Big Ten season starts next weekend….last chance to get your out-of-conference picks in! Here’s ours;
Northwestern vs. Syracuse
Syracuse has shown in two straight games that they are not ready for the Big Ten just yet….but they are better than last year. Northwestern, meanwhile, got a scare last weekend but are still 2-0. I expected them to be an upper-half Big Ten team, and they still are. Wildcats win this one in a high-scoring contest.
Temple vs. Penn State
In 2007, Ohio State had their lightest schedule in years (the only season in a decade where they didn’t have a top-15 team in the non-conference schedule). Penn State fans howled like mad over the OOC schedule and cried foul every chance they got. Funny, they’re not howling today. I wonder why. Penn State eats another cupcake.
Cal vs. Minnesota
Kudos to Minny for putting themselves out there in this game. Their non-conf schedule last year gave them an easier route to a bowl, so it’s good that they stepped it up in ’09. They’re going to regret it. Cal wins big.
Eastern Michigan vs. Michigan
All of a sudden, Wolverine fans think they’re good again. Guys, beating Charlie Weis in the final minute at home is not an accomplishment. But 3-0 is a good start, and that’s where you’ll be after Saturday. Michigan wins again, but still hasn’t played the best team in their state….
Wofford vs. Wisconsin
Are you fucking kidding me? Did Penn State back out of their game against Wofford, so Wisky picked it up? Wisconsin gets an easy one.
Northern Illinois vs. Purdue
Not an in-state rivalry, despite my best efforts to make it so. This is a trap game for Purdue, but their late-game falter last week will awakenthe Boiler faithful. I think this is their make-or-break game of the season. If they win, they have a chance to prove the critics wrong with their 9th-place prediction. I’m taking Purdue.
Michigan State vs Notre Dame
Two great things could happen in this game. One, Charlie Weis could finally get fired. Two, last week’s “ZOMG teh awesomest big win” for Michigan could be dampened. And all it takes is for Michigan State to rebound and beat the Irish. So, despite my belief that MSU will probably fail in this game, I’m taking Sparty to win and make me smile.
Indiana vs. Akron
The Hoosiers have taken a mighty fall from two years ago. This weekend, we get to see just how far they’ve fallen. A loss to the Zips would prove devastating, and I unfortunately think that will be the case. Terry Hoeppner’s memory is not being given it’s due. Akron wins in a tight game.
Arizona vs Iowa
This is quite possibly the game of the week in the Big Ten, pitting two up-comers in their respective leagues against one another. Both struggled once against teams they should have handled, and both had an easy time of a similarly easy opponent. As much as I despise Iowa, I’ve gotta go with my conference pride (and the home team) and take the Hawkeyes as they pull away with two late scores.
Ohio State vs Toledo
Watch and learn, Michigan. Watch and learn. A pissed off Buckeyes squad wins by four touchdowns
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