Hammer and Rails - Bowling Green (1-2) at Purdue (1-2) Game CenterPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2015-09-28T13:46:15-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/91285922015-09-28T13:46:15-04:002015-09-28T13:46:15-04:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 4 of Big Ten Football
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<p>Purdue was one of only two Big Ten losses this past week. </p> <p>After this week these posts get a lot easier, as most of the non-conference games for Big Ten schools are done. Only Rutgers and Penn State have a game left. You already have a general idea for the postseason, as well:</p>
<p><b>Virtually assured of a bowl game:</b></p>
<p>Indiana, Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Northwestern</p>
<p><b>In good shape for a bowl:</b></p>
<p>Penn State, Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin</p>
<p><b>Need to go .500 or better in the B1G:</b></p>
<p>Nebraska, Rutgers, Maryland</p>
<p><b>Need a damn miracle for the postseason:</b></p>
<p>Purdue</p>
<p>The good news is that conference play cures all. The Boilers have strangely played Michigan State well under Darrell Hazell and maybe something strange will happen. Several teams that Purdue has played are a little shaky, so if something positive happens maybe some good momentum will finally turn things around.</p>
<p>Then again, maybe we won't win a game until we play Eastern Kentucky in about 11 months.</p>
<p><b>Rutgers 27, Kansas 14</b></p>
<p>We learned that Kansas is <a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2015/9/26/9402173/1-0-kansas-game-recap">really, really bad</a>:</p>
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<p>After weeks of turmoil on and off the field, the Scarlet Knights finally did something positive. They head into their bye week with a 2-2 record and clear minds. Rutgers will have 2 weeks to prepare for #2 Michigan State, who they will battle under the lights of HPSS in the annual blackout game. <span>Chris Laviano</span> had an up and down day, but was fairly efficient for the most part.</p>
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<p><b>Michigan 31, BYU 0</b></p>
<p>Not only does Michigan look pretty good with this win, the opening loss to Utah certainly does not look that bad with what they did to Oregon. This was a dominant <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2015/9/28/9403685/what-we-learned-byu-week">defensive effort for sure</a>:</p>
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<p>Michigan's game against BYU was terrific in all ways. The defense held BYU to 55 passing yards (previously averaging 311 ypg), 50 rushing yards (previously averaging 122), and of course 0 points (previously averaging 30). There were no noticeable weak links on the defense as far as I can tell. I wrote last week that better offenses could expose Michigan's linebacker play. Well, this was a "better offense", and the only thing exposed was the bald scalp of LaVell Edwards, beneath his double facepalm.</p>
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<p><b>Michigan State 30, Central Michigan 10</b></p>
<p>The Spartans, once again, did just enough to win with a dominant <a href="http://www.theonlycolors.com/2015/9/26/9402373/michigan-state-spartans-football-msu-30-cmu-10-kneejerk-reactions">second half performance</a>:</p>
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<p>This was a tricky non-conference schedule. Oregon was obviously a huge game, but traveling to play a decent Western Michigan team in Kalamazoo, Air Force in the week after the Oregon showdown, and a frisky Central team were all more difficult games than your typical MACrifice. 4-0 still feels good.</p>
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<p><b>Nebraska 36, Southern Miss 28</b></p>
<p>Are the Cornhuskers vulnerable? Could this be an avenue to a Purdue win? They certainly took vulnerable <a href="http://www.cornnation.com/2015/9/26/9402291/nebraska-defeats-southern-miss-36-28-get-your-takes-while-they-are-hot">after struggle with Southern Miss</a>:</p>
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<p>At this point folks, get used to this. This is what this team is for 2015. Sloppy, undisciplined, never dominant, but never gives up. This is a recipe for heartburn-inducing scores as we enter B1G play. It should not be a big surprise that this team is still struggling to find an identity with new coaches and a new system, but the huge defensive breakdowns are alarming. However, one third of the way through the season the best we can hope for is band-aids. There won't be any big schematic changes or shifts in philosophy.</p>
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<p><b>Bowling Green 35, Purdue 28</b></p>
<p><span>David Blough</span> was great, but it was yet another <a href="http://boiledsports.com/2015/boilers-bumble-against-bowling-green-35-28.html">frustrating loss that Purdue gave away</a>:</p>
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<p>We can talk about the specifics of the uneven pass rush, and the defense giving BGSU's receivers a 20 yard cushion for the entire first half, or the arm tackling, and the uneven offensive line play, and the lack of a single power run play, and the sudden disappearance of pretty-decent-kicker <span>Paul Griggs</span> another day.</p>
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<p><b>Indiana 31, Wake Forest 24</b></p>
<p>It is dark world indeed when we are envious of Indiana's football success. The Hoosiers are 4-0 and given that they have games left against Rutgers, Maryland, Penn State, and Purdue they are all but assured of going to a bowl game, because they will <a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2015/9/26/9402011/three-things-we-learned-from-indianas-victory-over-wake-forest">win two conference games</a>:</p>
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<p><b>The guts of this team are the best they've been in some time. </b>FOOTBAW IS WON IN THE TRENCHES, PAWWW but all over-used football phrases aside, the entire game, particularly the second half, was a clinic in trench play for the Hoosiers. Indiana blew Wake Forest off the ball both ways, giving the running backs plenty of space on offense and making the day a nightmare for Wake's true freshman quarterback on the other side of the ball. Yes, the competition has not been top notch, but it has been awhile since Indiana has looked this good on the lines through four games. The 4-0 start is no coincidence.</p>
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<p><b>West Virginia 45, Maryland 6</b></p>
<p>We had a sad touchdown here, as Maryland scored after they were already down 45-0. Maybe there is a Big Ten team Purdue can beat. Too bad we do not play them <a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/9/28/9403381/maryland-wvu-michigan-football-score-preview-2015">until early October 2016</a>:</p>
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<p>Whatever steps toward respectability the Maryland football team might have taken by beating South Florida were erased and more on Saturday against West Virginia, in a 45-6 loss that was every bit that lopsided. The Mountaineers are very, very good, but that doesn't change that Maryland looks very, very bad. If you had fun watching Maryland flail away on all three sides of the ball against the Mountaineers, you'll also enjoy next Saturday. But more on that in a moment.</p>
