Get Gamm - Week 12 Plus
Only two more opportunities to Get Gamm in football. Look for Get Gamm Hoops to start with the ACC-Big Ten Challenge and then continuing once conference play tips off.
In the meantime, here we go. A lot of jockeying for bowl position in the next few weeks. Our picture should be pretty clear after Saturday.
St. Louis Spartan won the right to pick with me, but he's in transition with a big move to a new home this week so he just gave me his scores. Guess that means more room for me to pontificate!
Purdue at Indiana - The Battle for the Old Oaken Bucket is a de facto bowl game for these squads. Neither will play a lick of football after Saturday, so for the seniors on both sides, urgency is high. That, the rivalry, and the similarities in these teams makes this a game to watch.
I'm not convinced that a whole lot of defense will be played in Memorial Stadium. Both teams have great weapons at quarterback, wide receiver and tailback. Purdue has the upper hand - or should I say "leg" on special teams, but Indiana has a few more defensive playmakers. When push comes to shove, I'll go back to my preseason projections. I said IU then, I'm sticking to it!
Indiana 40 - Purdue 38
St. Louis Spartan says ... Purdue 35 - Indiana 31
Minnesota at Iowa - In Bloomington, they're playing for a bucket. In Iowa City? A big 'ol bronzed pig. Cool. Floyd of Rosedale is at stake when the Gophers invade Kinnick on Saturday. So are some other things. For Minnesota - dignity after last year's epic beat down. Oh and NOT having to settle for the Pizza Pizza Bowl. For Iowa it is a chance to make a statement to the Fiesta or Orange Bowl committees to "pick me." It is also an opportunity to retain the pig, bounce back from the two-game losing streak and send the seniors off as winners.
It won't be 55-0, but Minnesota doesn't stand a chance.
Iowa 27 - Minnesota 13.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Iowa 28 - Minnesota 17
Ohio State at Michigan - The best rivalry in college football - bar none. No trophy needed. No cute, made up gimmick or name (sorry Red River Rivalry). Nothing driving this but pure hatred. Maybe even some disrespect. Guys from Ohio playing for Michigan. Guys transferring from Michigan to play for Ohio State. Are you a reality TV fan? This is reality TV at its core? Tune in!
Now, this one doesn't have the marquee value of past games. Not even close. Ohio State is already Rose Bowl bound. Michigan isn't going much of anywhere. One has won its fifth straight title. The other is looking at another 1-7 league record. In a way though, this adds intrigue. Ohio State is playing for the pure pride of another win over the arch-enemy. Michigan is playing to get to a bowl. No 1 vs. 2 here but plenty of reasons to watch.
I think Michigan comes out with fire and passion, but cannot keep up when push comes to shove.
Ohio State 20 - Michigan 10.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Ohio State 31 - Michigan 14
Wisconsin at Northwestern - Don't sleep on this game. Wisconsin has BCS dreams - all be they long shot dreams. Northwestern is quietly building to a very solid season. It may be a foregone conclusion that Wisconsin will be in Florida for New Year's Day but we don't know where the 'cats are heading. That hinges on this game. Lose, finish 7-5 (4-4) and maybe the Spartans or Gophers, even Michigan (if bowl eligible) jump you. Win and you'r e8-4 (5-3) and on your way somewhere warm. The Badgers are not likely to pass Iowa or Penn State unless both lose but boy does 10-2 look nice.
I think this will be an instant classic. Wisconsin wins in overtime.
Wisconsin 30 - Northwestern 24.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Northwestern 24
Penn State at Michigan State - The most "forced" of the rivalries by virtue of the short time the two have battled for the Land Grant Trophy but still, a very underrated rivalry. These teams have played some memorable season-enders over the past 16 years and this should be no different.
Penn State is very much in the mix for a big payday and a BCS at-large berth. Michigan State is bowl eligible but seeks its best three year stretch (7+ wins each season) since Duffy roamed the sidelines in the mid 50s.
The Nittany Lions have been slow starters this season. The offensive line has been a problem. That bodes well for the Spartans who have to get pressure on the QB to have any success at all on defense. I think Swenson seals the Groza with a game winner.
Michigan State 24 - Penn State 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Penn State 28 - Michigan State 24
Illinois at Cincinnati (Friday, 11/27) - This is a huge opportunity for the Big Ten to save some football face. And it might be the right time. Notre Dame might already be in Brian Kelly's ear. Cincy will be peeking ahead to a battle royal at Pitt. Okay, back to reality. Illinois isn't good. Illinois won't win.
Cincinnati 37 - Illinois 23.
St. Louis Spartans says ... Cincinnati 35 - Illinois 17
Fresno State at Illinois - I'm running out of time. Fresno is good on the road. This is Senior Day and Illinois' bowl game. Juice and Benn have one last hurrah...
Illinois 27 - Fresno State 23.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Illinois 28 - Fresno State 24
Wisconsin at Hawaii - This trip seems all beaches and bikini clad women but ask MSU, Purdue, Wisconsin and others who have been there, done that. This is no picnic. The trip is long. There are distractions galore. I've never seen a ref over there not put the screws on a visiting team at some point during the game. All of that said, Wisconsin has ten wins in sight and enough time to prepare for this trip.
Wisconsin 38 - Hawaii 27.
St. Louis Spartan says ... Wisconsin 31 - Hawaii 17
Friday, November 20, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Monday Afternoon Quarterback
Ladies and gentlemen, we have our winner. We also have a pretty clear delineation of the tiers in this conference. There is one more full week to be played, followed by a smattering of other games on the slate. Eight teams are still alive in the bowl hunt, seven are eligible.
The weekend was full of (mostly) close games and unfortunately, due to a business trip to southern California (they are NOT pleased with the Trojans out there) all I saw was overtime of the OSU - Iowa tilt. That's right, I haven't even seen the MSU game yet, though thanks to my DVR, I plan to as soon as the kids are in bed tonight...
