Big Ten Pick’Em – conference play begins!

You know what…..I’m MORE excited about Big Ten season this year than I can recall ever having been before? Hot damn, I’m READY for some fun tomorrow! Go Buckeyes!

I want to hear what your picks are for this week’s games, so let me have it in the comments….here’s my prognostications for Week 4.

Ohio State vs. Illinois

The Illini have not impressed me yet this season, and I was looking at them to do some scary stuff with the ball. Juice Williams to Arrillyreallyiousnessuss Benn seemed like a formidable opponent. But having seen both of Illinois’ previous two games (and couplimg that with watching Ohio State’s defense the last two games) has got me wondering if they were overrated at the start of the season.

Meanwhile, Ohio State is going to be playing with a chip on their shoulder the rest of this season, thanks to the rude treatment of the national press and AP pollsters.

Those two put together equal a sever beatdown of the Illini tomorrow. Take the Buckeyes and give up whatever amount of points are being given. This one should be a romp in Ohio State’s favor.

Minnesota vs. Northwestern

Last weekend, Minnesota showed a lot of us that they are for real.  Yeah, they lost by 2 TDs, but how many of us really thought they’d hang with #6 Cal?  I know I didn’t.

However, NW is still the stronger team and they’re still the favorite.  Northwestern is also looking at another average year if they don’t turn it around now, and I believe they will live up to that challenge.  Take the Wildcats.

Michigan vs. Indiana

The two worst teams in the Big Ten last year have both jumped out to 3-0 starts this season.  One of them will have to wait another week for win #4.  As much as it pains me, it’s obvious so far that Michigan is the better team in this matchup.

Please prove me wrong.

Wisconsin vs. Michigan State

I want to believe in Michigan State. I really really do.

I want to believe that Wisconsin is not that good. I reall really do.

I’m taking MSU, one last time.

Purdue vs. Notre Dame

I want to believe in Purdue. I really really do.

I want to believe that Notre Dame is not that good. I reall really do.

I’m taking Purdue, one last time.

Penn State vs. Iowa

Penn State is billing this game as sweet, sweet revenge.  they’re hungry after their perfect regular season was ruined by the Hawkeyes last year.

Iowa is still thumping their chest and seems to have this aura of “we did it once, we’ll do it again.”

That doesn’t cut it, and Iowa doesn’t have enough big big wins in their recent history to realize that.  Plus, no Shonn Greene means a big loss.  Penn State will win, but it’ll take a strong second half to do it.