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<p><b>Iowa 62, North Texas 16</b></p>
<p>That is a lot of <a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015/9/28/9407291/iowa-north-texas-score-recap-analysis">points for Iowa. Wow</a>:</p>
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<p>Okay, with that out of the way: the Iowa offense is on a totally different level than it was last year. <span>C.J. Beathard</span> completed all 15 of his passes in the first half for 254 yards and two touchdowns; he finished with an 18-21, 278, 2-0 line that'll still delight Hawkeye fans, but just know that were it not for sportsmanship, Beathard could have essentially named his yardage for the day. Beathard worked intermediate routes, led receivers on swing passes with frightening ease and even reminded Iowa fans that he's still got maybe the best deep ball of any Kirk Ferentz quarterback by hitting <span>Tevaun Smith</span> for an 81-yard touchdown on a deep post.</p>
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<p><b>Minnesota 27, Ohio 24</b></p>
<p>The Golden Gophers are in trouble, as for the second straight week they survived a weak MAC team. Minnesota has a terrible offense and they <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/9/26/9402719/minnesota-ohio-gophers-fourth-quarter-comeback">are lucky to not be 0-4</a>:</p>
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<p>First we should talk about the offense, a unit that was dramatically more watchable than the previous couple weeks. The key to today's improvement came from the legs of two freshmen running backs. Redshirt freshman <span>Rodney Smith</span> and true freshman Shannon Brooks exchanged series and the two combined for 176 yards rushing. Smith had 16 carries for 94 yards while Brooks piled up 82 on just 10 carries and found the endzone twice. The improved ground game helped to open things up for the passing game. <span>Mitch Leidner</span> was 22/32 passing with 264 yards.</p>
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<p><b>Ohio State 38, Western Michigan 12</b></p>
<p>Could the Buckeyes be in legitimate danger when they visit Indiana? Maybe, as this was a third straight less <a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2015/9/26/9402021/western-michigan-ohio-state-2015-final-score-recap">than convincing win</a>:</p>
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<p>Jones looked the best that he had looked all season. He made the right decisions, and while he made some not so great ones, he clearly had more confidence in this game. They got off to a quick start with a long touchdown pass to <span>Michael Thomas</span>, and they never really looked back from there.</p>
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<p><b>Penn State 37, San Diego State 21 </b></p>
<p>It has not been pretty, but Penn State is <a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2015/9/27/9404655/penn-state-nittany-lions-football-hey-wha-happen-san-diego-state-saquon-barkley-christian-hackenberg/in/9134868">winning football games</a>:</p>
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<p>This was a weird game. If you look at the stats, Penn State absolutely dominated the game. Really, it was two special teams miscues, and a big play, that gave San Diego State their 21 points. Yet I do not think I'm alone in feeling a little underwhelmed with things. Perhaps that's due to the injuries not only to Barkley and Lynch, but also <span>Jordan Lucas</span> (did not play), <span>Marcus Allen</span>, and Evan Schwan. PSU also settled for two field goals inside the ten yard line. Put one or both of those in the end zone, and maybe things feel differently. I still do not feel like the Lions played all that poorly, just that there was more there.</p>
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<p><b>Illinois 27, Middle Tennessee State 25</b></p>
<p>The Illini escaped here, as MTSU had a chance to win with 8 seconds left, but missed on a <a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2015/9/27/9404847/illinois-vs-middle-tennessee-players-of-the-game-dawuane-smoot-keshawn-vaughn">43 yard field goal</a>:</p>
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<p>I'm not as concerned as other people with the game yesterday. Illinois defeated a good Middle Tennessee team that possessed an explosive, veteran offense. There are a lot of things to fix, but a win is a win. And hey, next week Illinois' got a Nebraska team that comes limping into Champaign after a rough non-conference schedule. Let's see what Bill Cubit can do.</p>
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<p><b>Northwestern 24, Ball State 19</b></p>
<p>The Cardinals led at halftime, but a huge third quarter moved Northwestern to 4-0 <a href="http://www.insidenu.com/2015/9/26/9403219/northwestern-ball-state-final-score-wildcats-shake-off-poor-start-for">on the season</a>:</p>
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<p>Obviously, we won't know the severity of the multiple injuries Northwestern suffered against Ball State for a few days. What we do know is that they bring NU's depth at several key positions into question. Injuries to safeties <span>Godwin Igwebuike</span> and <span>Kyle Queiro</span> forced <span>Terrance Brown</span>, a lightly used backup, into action which seriously hurt the secondary and may have to one or both of Ball State wide receiver <span>Jordan Williams</span>' two touchdowns.</p>
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<p><b>Wisconsin 28, Hawaii 0</b></p>
<p>The Rainbow Warriors came to Big ten country twice but return to the islands without evens coring a point against <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2015/9/27/9403471/wisconsin-football-hawaii-recap-box-score">Wisconsin and Ohio State</a>:</p>
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<p>Credit defensive coordinator Dave Aranda for his constant pressure and attacking schemes that harass opposing offenses nearly all game long. Even when it appears the Badgers have secured victory, Aranda still allows the second and third string guys to remain aggressive. He seems to really want those shut outs.</p>
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<p><b>Non-conference Opponents:</b></p>
<p><b>Marshall 36, Kent State 29 2 OT - </b>Technically coach Hazell's <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400763608">old team did better</a>.</p>
<p><b>Indiana State - </b>ON BYE</p>
<p><b>East Carolina 35, Virginia Tech 28 - </b><a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400756937">Yeah, that happened.</a></p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/28/9409869/the-whistlestop-tour-week-4-of-big-ten-footballBoilerTMill2015-09-27T11:00:02-04:002015-09-27T11:00:02-04:00Bowling Green at Purdue: In Tweets
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<figcaption>Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Throwing some fire here as the Purdue Twittertariat chimes in on the latest loss. </p> <p>I have ranted enough. It is time turn it over to Twitter:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> Guess all the missed tackles vs. VaTech weren’t a focus in practice. Awesome.</p>
— Lance (@LancerUWM) <a href="https://twitter.com/LancerUWM/status/647804699933065216">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purdue never misses an opportunity to miss an opportunity.</p>