With the champion crowned, it might seem like we're set up for an anti-climactic finish, but I'd argue otherwise. The jockeying for bowl position is still going to be very, very interesting. With the PAC 10 and Big 12 floundering at the top, the Big Ten is still very alive in the hunt for an at-large berth. It all makes for an interesting final weekend of Big Ten play...
Team of the Week: Iowa. Yes, I am aware that the Hawkeyes lost but no one outside of Iowa City gave the black and gold a prayer going into the game at the 'shoe last weekend. Down 24-10 in the fourth, it looked to be signed, sealed and delivered. But true to form, Iowa clawed back and took the Buckeyes to overtime. Hat's off to the never say die Iowa Hawkeyes.
Player of the Week: A lot of guys had great games over the weekend. Joey Elliott from Purdue. Keith Smith from Purdue. Scott Tolzein of Wisconsin. But I would argue that one player had the biggest impact on his team's victory Saturday. Michigan State's Keshawn Martin had 236 all-purpose yards and an 85-yard kickoff return in the waning moments of a barn burner in West Lafayette to set up the game winner.
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules will continue to focus on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. For those out of the mix, I'll think of something else! Here are ESPN.com's, College Football News', and CBS Sportsline's.
Illinois - The Illini are cooked. They made a valiant effort but the 1-5 hole the Illini dug for itself was hard to overcome. Perhaps a better start this past weekend would have kept it alive. Where do they go from here? The focus has to be on finishing strong and building for next year. The nice thing for Illinois is that there are two games left, which means time to practice longer than most other non-bowl teams in the land. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - I really feel for Indiana. The Hoosiers might be one of the best four win teams in the nation. They battled again on the road but came up short. This team lacks the depth of weapons that everyone else has and therefore needs to pounce when there are opportunities. The Hoosiers didn't get enough out of four first half turnovers by the Nittany Lions on Saturday and after next week get to look back and wonder, what if...Next Up: Purdue
Iowa - I love the gutsy effort put forth by the under-manned Hawkeyes last weekend. In fact, that performance, if followed up by a win this coming weekend, may bring about the reward of a BCS berth for Iowa. What you see is what you get with this team and folks, they know how to put themselves in position to win.
The weekend was full of (mostly) close games and unfortunately, due to a business trip to southern California (they are NOT pleased with the Trojans out there) all I saw was overtime of the OSU - Iowa tilt. That's right, I haven't even seen the MSU game yet, though thanks to my DVR, I plan to as soon as the kids are in bed tonight...
With the champion crowned, it might seem like we're set up for an anti-climactic finish, but I'd argue otherwise. The jockeying for bowl position is still going to be very, very interesting. With the PAC 10 and Big 12 floundering at the top, the Big Ten is still very alive in the hunt for an at-large berth. It all makes for an interesting final weekend of Big Ten play...
Team of the Week: Iowa. Yes, I am aware that the Hawkeyes lost but no one outside of Iowa City gave the black and gold a prayer going into the game at the 'shoe last weekend. Down 24-10 in the fourth, it looked to be signed, sealed and delivered. But true to form, Iowa clawed back and took the Buckeyes to overtime. Hat's off to the never say die Iowa Hawkeyes.
Player of the Week: A lot of guys had great games over the weekend. Joey Elliott from Purdue. Keith Smith from Purdue. Scott Tolzein of Wisconsin. But I would argue that one player had the biggest impact on his team's victory Saturday. Michigan State's Keshawn Martin had 236 all-purpose yards and an 85-yard kickoff return in the waning moments of a barn burner in West Lafayette to set up the game winner.
Around the Big Ten
The team-by-team capsules will continue to focus on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. For those out of the mix, I'll think of something else! Here are ESPN.com's, College Football News', and CBS Sportsline's.
Illinois - The Illini are cooked. They made a valiant effort but the 1-5 hole the Illini dug for itself was hard to overcome. Perhaps a better start this past weekend would have kept it alive. Where do they go from here? The focus has to be on finishing strong and building for next year. The nice thing for Illinois is that there are two games left, which means time to practice longer than most other non-bowl teams in the land. Next up: at Cincinnati (11/27), Fresno State (12/5)
Indiana - I really feel for Indiana. The Hoosiers might be one of the best four win teams in the nation. They battled again on the road but came up short. This team lacks the depth of weapons that everyone else has and therefore needs to pounce when there are opportunities. The Hoosiers didn't get enough out of four first half turnovers by the Nittany Lions on Saturday and after next week get to look back and wonder, what if...Next Up: Purdue
Iowa - I love the gutsy effort put forth by the under-manned Hawkeyes last weekend. In fact, that performance, if followed up by a win this coming weekend, may bring about the reward of a BCS berth for Iowa. What you see is what you get with this team and folks, they know how to put themselves in position to win.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and given what's happened in other conferences, I like Iowa to head to the Fiesta Bowl. Next up: Minnesota
Michigan - Let the speculation begin. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Short term, the Wolverines still have a shot at bowl eligibility. And wouldn't it be sweet victory for this program to rise up and beat the hated Buckeyes to get there?
