This week in the Big Ten – BTB Pick ‘Em

Once again, several members of the Big Ten Bloggers have decided to get together and have our annual Pick ‘Em contest.  The Buckeye Battle Cry won the title in 2007, but had a bad season in 2008.  Redemption shall be ours in ’09!

Last week, we went 10-1 (thanks, Illinois), but so did two-thirds of the Big Ten Bloggers.  The time to separate from the pack could come as early as Saturday, what with a few non-conference rivalry games headed our way.  Let’s look at the week’s schedule, and which way The BBC will select;

Central Michigan at Michigan State

I can’t imagine a scenario where Michigan State would fall prey in this game.  Central Michigan is an upper-level MAC school by trade and they did give a couple of good games to Purdue recently, but those were days of yesteryear.  Central just lost to Arizona and the Cats are nowhere near as talented as Sparty.  Michigan State in a relatively easy win.

Eastern Michigan at Northwestern

Eastern is a team that went 3-9 last year and has a tendency to give up a LOT of yards and a LOT of points.  This does not look good for them, especially when you consider they are facing Northwestern, who put 52 points on the board against another weak opponent last weekend.  Our friends in purple should expect to see their backups playing a lot in the second half as this game will get out of hand fast.

Fresno State at Wisconsin

I honestly have no idea what to expect from Wisconsin this year.  They embarrassed themselves an awful lot last year and they lost a lot of talent from that squad.  Plus, I think that Bielema may be the worst coach on the Big Ten.  Meanwhile, Fresno State is loaded on offense.  The Big Ten will not look good in this game, and Wisky fans might be turning sour on their head coach early this year.

Syracuse at Penn State

The following is not my quote, but is the best line I’ve heard in a long time;

“Penn State’s non-conference schedule is softer than JoePa’s diet”

True.  Penn State wins big, but their fans will still find a way to whine.

Western Michigan at Indiana

Did we schedule EVERY directional Michigan team this week or what?  We’re going to find out just how bad Indiana is in this game.  Michigan walked all over WMU for a half, but it’s doubtful that the Hoosiers will have that same luck.  I’ll take Indiana just because it’s at their home stadium.  I have no other reason to support the Hoosiers, but I will anyway.  Grudgingly, I’ll take Indiana.

Iowa at Iowa State

Iowa came out last week and nearly became the 2009 version of Michigan, as they barely survived Northern Iowa, a team so powerful that you probably can’t tell me their mascot.  They weren’t at all motivated for that game, but I’ll bet that changes as the Cyclones host the Hawkeyes.  Iowa’s still a good team, but they’d better prove it in their big rivalry game.  I’m taking Iowa, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Iowa State pulls off one of their big wins, as they often do in this series.

Notre Dame at Michigan

Sigh.  Is it bad for me to ask for a tornado, or a blimp crash or something?  This is a game between two fan bases that will still be insufferable no matter who wins.  Who would you rather see happy, Weis or Rodriquez?  Lou Holtsch or that elitist hippie Brian?  Is it too much to ask for an earthquake instead?

Fuck it, I’ll take Notre Dame.  Or Ntre Ame, as Mali calls them (No “O”, and no “D”)

Air Force at Minnesota

Jesus, who cares?  Minnesota.

Illinois State at Illinois

I wonder what the ratings on the Big Ten Network will be on this one?  Probably lagging badly behind the Antique Roadshow marathon.  Illinois State lost to Eastern Illinois 31-6 last week and the Illini lost to Missouri 37-9.  Should be a barn-burner, this one.

Illinois should take it though.  Why???  I don’t care.  But they will.

Purdue at Oregon

I’m frankly wondering how much of an effect the whole Blount issue has dampened Oregon’s practice week.  Plus, they sucked big time against Boise State anyway.  I imagine that the stadium will be ready to forget the events of the past ten days and scream their heads off for Ducks football.  But if Purdue can smack them in the mouth (metaphorically, of course) early, it’ll take all the wind out of their sails.  I think the Boilers will prevail and ride to a win based on the emotional instability of the Ducks program.

USC at Ohio State

Being a decidedly pro-Ohio State blog, you don’t really need to know who I’m going with in this game.  But I’ll tell you anyway.

A weakened Trojan defense (thanks to graduation and ineligibility) will be a blessing to Terrelle Pryor.  He had very little trouble moving the ball last year against a strong defense, so I anticipate LIC having a HUGE night on national TV.

Meanwhile, USC’s running game is powerful and we will have a tough time with that.  We can stop the Trojans if we lay out QB Matt Barkley early and often.  He’s not prepared for this game and if he has a good start it will only boost his confidence.

This will be Barkley’s second career start as a true freshman.  The last time we faced a high-ranked opponent with a true frosh in his second start at QB was in 2006.  His name was Colt McCoy.  The Buckeyes won 24-7.

The score will be different, the victor will be the same.  Buckeyes win the big game finally.