If you are tuning into Big Ten football this weekend to see some epic matchups, I have a feeling you are going to be sorely disappointed. With the exception of one and possibly two other games.
Here we go!
Michigan State vs. Rutgers
This should really be a walk over win for the Spartans, but the way that they have been playing lately, I wouldn't be surprised if the Scarlet Knights hunger for a win is stronger than the "Spartans will". I am not going to be shocked if we find out after the season that MSU QB Lewerke was hurt all season. In the end, I will always cheer for my Spartans, but I am really indifferent on this game now that their season is basically done and basketball season has started.
Illinois v. Iowa
This could actually be a pretty good game. Illinois has proven that they can face off against some of the powerhouse teams in the Big 10. Iowa still has a great record at 7-3 and their big win over previously undefeated Minnesota last week should give them some momentum coming into this weekend. If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Iowa this week.
Minnesota v. Northwestern
This should be a bloodbath. Yeah, Minnesota is the away team, but I have no reason to doubt the Golden Gophers are going to walk all over the Wildcats in Chicago this weekend. The records speak for themselves and despite their win last week over non conference opponent Massachusetts, Northwestern is just horrible. Minnesota all day every day on this one.
Penn State v. Ohio State
Penn State has a tough road ahead of them coming into Buckeye stadium and facing off against Ohio State. They are one of the few teams in the conference that I feel have a chance against them though. Ohio State is the only undefeated team left in the Big 10 and they are ranked number 2 nationally. Ultimately, I have a feeling they will walk away with the win, but I am hoping that Penn State at least gives them a run for their money.
Nebraska v. Maryland
This should be a fairly easy win for Nebraska. I haven't seen anything from the Terrapins this season that has knocked my socks off. I believe the majority of their three wins this season were in pre-conference play, but I could be wrong. I've got my marker on the Cornhuskers for this one though I think the margin is going to be much larger than the Vegas odds.
Michigan v. Indiana
With a record of 7 - 3 on the season, Indiana has proven that they are a pretty decent team. They might not be a powerhouse that can stand up to some of the better teams in the conference, but they have a solid and consistent team that can play well together. This could be a close game if the Hoosiers bring everything they have at home. I have a feeling U of M will ultimately walk away with the win though. As much as I can't stand my in-state rival, they have grown into a decent team this season and have worked hard to gain a rank of #13 in the nation. I expect the Wolverines to take home the win here.
Purdue v. Wisconsin
This one should be a pretty easy win for Wisconsin. They had a huge win over Nebraska last weekend and they are going to want to pad their resume before they face off against Minnesota next weekend. Ranked at #12 in the nation, the Badgers have a powerhouse team that despite some setbacks through the season can compete with the best of them. If they can pull off two more wins, they will get the opportunity to face off against Ohio State for the Big 10 championship (assuming the Buckeyes win this weekend). At the end of the day, I think Wisconsin should easily take care of the Boilermakers this weekend.
If you only get to watch three Big 10 games this weekend, I encourage you to tune into the Penn State/Ohio State game but keep the Illinois/Iowa game as your previous channel button. Then after that tune in for the Michigan/Indiana game.