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Michigan State - After the big win in West Lafayette - despite a statistical beat down - MSU is 2-0 in November and in search of its first 3-0 final month since 1999. The Spartans finally found a way to win the sort of game that has bit them in the butt all season long and in the process, became bowl eligible for the third straight season. That's the first time since 1995-1997 and only the third such streak in school history.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: Penn State
Minnesota - Oh my. The Golden Gophers were this close to staring home for the holiday's square in the face. A home win by a field goal over an FCS foe? Ouch. Minnesota's flash fire rise to relevance against the Spartans has been followed by a bunch of smoke spitting and sputtering the past two weeks. Nonetheless, Minnesota gained that extra practice time so coveted by a young team and now is playing for position.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota only avoids snowy, gray Detroit by virtue of losing to Iowa and sending the Hawkeyes to the Fiesta. Off to the Insight - again - for the Gophers. Next up: at Iowa
Northwestern - I'm impressed. Northwestern has really come together under the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald and will go bowling in back to back seasons for just the second time in school history. Now it's a matter of where. The 'cats are rooting for Iowa or Penn State as a second BCS berth upgrades the destination quite a bit.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 7-5. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats benefit from a second BCS berth for the conference and head to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Wisconsin
Ohio State - Congrats to the five-time champ Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturday was more of a battle than expected but that win means the first trip to Pasadena for the Bucknuts, since, can you believe it - after the 1996 season! The last time Ohio State went to the Rose Bowl, they beat Jake Plummer and the Arizona State Sun Devils. The clinched BCS berth is OSU's record 8th since the series began.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: at Michigan
Penn State - The Nittany Lions came out flatter than a slashed tired against Indiana last weekend but still has its sights set on a big bowl payout. This season has been more of a struggle than expected but the Nits might well benefit from the down year being had by the Big 12 and PAC 10. This weekend is all about position. Win and move up the pecking order. Lose and settle in for New Year's in Florida.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Michigan State
Purdue - Saturday's result was a microcosm of the Boilermakers' season. Another close but no cigar finish. Another great game on paper with the wrong results to show for it. That leaves a young team home for the holiday's and missing out on critical extra practice time. The bowl game becomes the Old Oaken Bucket Bowl in Bloomington.
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid the hammer to Michigan and exacted a measure of revenge for last season. It also left UW still in the mix for a BCS berth, though it will be tough for the Badgers to pass up two teams it lost to head to head (OSU and Iowa). Now it comes down to Orlando or Tampa?
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando, this time for the Capital One Bowl. Next up: at Northwestern, at Hawaii (12/5)
Get Gamm Winner:
Andrew maintained his lead but gave a game back to our only perfect picker on the week - St. Louis Spartan. With three "strays" on tap after this weekend, we'll pick the rest all at once. That means two more chances to Get Gamm - this one and bowl style...
Ohio State at Michigan
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Penn State at Michigan State
Purdue at Indiana (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Cincinnati (11/27)
Fresno State at Illinois (12/5)
Wisconsin at Hawaii (12/5)
Michigan - Let the speculation begin. Will Rich Rod be back for a third season? Can Michigan fans, alums, faculty, etc. tolerate more growing pains? I think Rodriguez will be back UNLESS the NCAA upturns something nasty, in which case he'll be run out on a rail. Short term, the Wolverines still have a shot at bowl eligibility. And wouldn't it be sweet victory for this program to rise up and beat the hated Buckeyes to get there?
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Michigan State - After the big win in West Lafayette - despite a statistical beat down - MSU is 2-0 in November and in search of its first 3-0 final month since 1999. The Spartans finally found a way to win the sort of game that has bit them in the butt all season long and in the process, became bowl eligible for the third straight season. That's the first time since 1995-1997 and only the third such streak in school history.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: Penn State
Minnesota - Oh my. The Golden Gophers were this close to staring home for the holiday's square in the face. A home win by a field goal over an FCS foe? Ouch. Minnesota's flash fire rise to relevance against the Spartans has been followed by a bunch of smoke spitting and sputtering the past two weeks. Nonetheless, Minnesota gained that extra practice time so coveted by a young team and now is playing for position.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota only avoids snowy, gray Detroit by virtue of losing to Iowa and sending the Hawkeyes to the Fiesta. Off to the Insight - again - for the Gophers. Next up: at Iowa
Northwestern - I'm impressed. Northwestern has really come together under the leadership of Pat Fitzgerald and will go bowling in back to back seasons for just the second time in school history. Now it's a matter of where. The 'cats are rooting for Iowa or Penn State as a second BCS berth upgrades the destination quite a bit.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 7-5. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats benefit from a second BCS berth for the conference and head to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Wisconsin
Ohio State - Congrats to the five-time champ Ohio State Buckeyes. Saturday was more of a battle than expected but that win means the first trip to Pasadena for the Bucknuts, since, can you believe it - after the 1996 season! The last time Ohio State went to the Rose Bowl, they beat Jake Plummer and the Arizona State Sun Devils. The clinched BCS berth is OSU's record 8th since the series began.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: at Michigan
Penn State - The Nittany Lions came out flatter than a slashed tired against Indiana last weekend but still has its sights set on a big bowl payout. This season has been more of a struggle than expected but the Nits might well benefit from the down year being had by the Big 12 and PAC 10. This weekend is all about position. Win and move up the pecking order. Lose and settle in for New Year's in Florida.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Michigan State
Purdue - Saturday's result was a microcosm of the Boilermakers' season. Another close but no cigar finish. Another great game on paper with the wrong results to show for it. That leaves a young team home for the holiday's and missing out on critical extra practice time. The bowl game becomes the Old Oaken Bucket Bowl in Bloomington.
Wisconsin - The Badgers laid the hammer to Michigan and exacted a measure of revenge for last season. It also left UW still in the mix for a BCS berth, though it will be tough for the Badgers to pass up two teams it lost to head to head (OSU and Iowa). Now it comes down to Orlando or Tampa?
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando, this time for the Capital One Bowl. Next up: at Northwestern, at Hawaii (12/5)
Get Gamm Winner:
Andrew maintained his lead but gave a game back to our only perfect picker on the week - St. Louis Spartan. With three "strays" on tap after this weekend, we'll pick the rest all at once. That means two more chances to Get Gamm - this one and bowl style...
Minnesota at Iowa
Ohio State at Michigan
Wisconsin at Northwestern
Penn State at Michigan State
Purdue at Indiana (Tiebreaker)
Illinois at Cincinnati (11/27)
Fresno State at Illinois (12/5)
Wisconsin at Hawaii (12/5)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Get Gamm - Week Eleven
Here we are entering our 11th week of Big Ten football and each and every team can still make a bowl. Not everyone will of course, but it speaks to the parity of the league. Check that, it speaks VOLUMES to the parity in this league.
Aside from some must-win battles on the slate, we also have the BCS decider. The winner of Iowa and Ohio State will represent the Big Ten in the Granddaddy of 'em all. It's too bad that Iowa isn't full strength. This would have been similar to the MSU-Iowa game in terms of defense, goal line stands, bloodied and battered players...
