I’m pretty far behind in my quest to repeat as the Big Ten Bloggers Pick’Em, but lots can happen in the final four weeks. Maybe.
Either way, here’s what I’ve got for today’s games!
Northwestern at Indiana – Here we have two teams that both started off impressively, but have separated themselves in a serious fashion since then. Northwestern is now 6-1 and bowl bound, while Indiana is 2-5 and headed for a typical Hoosier season, despite all the promise that 2007 brought. Indiana’s only hope at respectibility is with a win today. But NW is clearly the more motivated team. Plus, Indiana has proven that they only have one weapon. I think NW can shut them down and win their 7th.
The BBC’s Pick – Northwestern
Michigan State at Michigan – MSU was embarrassed last week, and a lot of doubt was thrown into their season as a result. They can recapture their confidence by shaking off the Little Brother tag today….especially by doing it in Ann Arbor. Sparty has one of their better teams in a long time, while Michigan is fielding the worst team in 40 or more seasons. I hate to say it, but if Michigan State doesn’t do it now, they might not see opportunity to beat Um for a LONG time. Think about this, MSU….if you win, you GUARANTEE a losing HOME record for Michigan this year. There. Now go get ‘em.
The BBC’s Pick – Michigan State
Illinois at Wisconsin – Wisky’s been on a nasty, nasty slide of late. Illinois has been playing Jekyll/Hyde this year. The winner of this game will potentially save their season, and the loser will likely call it quits. Jumpjn Jesus on a pogo stick, wasn’t this contest once considered a “key matchup” before the season began??? I have tickets to Ohio State-Illinois in Week 11, and I need them to sell on ebay for more money, so I’m taking Illinois. I can’t believe it’s come to this….
The BBC’s Pick – Illinois
Minnesota at Purdue – This game will actually be a big test for the Gophers. They’ve rolled through six wins, mostly against substandard opposition (except their upset win over Illinois). Purdue’s record is poor, but they actually are better than the win-loss shows. I think this game will be a lesson in how much confidence means to a team. Minnesota’s starry-eyes will overcome the “what the hell happened” look that Purdue has taken on. Sorry, Boiled Sports.
The BBC’s Pick – Minnesota
Penn State at Ohio State – Come on, what do you expect me to say here? Every 3-5 years, Penn State gets good again and some of their fans start getting cocky (meanwhile, we’re always good so we know how to handle it). Most of their fans “get it” and understand what this means to Penn State, Ohio State and the Big Ten in general (see Zombie Nation, Nittany White-Out, and Black Shoe Diaries). But then there’s the moron who doesn’t see this as a way to get happy about Penn State’s success, but is rather looking forward to slinging mud, praying that Ohio State loses. This clown doesn’t get it, because it’s all about sophomore year for them, when it should be about happiness in your team’s own glory. So for that guy, let’s deny him his moment of beating off on his monitor.
The BBC’s Pick – Ohio State
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