— Ross MacLochness (@RossMacLochness) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossMacLochness/status/647804845756432384">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">So Bowling Green made that look easy. Definitely should keep rushing 3 and switching players so no one knows what's going on.</p>
— Riles (@Riles23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riles23/status/647805228603957249">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We look like we're absolutely stunned that they're going no huddle.</p>
— The Boiling Points (@PUBoilingPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/PUBoilingPoints/status/647805255690883073">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Meanwhile, BG goes from a 3rd-and-22 to drive down the field and score on a <span>Travis Greene</span> run. 7-0 Falcons early on against Purdue</p>
— Hustle Belt (@HustleBelt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HustleBelt/status/647805811511590912">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/FireHazell">@FireHazell</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> time to start asking opposing staffs to bring their resumes with them. Get a head start on the coaching search</p>
— kevincross (@Kcross32us) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kcross32us/status/647805974175195136">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> I think Ross-Ade should have a two-drink minimum to make games bearable.</p>
— Herr Studt (@Hoosier47906) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hoosier47906/status/647806388505313280">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> when it comes to Purdue football I just expect the worst possible outcome, then when it does happen I'm not disappointment</p>
— Hunter Phillips (@HunterPhillip11) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterPhillip11/status/647806877162717186">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Whoda thunk it? The fake jet sweep STILL doesn't work. But we try it so hard.</p>
— Ross MacLochness (@RossMacLochness) <a href="https://twitter.com/RossMacLochness/status/647807914451824640">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> you're wrong, it took a lot of prep to get all of these new socks and helmets passed out to the players</p>
— Jason Miller (@BoilermakerJM) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilermakerJM/status/647808142584053760">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> very nice word you just invented, great for the rest of the season</p>
— Javier (@jjcastaneda) <a href="https://twitter.com/jjcastaneda/status/647810973231902725">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ah the traditional "Give Them an Easy TD Before Halftime." Quickly becoming a fan-favorite tradition in West Lafayette.</p>
— The Boiling Points (@PUBoilingPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/PUBoilingPoints/status/647822790352089089">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> Why do we do this to ourselves and watch this? We could watch another channel, or go outside. What are we doing?</p>
— Michael Pryor (@MikeRossPryor) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeRossPryor/status/647829194232176640">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> Just when I think I'm done...... THEY PULL ME BACK IN!</p>
— Michael Pryor (@MikeRossPryor) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeRossPryor/status/647833264795873281">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> Burgess is our secret weapon. Perhaps he shouldn't be so secret anymore, Kim Jong Shoop.</p>
— Rawlings Yarborough (@Stabbyballs) <a href="https://twitter.com/Stabbyballs/status/647833546812473344">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> very frustrating to watch. Seems like this has been going on for 10 years now.</p>
— <span>Steve Miller</span> (@thermal_event) <a href="https://twitter.com/thermal_event/status/647838968504041472">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purdue pass rush is like a sober person at Harry's. I haven't seen one in years</p>
— John (@jberlako) <a href="https://twitter.com/jberlako/status/647844165045350400">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/GoldandBlackcom">@GoldandBlackcom</a> ask <span>Greg Hudson</span> why he thought giving Johnson six years to throw the ball was a sound defensive strategy.</p>
— Riles (@Riles23) <a href="https://twitter.com/Riles23/status/647844575579508736">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/Cschroedercj">@Cschroedercj</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> he rarely mixes packages, doesn't confuse, doesn't deceive. Where's the blitz? He plays the same base defense.</p>
— BobLoblaw (@Bobloblaw_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bobloblaw_19/status/647846258892148736">September 26, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/testudotimes">@testudotimes</a> We are brothers in sadness/waiting on basketball season.</p>
— BoilerOfLegend (@BoilerOfLegend) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerOfLegend/status/647934484029947904">September 27, 2015</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoiledSports">@BoiledSports</a> maybe Orton needs to come back and lead shout to reverse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thefumble?src=hash">#thefumble</a> curse...only idea I have left</p>
— JAG (@BoilerUp365) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerUp365/status/647967202000404480">September 27, 2015</a>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/27/9403313/bowling-green-at-purdue-in-tweetsBoilerTMill2015-09-26T22:30:26-04:002015-09-26T22:30:26-04:00Bowling Green 35, Purdue 28: More of the Same
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<figcaption>Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Let's face it, Purdue would be lucky to be a mid-level MAC team. but we OWN Indiana State. </p> <p>Bowling Green had every reason to blow this game wide open with 539 yards of total offense and the way they were able to move the ball at will.</p>
<p>Purdue had every reason to blow this game open with a +2 turnover margin. Multiple failed Bowling Green drives inside the 20, and all the momentum with a tie game two minutes before halftime.</p>
<p>In the end, it was yet another aggravating, infuriating loss where the Boilers did everything in their power to lose. The Falcons were attempting to hand the game to Purdue, but the Boilers would not take it. Purdue committed 92 yards worth of penalties, but 75 were on the final three Falcon drives. Two of those penalties were on third down too, and the Falcons got 14 critical points (though, it should be noted, on both third downs Bowling Green easily converted third and long even without the penalties).</p>
<p>As frustrating as that was, this game was lost with two minutes before halftime. After a <span>Frankie Williams</span> interception Purdue had a chance to break a 14-14 tie and take control of the game. In fact, knowing that we were receiving the second half kickoff, a score within the final two minute could have used halftime as a de facto defensive stop and a chance to build on a lead out of the locker room.</p>