AndrewJ1313 shot into first place with around 20-25 games left to pick and appears here again this week.
Michigan at Wisconsin - Do you think the Badgers might have a little payback in mind? A season ago, Michigan won a lone Big Ten conference game. It was at UW's expense and due to a blown lead at that. Fast forward a year and Michigan has one, close Big Ten win to its credit, is .500 overall and needs one win in two games to avoid a second-straight "home for the holidays" bowl season. Wisconsin still has at-large BCS dreams in mind. The Badgers are quietly racking up a very solid season, should win this one with relative ease and get that measure of satisfaction that comes from payback... Wisconsin 34 - Michigan 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... I think I said it when I picked with Gamm in week six, that Michigan looks like a typical RichRod team – all flash, no defense. I love it when I’m right. After the “Michigan’s back” 4-0 start, this team has hit the basement floor hard going 1-5 in their last six games. Wisconsin has a real chance of getting to 10 wins and that will be good enough for an Outback Bowl bid. Michigan on the other hand could be a real trap game for OSU next week if the Scarlet and Grey can handle Iowa this week. Michigan will have everything on the line to either go bowling or go home (actually, Michigan will probably be home regardless, as bowl eligibility will only take them to Detroit). Wisconsin 32, Michigan 20
Northwestern at Illinois - This one went from tricky pick, to no brainer, back to tricky pick all in the manner of a few weeks. At the onset of the season, I saw Illinois as a top tier team and Northwestern as a sleeper. Then Illinois sleep-walked through the first seven weeks of the season. Northwestern was playing well and it became clear that this was going to be a nice win in the pocket for the Wildcats. Then Illinois awoke - in a major way and followed that up with a good road win. Meanwhile, Northwestern faded against Penn State after losing Mike Kafka to injury, but followed that up with a big, road upset win over Iowa. Northwestern is bowl eligible already. Illinois needs to win out. The latter won't happen, but the Illini get it done in this rivalry game. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... Who would have thought that this game would feature two teams coming off nice wins? Did Illinois put it together for the remainder of the season or did their competition just pack it in? Can Northwestern carry the momentum from last week’s shocker into this week? I think so. Northwestern would like to position themselves for a better bowl and needs to do that either this week or next and their best chance is this week against an up and down Illini squad. I think Zook is looking for work next season, but we’ll see. Northwestern 28, Illinois 24
South Dakota State at Minnesota - Two unlikely mascots go toe-to-toe this weekend in the Land of 10,000 lakes. The Jackrabbits v. Golden Gophers. Neither strikes much fear unless of course you are the assistant greens keeper at Bushwood. But I digress... This is a critical game for Minnesota. Everything gained in the Halloween win over MSU was tossed out the window against Illinois. With a trip to Iowa City left, this is the best remaining change for the Gophers to get to six wins. The Jackrabbits are 7-2 and an impressive FCS foe. I'm really tempted to go with a big upset here, but Minnesota prevails... if barely. Minnesota 31 - SDSU 30
AndrewJ1313 says ... Just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota to get to bowl eligibility - South Dakota State. If the Gophers can’t get by an FCS foe, then they don’t deserve to go bowling anyway. Minnesota 42, Jackrabbits 13
Indiana at Penn State - This one is all about the future. Well, the immediate future (December/January) anyway. Indiana has to win out. No small task considering the impending trip to State College. Penn State still has a fair shot at a BCS at-large but needs to win out. The Nittany Lions have had no trouble with the teams it should be but have struggled in the big one. I think Doss and the Hoosiers come to play and make a great effort, but leave with a loss after Penn State wakes up late and staves off the upset. Penn State 37 - Indiana 28
AndrewJ1313 says ... Does anyone know how good Penn St. is? Their two toughest match-ups of the season were both losses in which Penn St. was dominated in the second half. Take away some major screw jobs from the officiating crews and Indiana could already be bowl eligible at 6-4. The week after the loss to Iowa, PSU followed it up by taking out their frustrations on Illinois. I think they do it again against a decent Indiana team. PSU 38, IU 20.
Michigan State at Purdue - The sleeper game of the week in the Big Ten. Heck, if we were talking hoops, this would be THE game! Purdue is at the peak after hitting rock bottom at Wisconsin two weeks ago. The Spartans are one win from their first back-to-back-to-back bowl berths since 1995-97. State thumped Western Michigan last weekend and is firing on all cylinders offensively. Purdue finally won at Michigan last weekend and is potent on offense as well. Both have lost close games this season. Both have visions of warmth and sun for the holidays. Michigan State has the edge in overall talent and wins this game by forcing turnovers. Michigan State 30 - Purdue 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... Purdue has been up and down almost as much as Illinois this year, perfect example, the past two weeks. A 37-0 loss followed by a come-from-behind 38-36 thriller in Ann Arbor. The Boilers have the ability to beat MSU. Both teams need this win, but Purdue needs it more, add that motivation to the fact that it is senior day, I think the Boilers get it done in a nail-bitter. Purdue 24, MSU 23
Iowa at Ohio State (Tiebreaker) - The Game of the Week. Two of the best defenses in the conference. An offense that has started to rise up. An offense that has lost its leader. And that is the difference. I wish Stanzi were playing because I think this would be a vintage Big Ten game. But he's not and Iowa's run for the Roses will hit the wall. The Hawkeyes will keep this a game with defense, but the injuries have come to a point where they have become insurmountable. Iowa hangs tough against a conservative game plan, but OSU prevails and wins its fifth straight title. Ohio State 23 - Iowa 14
AndrewJ1313 says ... The clock may have struck midnight on Iowa. A freshman QB making his first start on the road at the Shoe against a rolling and confident OSU team. Iowa is a team that knows how to win, that’s why they were 9-0. Even without Stanzi, Iowa is playing for the Roses and that should be motivation enough to make this a closer and better game than most people are thinking. The win against Penn St. felt good for Buckeye fans, trust me, but just because they Buckeyes went on the road to one of the toughest places to play in the country, dominated the trenches and won big, doesn’t mean they are out of the woods just yet. Getting by Iowa would be big for the Buckeyes, but they must stay focused or Michigan will catch them. In the end, no Stanzi, the Big Ten’s most dominating defense, Ohio State should be heading to Pasadena. OSU 20, Iowa 16.
