I know there are some other conferences in the US that are much more popular than the Big 10 (I'm looking at you SEC). The fact is, the Big 10 is really a powerhouse league. We have some really strong teams that consistently rank pretty high in the poles.
In fact, at this point in the season, I believe that at least six of the teams in the conference are ranked in the top twenty nationwide. That is pretty impressive in my book.
This weekend is going to see some pretty interesting matchups:
Penn State and Minnesota should be a pretty good game. Both teams are at 8-0 on the season and it can be argued that strength of schedule is the only thing that is keeping them from being ranked closer to Ohio State at #1.
rant
That is what they would lead you to believe anyway. Anyone that has been following college football for any amount of time knows that it is really just a popularity contest and the people that determine the poles really just boost the teams that will make them the most money due to viewership and merchandising income.
rant over
Penn State v. Minnesota
I think that Penn State is probably going to beat Minnesota, but it will not be an easy game since they are playing at Minnesota. Weather could definitely be a factor this weekend. We are supposed to see temperatures in the single digits by Wednesday of next week so it is going to be cold!
Purdue v. Northwestern
Purdue and Northwestern is kind of non game in my opinion. I don't think anyone but really loyal fans will care which of those teams win. Neither of them are going to be gunning for the Big 10 Championship and either of them will probably be lucky if they even make it to a low tier bowl game for the holidays. I'd give the home edge to the Wildcats in this one along with the fact that they are probably hungry for a win.
Maryland v. Ohio State
This one, is not going to be pretty. I will be floored if this game doesn't end in a basic blood bath. I have seen Maryland play a couple of times this season and although they have three wins under their belt they should be no match for the Buckeyes. Especially at Buckeye Stadium. It would take a world of errors for Ohio State to lose this game over the weekend.
Illinois v. Michigan State
Unless I am busy moving everything back into my recently flooded basement, I will be sitting squarely on the couch tomorrow watching this game. I honestly don't know how it is going to go. I want to say that State is going to win because they are my team and they are playing at home.
As I said though, it is going to be cold and that win against Wisconsin was pretty impressive for an Illinois team that has just been pretty average this year. The Spartans have just been a hot mess the past couple of games and I really hope they are able to pull things together.
Iowa v. Wisconsin
I've gotta go with Wisconsin on this one. They really are a great team despite the two loses they have this season. One was a tough game and other was just something that should have never happened. Iowa is a good team with a great coach and those Middle America states really know how to raise some tough players.
It is likely I will be switching back and forth between the Michigan State game and this game tomorrow.
Next weekend Michigan State faces off against Michigan at the Big House. No matter how bad of a season either team is having, they always bring their A-game to this matchup. I look forward to seeing how things pan out.