<p>The interception occurred with 6:54 left in the half, and Purdue did everything right for about five minutes. Purdue got a first and goal at the 6 and a run by <span>D.J. Knox</span> got half the yardage needed on the first play, then Purdue put on a clinic in how to screw up in all three phases of the game:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> On second down Knox had the predictable run up the middle out of the shotgun. It worked for only a yard. </li>
<li> Instead of trying something different to take advantage of a team that was giving up 250 yards per game on the ground coming into the day, Purdue ran the same play for no gain.</li>
<li> Here is the critical play. I am always an advocate of "If it is inside an extra point on 4<sup>th</sup> down, you go for it unless you need 3 points to win on the final play." Darrell Hazell never hesitated in trotting out <span>Paul Griggs</span>, who missed a 19 yard field goal. A 13 play drive to the 2 resulted in no points. Essentially, Purdue accomplished the same thing had they not converted, only the Falcons got the ball at the 20 now because of the missed field goal. Shaky kicker or not (and Griggs right now is shakier than Michael J. Fox) you absolutely have to go for it there. Your worst case scenario is a team backed up to its own goal line. The Boilers never tried to get outside the tackles on the previous two plays or gave <span>David Blough</span> some kind of option. If you go for it and score, you're up 21-14. If you go for it and miss, Bowling Green might be a little more conservative and packs it in before the half with 98 yards to go. Even if you make the field goal the Falcons get the ball in roughly the same field position they got it with a chance to move like they did. </li>
<li> So the missed field goal give the Falcons the ball at the 20, and Purdue proceeds to go into the prevent defense that has prevented them from stopping touchdown drives all season long. The Falcons are already a fast paced offense, but the positioning and defensive scheme cooked up by <span>Greg Hudson</span> led to the easiest touchdown drive you will ever see in 1:14. <span>Matt Johnson</span> was essentially playing pitch and catch to his receivers, who were sitting right in the middle of a squishy soft zone. <span>Gehrig Dieter</span> easily caught the first two passes for 23 yards. Running back <span>Travis Greene</span> had a 22 yard underneath reception. Dieter and <span>Ryan Burbrink</span> caught a couple passes, then Greene worked the delay for an easy 18 yard run to the 1. Bowling Green ripped through the Purdue defense for 80 yards as easily as you will ever see an 80 yard TD drive. </li>
</ul>
<p>As you can see, offensive failures (failing to score on three plays from the opponents' 3 yard line), special teams failures (missing an 19 yard field goal), and defensive failures (allegedly you can call what Purdue did on those seven plays "defense") resulted in a critical 14 point shift at a huge juncture in the game. Sure, Purdue had plenty of chances afterward to win the game, but it was in this span that is made the biggest contribution to the loss.</p>
<p>Of course, there were other issues. There was, in my opinion, a gigantic blown call that also resulted in a major shift. With the game tied 28-28 in the fourth quarter <span>Anthony Brown</span> intercepted Johnson and returned it for a touchdown, appearing to give Purdue a lead. Unfortunately, a flag was thrown on the play. It was ruled that <span>Danny Ezechukwu</span> interfered with the receiver and the result was a first down. Purdue did get a stop on the drive, but it took seven points off the board. What made the play controversial is that Johnson overthrew the receiver by at least 10 yards. It was an easy interception by Brown, and the receiver, even without interference, had zero chance to catch the pass. This came right after David Blough found <span>Gregory Phillips</span> for along TD to tie the game, so a touchdown by the defense shifts things monumentally.</p>
<p>Those were the things that stood out. They were the monumental shifts in a game that was ultimately decided with nine seconds left. They took away from an excellent debut by Blough (340 yards and 2 TDs with only 10 incompletions and a desperation interception). They also stood out from other issues.</p>
<p>It was infuriating that Purdue regularly gave a 10 yard cushion to <span>Roger Lewis</span> and Dieter, who pretty much had to jog out about 7-10 yards, turn around, and wait for a pass to the edge. This was the bread and butter play for the Falcons all day long. They also had the fake handoff/underneath pitch they regularly ran for positive yards. These two plays were run all day and Purdue never had an answer or an adjustment to stop them.</p>
<p>Then you look at what Purdue did offensively. Blough was outstanding, but the only running plays Purdue had were shotgun handoffs up the middle to Markell Jones and Knox. Aside from the touchdown run by Jarrett Burgess, that is the only innovation Purdue had in running the ball against a defense that was giving up well over 200 yards per game on the ground. Not learning the lessons from last week, Purdue continued to run into the teeth of even a bad defense. It is no wonder that Purdue's longest run from scrimmage was only 13 yards. It never attempted to do anything other than run up the middle, and Bowling Green never had to adjust.</p>
<p>Maryland ran for 156 yards even while playing from behind most of the game. Memphis ran for 155 yards and Tennessee ran for 399. As for Purdue, with its alleged good backs and "Power running" attack? 77 yards on 38 carries.</p>
<p>How is this acceptable? Shit, Purdue did better last week against a better defense. Somehow, Purdue failed to attack a glaring weakness by repeatedly banging its head against a wall instead of seeing how much space was around it.</p>
<p>Of course, the defense was just as bad. In addition to the regular 10 yard cushions there was absolutely no pressure on Johnson all day. Coming into today Purdue led the Big Ten in tackles for loss. Bowling Green had also given up a ton of sacks. This is a recipe for quarterback pressure, yet all day Johnson had time to calmly collect the snap, read the defense, see his primary, secondary, and tertiary options were covered (when they were covered), take a sip of coffee, have a smoke, read a very interesting article in the Atlantic, then either find a receiver that got open because our defensive backs dropped from exhaustion or scramble for the first down.</p>
<p>Basically, against a bit of a sieve of an offensive line the defensive line (the strength of Purdue's defense, mind you) could not get pressure, and receivers were regularly wide open with seven or even eight players in coverage. Purdue forced a single punt all day long, and its best third down defense was the overthrown pass intercepted by Williams and a snap over Johnson's head recovered by <span>Andy James Garcia</span>.</p>
<p>This is all on coaching. It is one thing if Purdue is just getting beat in all phases by superior athletes. It is something else when players are repeatedly out of position on defense and the offense runs into a brick wall when 5 feet to the left there is wide open space. Greg Hudson could not have failed any more than he did today. John Shoop at least deserves a modicum of credit for preparing David Blough to have a nice game, but his play calling of the same runs ad nauseum were still an issue.</p>
<p>To conclude this article we are going to split it into two parts. First, we have:</p>
<p><b>Wildly Optimistic and Even Today Things Are Sunshine T-Mill</b></p>