Here we are entering our 11th week of Big Ten football and each and every team can still make a bowl. Not everyone will of course, but it speaks to the parity of the league. Check that, it speaks VOLUMES to the parity in this league.
Aside from some must-win battles on the slate, we also have the BCS decider. The winner of Iowa and Ohio State will represent the Big Ten in the Granddaddy of 'em all. It's too bad that Iowa isn't full strength. This would have been similar to the MSU-Iowa game in terms of defense, goal line stands, bloodied and battered players...
AndrewJ1313 shot into first place with around 20-25 games left to pick and appears here again this week.
Michigan at Wisconsin - Do you think the Badgers might have a little payback in mind? A season ago, Michigan won a lone Big Ten conference game. It was at UW's expense and due to a blown lead at that. Fast forward a year and Michigan has one, close Big Ten win to its credit, is .500 overall and needs one win in two games to avoid a second-straight "home for the holidays" bowl season. Wisconsin still has at-large BCS dreams in mind. The Badgers are quietly racking up a very solid season, should win this one with relative ease and get that measure of satisfaction that comes from payback... Wisconsin 34 - Michigan 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... I think I said it when I picked with Gamm in week six, that Michigan looks like a typical RichRod team – all flash, no defense. I love it when I’m right. After the “Michigan’s back” 4-0 start, this team has hit the basement floor hard going 1-5 in their last six games. Wisconsin has a real chance of getting to 10 wins and that will be good enough for an Outback Bowl bid. Michigan on the other hand could be a real trap game for OSU next week if the Scarlet and Grey can handle Iowa this week. Michigan will have everything on the line to either go bowling or go home (actually, Michigan will probably be home regardless, as bowl eligibility will only take them to Detroit). Wisconsin 32, Michigan 20
Northwestern at Illinois - This one went from tricky pick, to no brainer, back to tricky pick all in the manner of a few weeks. At the onset of the season, I saw Illinois as a top tier team and Northwestern as a sleeper. Then Illinois sleep-walked through the first seven weeks of the season. Northwestern was playing well and it became clear that this was going to be a nice win in the pocket for the Wildcats. Then Illinois awoke - in a major way and followed that up with a good road win. Meanwhile, Northwestern faded against Penn State after losing Mike Kafka to injury, but followed that up with a big, road upset win over Iowa. Northwestern is bowl eligible already. Illinois needs to win out. The latter won't happen, but the Illini get it done in this rivalry game. Illinois 27 - Northwestern 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... Who would have thought that this game would feature two teams coming off nice wins? Did Illinois put it together for the remainder of the season or did their competition just pack it in? Can Northwestern carry the momentum from last week’s shocker into this week? I think so. Northwestern would like to position themselves for a better bowl and needs to do that either this week or next and their best chance is this week against an up and down Illini squad. I think Zook is looking for work next season, but we’ll see. Northwestern 28, Illinois 24
South Dakota State at Minnesota - Two unlikely mascots go toe-to-toe this weekend in the Land of 10,000 lakes. The Jackrabbits v. Golden Gophers. Neither strikes much fear unless of course you are the assistant greens keeper at Bushwood. But I digress... This is a critical game for Minnesota. Everything gained in the Halloween win over MSU was tossed out the window against Illinois. With a trip to Iowa City left, this is the best remaining change for the Gophers to get to six wins. The Jackrabbits are 7-2 and an impressive FCS foe. I'm really tempted to go with a big upset here, but Minnesota prevails... if barely. Minnesota 31 - SDSU 30
AndrewJ1313 says ... Just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota to get to bowl eligibility - South Dakota State. If the Gophers can’t get by an FCS foe, then they don’t deserve to go bowling anyway. Minnesota 42, Jackrabbits 13
Indiana at Penn State - This one is all about the future. Well, the immediate future (December/January) anyway. Indiana has to win out. No small task considering the impending trip to State College. Penn State still has a fair shot at a BCS at-large but needs to win out. The Nittany Lions have had no trouble with the teams it should be but have struggled in the big one. I think Doss and the Hoosiers come to play and make a great effort, but leave with a loss after Penn State wakes up late and staves off the upset. Penn State 37 - Indiana 28
AndrewJ1313 says ... Does anyone know how good Penn St. is? Their two toughest match-ups of the season were both losses in which Penn St. was dominated in the second half. Take away some major screw jobs from the officiating crews and Indiana could already be bowl eligible at 6-4. The week after the loss to Iowa, PSU followed it up by taking out their frustrations on Illinois. I think they do it again against a decent Indiana team. PSU 38, IU 20.
