over West Virginia and an FCS blowout. That now represents 25% of the wins Mike Locksley has gotten in College Park. Taulia Tagovailoa has been excellent though and should shred the Illini. Maryland 38, Illinois 24
Saturday
Michigan State (2-0) at #24 Miami (FL) (1-1) Noon, ABC
The Canes are on upset watch. They did not look good against Alabama, but no one looks good against Alabama except the ghost of Joe Tiller dominating the coward Nick Saban. They really struggled with Appalachian State, a good Sun Belt team, but still Appalachian State. Kenneth Walker III just keeps running, and Miami can’t seem to get out of its own way offensively. I think Sparty gets the road upset over Miami-Fluoride. Michigan State 24, Miami (FL) 21
Nebraska (2-1) at #3 Oklahoma (2-0) B1G NUDE SATURDAY, FOX
Corn Nation Preview
The Cornhuskers get a second B1G NUDE SATURDAY appearance, and there is much wankery on the 50thanniversary of the GAME OF THE CENTURY (required by law to be all caps. Sorry). Nebraska at least took care of its business the last two weeks and even avoided the home upset potential against Buffalo, but this is Oklahoma. They are probably gonna die. Oklahoma 42, Nerbaska 21
#8 Cincinnati (2-0) at Indiana (1-1) Noon, ESPN
Crimson Quarry would have to still exist for there to be a preview. Instead, support local business.
Oh Indinia, what will you do this week to embarrass yourselves? Against Iowa it was a misspelled jersey. Last week it was an upside-down victory flag. Now you get a top 10 Cincinnati looking for a Power 5 win in order to build a playoff case. I am really hoping the Bearcats continue the “put Indiana its place” tour after all the hype and “They might win the East!” of the offseason. Shred ‘em, Cincy. Cincinnati 38, Indiana 21
Northern Illinois (1-1) at #25 Michigan (2-0) Noon, BTN
Northern Illinois already has a Power 5 win over Georgia Tech, they have Rocky Lombardi as a certified Wolverine killer, and we haven’t had our annual MAC over B1G upset yet. Another upset would be a surprise though, Michigan is rounding into form a solid 9-3 form where they get their hopes up to beat Ohio State, only to lose yet again. Michigan 31, Northern Illinois 14
Minnesota (2-0) at Colorado (1-1) 1pm, Pac 12 Network
The Gopher running game did not miss a beat last week with Mo Ibrahim out, as Treyson Potts ran for 178 yards and two scores. They still had a one point game in the fourth quarter against Miami-Hydroxide. Now they get Colorado with a pretty stout defense at altitude. I expect a low scoring affair. Colorado 17, Minnesota 13
Purdue (2-0) at #12 Notre Dame (2-0) 2:30pm, NBC
I have a funny feeling about this one. I really think Purdue has a chance and something is telling me there will be an upset. That is what my heart is telling me because Notre Dame has not been good defensively and they have a shoddy offensive line that Karlaftis can shred. My head tells me they are Notre Dame and Purdue just does not beat ranked teams on the road under any circumstance. I really want to pick a road upset here, so much so I would not be totally shocked if it happens. I am going to go with my head though, mostly to avoid looking dumb when Notre Dame wins easily. Notre Dame 34, Purdue 27
Kent State (1-1) at #5 Iowa (2-0) 3:30pm, BTN
Black Heart Gold Pants Preview
Iowa’s offense is still kind of poo, but the defense is really good. It has scored 3 touchdowns while the offense has scored only four. Still, they have two wins over teams that were in the top 25 at the time of the game. They should be fine this week. Iowa 31, Kent State 10
Tulsa (0-2) at #9 Ohio State (1-1) 3:30pm, Sox Sports 1
Ohio State is pissed off and Tulsa has lost to an FCS team. At least the Golden Hurricane gets a check. Ohio State 59, Tulsa 3
Delaware (2-0) at Rutgers (2-0) 3:30pm, BTN
The Scarlet Knights have looked rather decent so far with a pair of good wins, but is Delaware their toughest non-conference opponent? The Blue Hens are the No. 6 team in FCS and could be feisty, but there is still no valid excuse to lose to them. Rutgers 35, Delaware 20
Northwestern (1-1) at Duke (1-1) 4pm, ACC Network
Northwestern 21, Duke 14
#22 Auburn (2-0) at #10 Penn State (2-0) 7:30pm, ABC
This should be a fun one in Happy Valley as the Nittany Lions get their first beloved home White Out in two years. Auburn is averaging 61 points per game and giving up on 5 per game, but Akron and Alabama State are not really Penn State caliber. This is a massive step up in weight class, but it is also a chance for Penn State to prove last year was not a fluke. Auburn 21, Penn State 17