<p>Okay. Let's breathe. Purdue is 1-3, but if not for mental mistakes it could easily be 3-1. At some point the mental mistakes have to go away. Aside from Michigan State and Ohio State the Big Ten is wide open and there are still some teams with major weaknesses ahead. Minnesota looks awful on offense. Nebraska is rather pedestrian. Illinois still has hints of being Illinois. Northwestern is all defense no offense. Iowa is ridiculously conservative. Indiana still has a ton of Indiana DNA. Purdue could win any of those games individually, so if the alleged "click" happens why can't they get hot and have a miracle turnaround under Blough, who looked legitimately good today, and win five of those? They just need a break and gigantic momentum shift.</p>
<p><b>West Lafayette is Ashes and Fire Everyone Involved With The Athletic Department Including Albert Berg Who Started Purdue Football in 1887 T-Mill:</b></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Purdue just lost to a MAC team at home for the fifth time in the last nine games. Bowling Green did everything possible to hand this game to a bad Big Ten team and still won. There are huge, glaring issues with both unit coordinators. Even given weaknesses to attack on both sides of the ball Purdue failed to take advantage. Minnesota still has a good defense. Nebraska is still Nebraska. Iowa and Northwestern are good defenses on the road. Illinois can at least score some points and is 3-1. Indiana appears to have its greatest team in decades, has won two Bucket games, and, quite honestly, deserves to look down on us. We're compeltely an utterly screwed since the coaching staff is missing obvious things, the athletic department won't focus on football, and the conservative BOT and President make Purdue pay to use its own facilities.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/26/9403273/bowling-green-35-purdue-28-more-of-the-sameBoilerTMill2015-09-26T11:16:22-04:002015-09-26T11:16:22-04:00New Purdue Football Helmet for Bowling Green<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails/status/647790859736510464">New Purdue Football Helmet for Bowling&nbsp;Green</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>These are the sex!</p></p></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/26/9401313/new-purdue-football-helmet-for-bowling-greenBoilerTMill2015-09-26T10:00:02-04:002015-09-26T10:00:02-04:00Bowling Green at Purdue GameThread
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/avfKG0mIZI8x_pUzfDSI5rBoMAI=/0x800:2100x2200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47268644/usa-today-8811709.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Save us from MACtion!</p> <p>I wish we could call this the final non-conference tune-up for Purdue, but in reality it is a game that the Boilermakers desperately need. Bowling Green is favored to win the MAC East if not the entire MAC. Their high-powered offense is likely something Purdue will struggle with today, and their own lack of a defense means Purdue should be able to score some points as well.</p>
<p>Here are your vitals on how to watch today's game. Juan is keeping up via Facebook. T-Mill is at Ross-Ade. Andrew is unavailable.</p>
<table width="702" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" class="sbn-data-table"><tbody> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Stadium</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross%E2%80%93Ade_Stadium" target="_blank" data-ref-index="7">Ross-Ade Stadium (Built 1924)</a></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Capacity</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>57,236</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Surface</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Bermuda Grass</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Tickets</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.stubhub.com%2Fpurdue-football-tickets-purdue-vs-bowling-green-9-26-2015%2Fevent%2F9202205%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hammerandrails.com%2F2015%2F9%2F26%2F9399685%2Fbowling-green-at-purdue-gamethread-and-how-to-watch" target="_blank" data-ref-index="8" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">As low as $15 on Stubhub.</a></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Kickoff Time</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Noon</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>TV</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>BTN</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Online Streaming</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.btn2go.com/" target="_blank" data-ref-index="9">BTN2Go</a></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Satellite Radio</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong><u>Sirius XM Channel 84</u></strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Odds</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><a href="http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/teams/team-page.cfm/team/purdue" target="_blank" data-ref-index="10">Purdue</a> by 1</p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>All-Time Series</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Bowling Green Leads 2-0</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Last Purdue Win</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>None</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Last Bowling Green Win</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>27-26 on 9/6/2003 at Purdue</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Blog Representation</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/" data-ref-index="11">Hustle Belt</a></strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Weather</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"> </p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>2014 Bowling Green Record</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>8-6, 5-4 MAC (won MAC East Division)</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>2014 Bowling Green Postseason</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Won 33-28 vs. South Alabama in the Camellia Bowl</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-even"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Coach</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Dino Babers (9-8 in second year at Bowling Green)</strong></p></td> </tr> <tr class="ui-state-odd"> <td width="320" valign="bottom"><p><strong>Is T-Mill Attending?</strong></p></td> <td width="300" valign="bottom"><p align="center"><strong>Yes.</strong></p></td> </tr> </tbody></table>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/26/9399685/bowling-green-at-purdue-gamethread-and-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2015-09-25T12:37:13-04:002015-09-25T12:37:13-04:00Purdue vs. Bowling Green Pick 'Em
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<img alt="Running backs run the ball." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mxrMR71KS1y5Bum0MmrPWR5IY7I=/0x427:2100x1827/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47266174/usa-today-8811709.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Running backs run the ball. | Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Hello darkness my old friend...</p> <p>So it's been nearly a week since the Virginia Tech game and Purdue's, ahem, performance in that game. A majority of us went into that game with a certain amount of optimism. Even those of us who thought Purdue would lose thought they would hang tight throughout the game. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Where do each of our intrepid writers stand at this point? Is anyone picking Purdue? Read on intrepid readers!</p>