Michigan State at Purdue - The sleeper game of the week in the Big Ten. Heck, if we were talking hoops, this would be THE game! Purdue is at the peak after hitting rock bottom at Wisconsin two weeks ago. The Spartans are one win from their first back-to-back-to-back bowl berths since 1995-97. State thumped Western Michigan last weekend and is firing on all cylinders offensively. Purdue finally won at Michigan last weekend and is potent on offense as well. Both have lost close games this season. Both have visions of warmth and sun for the holidays. Michigan State has the edge in overall talent and wins this game by forcing turnovers. Michigan State 30 - Purdue 24
AndrewJ1313 says ... Purdue has been up and down almost as much as Illinois this year, perfect example, the past two weeks. A 37-0 loss followed by a come-from-behind 38-36 thriller in Ann Arbor. The Boilers have the ability to beat MSU. Both teams need this win, but Purdue needs it more, add that motivation to the fact that it is senior day, I think the Boilers get it done in a nail-bitter. Purdue 24, MSU 23
Iowa at Ohio State (Tiebreaker) - The Game of the Week. Two of the best defenses in the conference. An offense that has started to rise up. An offense that has lost its leader. And that is the difference. I wish Stanzi were playing because I think this would be a vintage Big Ten game. But he's not and Iowa's run for the Roses will hit the wall. The Hawkeyes will keep this a game with defense, but the injuries have come to a point where they have become insurmountable. Iowa hangs tough against a conservative game plan, but OSU prevails and wins its fifth straight title. Ohio State 23 - Iowa 14
AndrewJ1313 says ... The clock may have struck midnight on Iowa. A freshman QB making his first start on the road at the Shoe against a rolling and confident OSU team. Iowa is a team that knows how to win, that’s why they were 9-0. Even without Stanzi, Iowa is playing for the Roses and that should be motivation enough to make this a closer and better game than most people are thinking. The win against Penn St. felt good for Buckeye fans, trust me, but just because they Buckeyes went on the road to one of the toughest places to play in the country, dominated the trenches and won big, doesn’t mean they are out of the woods just yet. Getting by Iowa would be big for the Buckeyes, but they must stay focused or Michigan will catch them. In the end, no Stanzi, the Big Ten’s most dominating defense, Ohio State should be heading to Pasadena. OSU 20, Iowa 16.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Monday Morning Quarterback
Illinois - Don't look now, but Illinois has strung together two straight, and this time with a (formerly) third string signal caller. It won't be easy to get to six, but momentum is key in college football.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 3-9. Prediction is 4-8. Next up: Northwestern
Indiana - Another week, another tough loss for the Hoosiers. This time, instead of giving up a lead, Indiana nearly came back to pull off a big upset. Time is not on the Hoosiers' side, needing two wins with a trip to Penn State looming.
Another weekend, another rash of wild and unpredictable outcomes. Been waiting for Iowa to finally lose a close one? Check. Wondering when Purdue might finally win again in Ann Arbor? Check. Prepared for the road team to win again in the hotly contested Penn State - Ohio State series? Check.
And that wasn't all. Illinois got it done, again. Indiana nearly stormed back to beat Wisconsin. Michigan State finally pounded someone while finding another capable tailback in the process. Every single team in the Big Ten still has at least a shot at bowl eligibility.
It all sets up for a great run to the finish, even if the top of the conference was likely signed, sealed and delivered on November 7...
Team of the Week: Purdue. The Boilermakers came off a 37-0 pasting at Wisconsin, spotted Michigan a 24-10 lead, came back and won in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1966. That's 43 years. When a guy the youngsters know as a recently suspended college football color commentator quarterbacked the gold and black (Bob Griese). Hat's off to Purdue...
Player of the Week: Kirk Cousins, Michigan State. Yep, gonna give one of my guys the love. He was nearly perfect, going 22-25 for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Others stepped up big too, but Cousins had no turnovers - while Joey Elliott had a couple. Honorable mention to OSU defensive lineman Cameron Hayward who had a HUGE game at Penn State.
Around the Big Ten
From here on out, I'll focus the team-by-team capsules on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. Here are ESPN.com's, ESPN Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenberg's, and CBS Sportsline's.
A few things to keep in mind: a 6-6 team can be selected ahead of a 7-5 team as long as the 7-5 team is guaranteed a Big Ten bowl tie-in. All bowls except the Insight and Little Caesar's Pizza cannot select a team with two fewer wins than the team above it in the standings. Note that the picking order is as follows: Rose, Capital One, Outback, Champs, Alamo, Insight, Little Caesar's.
And that wasn't all. Illinois got it done, again. Indiana nearly stormed back to beat Wisconsin. Michigan State finally pounded someone while finding another capable tailback in the process. Every single team in the Big Ten still has at least a shot at bowl eligibility.
It all sets up for a great run to the finish, even if the top of the conference was likely signed, sealed and delivered on November 7...
Team of the Week: Purdue. The Boilermakers came off a 37-0 pasting at Wisconsin, spotted Michigan a 24-10 lead, came back and won in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1966. That's 43 years. When a guy the youngsters know as a recently suspended college football color commentator quarterbacked the gold and black (Bob Griese). Hat's off to Purdue...
Player of the Week: Kirk Cousins, Michigan State. Yep, gonna give one of my guys the love. He was nearly perfect, going 22-25 for 353 yards and two touchdowns. Others stepped up big too, but Cousins had no turnovers - while Joey Elliott had a couple. Honorable mention to OSU defensive lineman Cameron Hayward who had a HUGE game at Penn State.
Around the Big Ten
From here on out, I'll focus the team-by-team capsules on the adjusted bowl possibilities and projections. Here are ESPN.com's, ESPN Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenberg's, and CBS Sportsline's.
A few things to keep in mind: a 6-6 team can be selected ahead of a 7-5 team as long as the 7-5 team is guaranteed a Big Ten bowl tie-in. All bowls except the Insight and Little Caesar's Pizza cannot select a team with two fewer wins than the team above it in the standings. Note that the picking order is as follows: Rose, Capital One, Outback, Champs, Alamo, Insight, Little Caesar's.
Illinois - Don't look now, but Illinois has strung together two straight, and this time with a (formerly) third string signal caller. It won't be easy to get to six, but momentum is key in college football.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 3-9. Prediction is 4-8. Next up: Northwestern
Indiana - Another week, another tough loss for the Hoosiers. This time, instead of giving up a lead, Indiana nearly came back to pull off a big upset. Time is not on the Hoosiers' side, needing two wins with a trip to Penn State looming.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 4-8. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next Up: at Penn State
Iowa - Easy come, easy go. Iowa had lived on the edge for most of its nine wins and it finally bit them over the weekend. Losing Stanzi was the nail in that coffin. Now the Hawkeyes MUST beat Ohio State or the Rose Bowl that seemed almost a given goes down the drain.
Iowa - Easy come, easy go. Iowa had lived on the edge for most of its nine wins and it finally bit them over the weekend. Losing Stanzi was the nail in that coffin. Now the Hawkeyes MUST beat Ohio State or the Rose Bowl that seemed almost a given goes down the drain.
Best case is 11-1. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 10-2 and a Capital One Bowl berth. Next up: at Ohio State.
Michigan - The heat on RichRod was just cranked up to max temp. Michigan blew another first half lead with laughable defense. With a road game and a game against Tressel still on tap, it looks like another season of home for the holiday's for the boys in blue.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: at Wisconsin
Michigan State - That was just what the doctor ordered. The Spartans jumped on Western Michigan early and often and pulled within a game of bowl eligibility with two left. This week sets up to be a great game, with two snake bitten teams going toe-to-toe to try and get to a bowl.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: at Purdue
Minnesota - So much for turning any corners. Minnesota fell back to earth - hard - against Illinois and set itself back in the quest for a good bowl berth. This weekend appears to offer up the sixth win gimmie, but the loss to Illinois punts Minnesota all the way to the bottom.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota goes from Disney to Detroit with that one loss. Little Caesar's Pizza anyone? Next up: South Dakota State
Northwestern - The Wildcats hung one on Iowa and probably gain the most of anyone in the conference other than Ohio State. The 'cats are bowl eligible and now it is a matter of improving positioning.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 6-6. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats head to Phoenix for the Insight Bowl. Next up: at Illinois
Ohio State - Guess who sits in the driver's seat in the Big Ten - again? Ohio State put forth a dominating defensive effort at State College and put itself in great position to make a run for the Roses. That win was a huge money maker for the scarlet and gray.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2, a fifth straight title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: Iowa
Penn State - The Nittany Lions are 0-fer against upper tier competition so far this year. The shocking part is that both losses happened at home. With the title all but out of the question, and with it, a BCS berth, it is all about where in FLA the Nittany Lions want to spend the holidays.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: Indiana
Purdue - That was a huge win for Purdue. The only spoiler factor was the Danny Hope / RichRod incident with the suspended lineman. That was a rookie move by an emotional coach. Nonetheless, the Boilers can go bowling with two more wins. The question is, which Purdue will show up on Saturday?
Michigan - The heat on RichRod was just cranked up to max temp. Michigan blew another first half lead with laughable defense. With a road game and a game against Tressel still on tap, it looks like another season of home for the holiday's for the boys in blue.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 5-7 and no bowl. Next up: at Wisconsin
Michigan State - That was just what the doctor ordered. The Spartans jumped on Western Michigan early and often and pulled within a game of bowl eligibility with two left. This week sets up to be a great game, with two snake bitten teams going toe-to-toe to try and get to a bowl.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 7-5 and an Alamo Bowl Berth. Next up: at Purdue
Minnesota - So much for turning any corners. Minnesota fell back to earth - hard - against Illinois and set itself back in the quest for a good bowl berth. This weekend appears to offer up the sixth win gimmie, but the loss to Illinois punts Minnesota all the way to the bottom.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 6-6. Minnesota goes from Disney to Detroit with that one loss. Little Caesar's Pizza anyone? Next up: South Dakota State
Northwestern - The Wildcats hung one on Iowa and probably gain the most of anyone in the conference other than Ohio State. The 'cats are bowl eligible and now it is a matter of improving positioning.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 6-6. Prediction is 7-5. The Wildcats head to Phoenix for the Insight Bowl. Next up: at Illinois
Ohio State - Guess who sits in the driver's seat in the Big Ten - again? Ohio State put forth a dominating defensive effort at State College and put itself in great position to make a run for the Roses. That win was a huge money maker for the scarlet and gray.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 10-2, a fifth straight title and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Next Up: Iowa
Penn State - The Nittany Lions are 0-fer against upper tier competition so far this year. The shocking part is that both losses happened at home. With the title all but out of the question, and with it, a BCS berth, it is all about where in FLA the Nittany Lions want to spend the holidays.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 9-3 and a berth in the Outback Bowl. Next up: Indiana
Purdue - That was a huge win for Purdue. The only spoiler factor was the Danny Hope / RichRod incident with the suspended lineman. That was a rookie move by an emotional coach. Nonetheless, the Boilers can go bowling with two more wins. The question is, which Purdue will show up on Saturday?
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 4-8. Prediction is 5-7. Next up: Michigan State
Wisconsin - The Badgers tried to give one away in Bloomington over the weekend, but instead put a stranglehold on a Florida bowl berth. Two winnable games remain and that means the Badgers do have a chance - albeit a very outside shot - to hit a BCS bowl.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 7-5. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Michigan
Get Gamm Winner:
For the first time in forever, we have a new leader at the top. Andrew won with a 5-1 record and pushed St. Louis into second place.
Michigan at Wisconsin
Northwestern at Illinois
South Dakota State at Minnesota
Wisconsin - The Badgers tried to give one away in Bloomington over the weekend, but instead put a stranglehold on a Florida bowl berth. Two winnable games remain and that means the Badgers do have a chance - albeit a very outside shot - to hit a BCS bowl.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 7-5. Prediction is 10-2 and a trip back to Orlando for the Champs Bowl. Next up: Michigan
Get Gamm Winner:
For the first time in forever, we have a new leader at the top. Andrew won with a 5-1 record and pushed St. Louis into second place.
Michigan at Wisconsin
Northwestern at Illinois
South Dakota State at Minnesota
Indiana at Penn State
Michigan State at Purdue
Iowa at Ohio State (Tiebreaker)
Michigan State at Purdue
Iowa at Ohio State (Tiebreaker)
Friday, November 06, 2009
Get Gamm - Week Ten
For the first time since the opening week, I am picking solo. That means I finally beat all comers! We have a very important weekend on tap with one "elimination" game and several other critical match-ups for those hoping to get to, or improve bowl position.
Haste makes waste, so without further ado...
Illinois at Minnesota - The Fighting Illini finally showed some fight last weekend with an unexpected pasting of the Wolverines. Minnesota woke up from offensive hibernation to put up silly passing numbers against a previously strong MSU secondary - all without the Big Ten's best wide receiver. All of that adds up to some intrigue for this weekend's tilt in Minneapolis.