<p><b>T-Mill Says</b></p>
<p>Last week I was excited to see Purdue because I felt we were due to put it all together and win against a vulnerable team. Instead, it was a blowout. In said blowout I did not see anything that gave me confidence Purdue can even slow down Bowling Green. Yes, we get <span>David Blough</span> against an awful defense, but he is still a freshman getting his first significant game action. I don't trust John Shoop to push the running game, what is blatantly obvious, when it needs to be pushed. The Falcons are going to score. A lot. Purdue will score, but not enough. <b>Bowling Green 59, Purdue 38</b></p>
<p><b>Juan Says</b></p>
<p>I've had this game circled as a bad loss for Purdue <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan/status/626396339413364736" data-ref-index="6" style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #7c6539; font-weight: bold;">since the offseason</a>, and I probably wasn't the only one. Given the last 3 weeks, I'm not going to change my position on this game. If Purdue somehow manages to win, please feel free to call me out and what not. While I do think Appleby needs to be benched after a bad start, especially his awful game against VaTech, I still don't think Blough is the answer. This team is flawed on both sides of the ball. Against Marshall and Virginia Tech, Purdue gave up an average of 434 yards, and that could have been more had Marshall's offense played an entire 60 minutes. Bowling Green is coming in averaging 609 yards of offense per game. You tell me which one is going to end up winning on Saturday.. Purdue will look a little rough in the 1st quarter as Blough settles in. BG will strike early and take a 2 TD lead into the half. We'll see some offense from Blough, but it won't be enough to even catch up to Bowling Green and they easily run away with the win. <b>Purdue 17, Bowling Green 55</b></p>
<p><b>Casey Says</b></p>
<p>It seems we go back to this every year, right? NEW QUARTERBACK YAY ALL IS FIXED YAY WOOHOO. It doesn't last very long, hell, Appleby was that shiny new qb just last year. BUT. I do think Blough is better, and if not better, then definitely more exciting. I think his speed will add another dimension to an already good running game and that's where our offense will advance most. Our defense will remain the same. <b style="box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;">Bowling Green 42, Purdue 31</b></p>
<p><b>Rachel Says</b></p>
<p>As much as I think Blough will give the offense a lift, we just don't do enough things right to win games. Our defense couldn't slow down a subpar VT offense and will likely get manhandled <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Saturday</span></span><span> by a much more efficient and explosive Bowling Green attack. Our offense will put up more points than last week, but BG will put up a lot more points than us. <b>Purdue 31 Bowling Green 49</b></span></p>
<p><b>Jumbo Heroes Says</b></p>
<p>So last week was...disconcerting. Regardless of what Coach Hazell says it does seem like a bit of a panic move to change your QB after the third game. It's something Purdue has been doing for the last few years to little to no effect. The backup QB is always the most popular guy on the team and this year is no question. <span>Austin Appleby</span> hasn't been great, let's not kid ourselves, but is David Blough the answer? Will Shoop call a different game now to play to Blough's strengths? Everything I read about Blough labels him as a bit of a gunslinger. Keep in mind my only knowledge of him is reading about him and the limited amount of play I've seen, but it seems to me like he's a bit of a <span>Robert Marve</span> type player. For some of you that just turned you off to him but to me it seems like it could be a good move. Purdue needs someone who can make plays and isn't afraid to take a risk. Regardless of how Blough plays I don't think it will be enough for Purdue to come out on top.<b>Purdue 28, Bowling Green 49</b></p>
<p><b>The Legend's (AKA Drew Schneider) late pick </b>(copied from the comments).</p>
<p>It’s finally happened, I’m finally going to pick against Purdue….just kidding, <b>Boilermakers 35 Bowling Green 27</b>. Frankie Williams seals the win with a pick 6 and our running game dominates the day. Boiler Up you bunch of yellow bellied surrenders, are we Boilermakers or are we Frenchmen (other than our one Frenchman Boilermaker).</p>
<p><i>And here's everyone's record after last week:</i></p>
<p>T-Mill: 2-1 <br>Andrew Holmes: 0-2 <br>Casey: 2-1 <br>Juan: 3-0 <br>Rachel: 0-2 <br>Craig: 1-2 <br>Jumbo Heroes: 2-1</p>
<p><i>No pick last week:</i></p>
<p>Drew Schneider: 0-1 <br>Rob St. Claire: 1-0</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/football/2015/9/25/9398085/purdue-vs-bowling-green-pick-emjumboheroesBoilerTMillJuan CrespoCasey Bartleyrachelvan4Drew Schneider2015-09-25T11:00:02-04:002015-09-25T11:00:02-04:00Big Ten Power Rankings
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<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Rank of Power in the Big Ten.</p> <p style="line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal">Big Ten Power Rankings<span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">1.<span> </span>(1<sup><span>st</span></sup> in East) Ohio State (3-0)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat NIU 20-13 (NIU 2-1). They definitely did not look like the number 1 team in the country. Then again they won and that’s all that matters. <span>Cardale Jones</span> played like a 3<sup>rd</sup> string QB, I mean 2<sup>nd</sup> string.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 1</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Western Michigan</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .5in; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">2.<span> </span>(2<sup><span>nd</span></sup> in East) Michigan State (3-0)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat AFA 35-21 (AFA 2-1). MSU looks really good. Could very soon challenge OSU for the number 1 spot.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 2</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Central Michigan</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; text-indent: .5in; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">3.<span> </span>(1<sup><span>st</span></sup> in West) Northwestern (3-0)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat Duke 19-10 (Duke 2-1). Surprising a lot of people including myself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 4</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Ball State</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">4.<span> </span>(2<sup><span>nd</span></sup> in West) Wisconsin (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat Troy 28-3 (Troy 1-2). This is the unusual stat for Wisconsin. <span>Joel Stave</span> is averaging almost 30 passes a game at a 67% completion percentage and a passer rating of 150.9. Top rusher <span>Dare Ogunbowale</span> is averaging 11 carries 65 yards a game.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 3</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Hawaii</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">5.<span> </span>(3<sup><span>rd</span></sup> in East) Michigan (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat UNLV 28-7 (UNLV 0-3). This week will be a good test to see how much this team has improved. So far they seem to be getting better each week but hard to tell playing UNLV.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 5</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: BYU</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">6.<span> </span>(3<sup><span>rd</span></sup> in West) Iowa (3-0)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat Pitt 27-24 (Pitt 2-1). Is this team good enough to challenge Wisconsin or Northwestern for the West?</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 7</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: North Texas</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">7.<span> </span>(4<sup><span>th</span></sup> in East) Maryland (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat USF 35-17 (USF 1-2). Maryland finally showed some offense HoustonBoiler. Starting Caleb Rowe over <span>Perry Hills</span> looks like a smart move this week.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 9</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: West Virginia</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">8.<span> </span>(4<sup>th</sup> in West) Minnesota (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat Kent 10-7 (Kent 1-2). Again I bring up what I said last week. "<span>This is a weird team. You lose to the #3 team in the nation by 6pts, then it takes overtime to beat Colorado State." They beat Kent by 3pts. Illinois beat Kent 52-3. And Colorado State lost to a Colorado team that was 2-10 last year. We (Purdue) were 3-9 last year.</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span>Last Week: 8</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast"><span>Next Up: Ohio</span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">9.<span> </span>(5<sup>th</sup> in West) Nebraska (1-2)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lost to MIA 36-33 (MIA 3-0). Talk about an awful way to start the season. Combined 8 points total in the two loses.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 6</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Southern Miss</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">10.<span> </span>(5<sup>th</sup> in East) Penn State (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat Rutgers 28-3 (Rutgers 1-2). They beat Rutgers…no one cares. I think Purdue can beat Rutgers.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 11</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: San Diego State</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">11.<span> </span>(6<sup>th</sup> in East) Indiana (3-0)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Beat WKU 38-35 (2-1). All this talk about College Game Day is stupid. Just listen to your coach. 3 wins by a total of 18 points. 14 of those points are from one of the wins. But then again they are 3-0. And I still don’t think they will make a bowl.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 12</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Wake Forest</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">12.<span> </span>(6<sup><span>th</span></sup> in West) Illinois (2-1)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lost to UNC 48-14 (UNC 2-1). They are who we thought they were. This could be our Big Ten win….again.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 10</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Middle Tennessee</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">13.<span> </span>(7<sup><span>th</span></sup> in East) Rutgers (1-2)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lost to Penn State 28-3 (Penn State 2-1). Really you could rotate 13 and 14 each week. I wish Purdue played them. Then we could maybe get 2 or 3 Big Ten wins.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 14</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Kansas</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .5in; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -.25in; line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">14.<span> </span>(7<sup><span>th</span></sup> in West) Purdue (1-2)</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Lost to VT 51-24 (VT 2-1). I don’t have much to say about this game. It was emotionally draining. Hey now we try another QB. Just to give us a little more hope. Don’t quote me on this but I believe in the 14 years John Shoop has been an OC or OBs coach only 4 years he was on a team that played one QB. And that QB was <span>T.J. Yates</span>. Kind of weird but we will save that for another time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">Last Week: 13</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; line-height: normal; vertical-align: baseline;" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">Next Up: Bowling Green</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-left: .5in; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal"><span> </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/25/9396213/big-ten-power-rankingsCraig Eubanks2015-09-25T10:18:10-04:002015-09-25T10:18:10-04:00Week 4 Big Ten Preview
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/veVZ-NWOGNY91SsZ9DU79G4-C-M=/0x140:3311x2347/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47266164/usa-today-8813123.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It is the last full week of non-conference play before the conference season begins in earnest. </p> <p>If there is an uglier game between two major conference teams this season I don't want to see it. BTN officially gets the worst part of the deal in getting Rutgers this week when they are contractually obligated to broadcast Kansas at Rutgers.</p>
<p>Yuck</p>
<p>Who knew that Purdue hosting Bowling Green would be a <i>better</i> game to watch?</p>
<p><b>Kansas (0-2) at Rutgers (1-2) Noon, BTN</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.onthebanks.com/2015/9/22/9373677/week-4-news-notes-we-re-coming-home"><b>On the Banks Preview</b></a></p>
<p>If you're looking for a major conference team to go unwinfeated for the first time since Ty Willingham was at Washington Kansas might be your pick. They have already dropped their FCS game, they have so few scholarship players that they actually have <i>less </i>players on scholarship than FCS teams, and the next two weeks of Rutgers and Iowa State are probably their best chances at a win, yet both are on the road. They have given up 45 points per game even before playing a major conference team. <b>Rutgers 45, Kansas 21</b></p>
<p><b>BYU (2-1) at Michigan (2-1) Noon, ABC</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2015/9/24/9391647/michigan-byu-matchups-to-watch-tanner-mangum-jake-rudock-jim-harbaugh-bronco-mendenhall"><b>Maize N' Brew Preview</b></a></p>
<p>The Fightin' Mormons already have one win over the Big Ten and now they are going for two. They get a Michigan team that plays good defense, but whose offense has still been questionable. So far BYU has lived and died by the big play, and have played one of the toughest early schedules possible in Nebraska, Boise State, and UCLA. That toughness should pay off, because Michigan is still a work in progress. <b>BYU 27, Michigan 20</b></p>
<p><b>Central Michigan (1-2) at Michigan State (3-0) Noon, BTN</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.theonlycolors.com/2015/9/24/9389413/michigan-state-spartans-football-the-only-questions-with-central"><b>The Only Colors Preview</b></a></p>
<p>The marauding MSU hordes have already claimed Western Michigan. Now they will try to claim Central Michigan in their final non-conference tune-up. That's exactly what it will be, too: a tune-up.<b> Michigan State 41, Central Michigan 10</b></p>
<p><b>Southern Mississippi (2-1) at Nebraska (1-2) Noon, ESPNNews</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cornnation.com/2015/9/23/9372939/reviewing-2015-southern-miss-football"><b>Corn Nation Preview</b></a></p>
<p>The Cornhuskers are about two plays from behind 3-0, but an overtime loss at Miami and the Hail Mary loss to BYU already have them halfway to their required four and only four losses. Don't expect No. 3 to come this week as Nebraska is a 21 point favorite. <b>Nebraska 30, Southern Miss 13</b></p>
<p><b>Bowling Green (1-2) at Purdue (1-2) Noon, BTN</b></p>
<p>Last week I was excited, as Purdue had a chance to make a statement. Well, the Boilers made a statement, alright, and now they have a game against a dangerous, confident MAC opponent that is a must-win if there are going to be any faint bowl hopes. The path is still there. Purdue's home slate of Big Ten teams is about as easy as you can ask for without having Rutgers or Maryland, but with <span>David Blough</span> making his first start Purdue has to take advantage of a very poor defense and it has to be able to get some stops of its own. Unfortunately, I did not see anything last week that made me think Purdue could do either. <b>Bowling Green 59, Purdue 38</b></p>
<p><b>Indiana (3-0) at Wake Forest (2-1) 12:30pm, ESPN3</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.crimsonquarry.com/2015/9/24/9379243/kevin-wilson-wake-forest-dave-clawson-nate-sudfeld-jordan-howard"><b>Crimson Quarry Preview</b></a></p>
<p>By the end of September Indiana football could be virtually assured of a bowl. They might already be. With Maryland, Rutgers, Penn State, and Purdue looking awful on a good day and friendly home games against Iowa and Michigan the Hoosiers are pretty favored now to actually make a bowl game. They are either the luckiest team in America since they are about 3 plays from being 0-3 or legitimately good. Meanwhile, Wake Forest lost to Syracuse and barely beat Army. Indiana can start 4-0 for the first time since 1990, when they went 6-5-1 and lost in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/peach-bowl">Peach Bowl</a> to Auburn.<b> Indiana 31, Wake Forest 24</b></p>
<p><b>Maryland (2-1) at West Virginia (2-0) 3pm, Fox Sports 1</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.testudotimes.com/2015/9/23/9383327/maryland-west-virginia-betting-odds-lines-and-picks"><b>Testudo Times Preview</b></a></p>
<p>At least if Purdue beats Bowling Green it won't be last in the B1G power rankings since the Terps lost by 21 at home to the Falcons. They are likely to lose this one too, as West Virginia is a fringe top 25 team and a 17.5 point favorite. <b>West Virginia 34, Maryland 14</b></p>
<p><b>North Texas (0-2) at Iowa (3-0) 3:30pm, ESPNU</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2015/9/24/9391281/north-texas-iowa-football-preview-key-matchups"><b>Black Heart Gold Pants Preview</b></a></p>
<p>This is really a game? Really? According to the S&P metrics North Texas is the worst team in America. OMHR will have no trouble moving to 4-0. <b>Iowa 49, North Texas 10</b></p>
<p><b>Ohio (3-0) at Minnesota (2-1) 3:30pm, BTN</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2015/9/24/9389955/minnesota-football-vs-ohio-key-matchups-preview"><b>The Daily Gopher Preview</b></a></p>
<p>After last week it is clear that Minnesota is begging to be upset. Only 10 points against Kent State? Seriously? They are a really good defense mixed with a horrible, one-dimensional offense. Meanwhile, Ohio is 3-0 and not a bad 3-0 at that. The 21-10 win over Marshall is good (please, tell me it is good). Minnesota is one of the worst offensive teams in the nation and Ohio's defense isn't bad. I am making this my upset pick, as the MAC gets a second B1G scalp. <b>Ohio 17, Minnesota 13</b></p>
<p><b>Western Michigan (1-2) at Ohio State (3-0) 3:30pm, BTN</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2015/9/25/9396159/ohio-state-western-michigan-preview-odds-prediction-keys-week-4">Land-Grant Holyland Preview</a></b></p>
<p>I, for one, am tired of hearing about woe is Ohio State in trying to figure out which great quarterback to play. Just pick one and go with him already, Urban! You played as terrible as possible again NIU and still won! Your team is more talented than 95% of college football teams. You have no excuse to not win this game going away. It must be awful to have so many excellent choices to go with, but just don't go Danny Hope and play both. It never works. <b>Ohio State 38, Western Michigan 13</b></p>
<p><b>San Diego State (1-2) at Penn State (2-1) 3:30pm, BTN</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2015/9/22/9370827/penn-state-2-1-vs-san-diego-state-1-2">Black Shoe Diaries Preview</a></b></p>
<p>Really? Penn State is favored by 15 in this one? They shouldn't be favored by 15 over ANYONE. Somehow though, San Diego State has a running back that ran for 1,800 yards last year, but still lost to South Alabama. This has UGLY GAME written all over it, as Penn State's offense might be one of the few in the country more dysfunctional that Purdue. <b>Penn State 20, San Diego State 7</b></p>
<p><b>Middle Tennessee State (2-1) at Illinois (2-1) 4pm, ESPNNews</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/">The Champaign Room Preview</a> </b></p>
<p>You can put the Illini on upset alert, too. MTSU scored 70 and 73 in their two wins so far, but only 10 in their loss. Now, I will let you pick out who the loss was among Jackson State, Alabama, and UNC-Charlotte. This is still a pretty dang good offense going against an Illinois team that folded quickly under pressure last week. For the Illini to reach a bowl game they likely need this one. <b>Illinois 45, Middle Tennessee State 42</b></p>
<p><b>Ball State (2-1) at Northwestern (3-0) 8pm, BTN</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.insidenu.com/2015/9/24/9390077/northwestern-ball-state-preview-riley-neal-freshman-quarterback">InsideNU Preview</a></b></p>
<p>Ball State did not completely embarrass themselves in a 56-23 beatdown at Texas A&M, so maybe they have a shot here. Unfortuantely, the Northwestern defense has been pretty impressive in only giving up 16 points through three games. Two of them were even against good teams in Stanford and Duke. The offense hasn't done a lot, but wins are wins. <b>Northwestern 24, Ball State 6</b></p>
<p><b>Hawaii (2-1) at Wisconsin (2-1) 8pm, BTN</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2015/9/24/9396239/hawaii-vs-wisconsin-badgers-face-rainbow-warriors-in-non-conference">Bucky's 5<sup>th</sup> Quarter Preview</a></b></p>
<p>The Badgers lost <span>Corey Clement</span> for several weeks due to a sports hernia, but it shouldn't matter here. Hopefully we get to see the awesome Rainbow Warrior uniforms again. <b>Wisconsin 38, Hawaii 13</b></p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2015/9/25/9397319/week-4-big-ten-preview-tv-streaming-how-to-watchBoilerTMill