The Illini need to win out to go bowling. That's a tall task but at this point, it is a rallying cry. Minnesota is one win away, with a sure win on the slate next week (South Dakota State) so the Gophers are all about notching their belt with wins to enhance the final holiday destination.
Will either team have a hangover after last weekend? My guess is if either do, it will be Minnesota. This game should have plenty of offense, but Illinois has a great shot to win if it can control the game with the same running prowess it showed last weekend. I need to make a move up the standings, so I will pick away from the field on this one. Illinois surprises again.
Illinois 33 - Minnesota 31
Northwestern at Iowa - Is this the weekend where Iowa finally shows up from the onset and buries a team from the first play? That's the million dollar question. The game of the year looms next weekend for the Hawkeyes, so there has to be some major guarding against a peek ahead. For Northwestern, meanwhile, the mission is simple - get another win and get to bowl eligibility. No look ahead exists. Nothing to focus on but the here and now.
Northwestern has beaten Iowa three of the past four seasons, including last year in Iowa City. However, the health of quarterback Mike Kafka is a major question mark, especially against this defense. The Hawkeyes played as poorly as possible in a runaway win last weekend. I'm willing to bet that Stanzi doesn't throw five picks this weekend.
The Wildcats and their spread attack will make this a game, especially if Kafka can go at full tilt. Iowa will work to control the clock and grind out another win. If Northwestern was healthier, I'd be more willing to call this out at my upset alert. But I'm not sold on the health factor. Iowa lives to set up a huge showdown in Columbus next weekend.
Iowa 27 - Northwestern 16
Purdue at Michigan - There is a critical game being played in Ann Arbor this weekend. The thing is, it is between one team that is 3-6 (2-3) and coming off an ugly, shut out loss and a team that is 5-4 (1-4) and desperately seeking that sixth win given a couple of tall tasks yet to be tended to this November.
Purdue has been oh-so-close numerous times this season. For Michigan, it has been feast or famine with little in between. Prior to getting pasted in Madison, the Boilers had lost games by 2, 7, 3 and 6 in successive weeks at the onset of the season. The trouble is, the trend is worsening, as the past two losses have been by 15 and 37.
The gold and black need to win out to go bowling. Michigan needs one more and maybe more to avoid the Pizza Pizza Bowl. I hate how both teams are playing right now but I sense more turmoil in Ann Arbor. Fans are pretty miffed over the egg laid in Champaign last weekend. Most will pick Michigan here and while that seems like the safer bet, I'm not so sure.
Purdue 24 - Michigan 23.
Western Michigan at Michigan State - The Michigan State Spartans are two plays from 6-3, and a bad decision and a bad call from 8-1. Easy come, easy go. Western Michigan also sits at 4-5 and has been a bit of a disappointment this year. The Broncos were expected to contend for the MAC West title but have been inconsistent all season long.
This game comes at a good time for the Spartans. A win puts MSU at 5-5 with two to play. Bowl games are critical these days - for the extra practice time, the perception of recruits, etc. But this isn't a gimme. WMU will come to play. The Broncos beat Illinois at this time last year and are hungry to follow up what the Chippewas did back in September.
State is dinged up but I think a season of what ifs, and shoulda-coulda-woulda explodes on Western. That momentum may be just what this team needs to get a sixth and perhaps seventh win...
Michigan State 38 - Western Michigan 14.
Wisconsin at Indiana - Another game that has meaning to both teams involved. Wisconsin still has a very outside shot at a share of the league title. Indiana is two games from bowling and still stinging after another tough road loss in a game it was controlling.
The Badgers aren't fancy, but beat you by smashing you in the mouth on both sides of the ball. Indiana has some playmakers but hasn't beaten UW since 2001. The Hoosiers are a year from getting back to a bowl game. Wisconsin is a few games from a sunny trip south on New Year's Day.
Wisconsin 31 - Indiana 13
Ohio State at Penn State (Tiebreaker) - They saved the best for last this weekend. The game of the week in the conference if not in college football. An elimination game. A statement game. The BCS will be watching. The nation will check in to see if the Big Ten is "still playing bad football." All eyes will be on a PA quarterback leading Ohio State and an OH quarterback leading Penn State. This one has - at least in the past few years - pushed aside OSU-Michigan as the tone setter for the Big Ten conference...
The series is all tied up at 12 apiece. Penn State won 13-6 last season, marking two straight wins for the visitor in the series. 12 of the 16 games since 1993 have been won by the home team, however, and I'm not sure - having been to most of the Big Ten stadiums - if there is a better home field advantage than the one in State College.
Both defenses are rock solid. Each team is decent to good with special teams. That puts the onus on the offense. Penn State's is more efficient, more dangerous and more apt to get the job done. Both teams already have a conference loss so a loss here likely means no Big Ten title. For Ohio State that would mark a first non-title since 2004.
I like Penn State's offense more and that is the difference in this one. Well, that and a loud, rambunctious Nittany Nation clad in white.
Penn State 17 - Ohio State 13.
For the first time since the opening week, I am picking solo. That means I finally beat all comers! We have a very important weekend on tap with one "elimination" game and several other critical match-ups for those hoping to get to, or improve bowl position.
Haste makes waste, so without further ado...
Illinois at Minnesota - The Fighting Illini finally showed some fight last weekend with an unexpected pasting of the Wolverines. Minnesota woke up from offensive hibernation to put up silly passing numbers against a previously strong MSU secondary - all without the Big Ten's best wide receiver. All of that adds up to some intrigue for this weekend's tilt in Minneapolis.
The Illini need to win out to go bowling. That's a tall task but at this point, it is a rallying cry. Minnesota is one win away, with a sure win on the slate next week (South Dakota State) so the Gophers are all about notching their belt with wins to enhance the final holiday destination.
Will either team have a hangover after last weekend? My guess is if either do, it will be Minnesota. This game should have plenty of offense, but Illinois has a great shot to win if it can control the game with the same running prowess it showed last weekend. I need to make a move up the standings, so I will pick away from the field on this one. Illinois surprises again.
Illinois 33 - Minnesota 31
Northwestern at Iowa - Is this the weekend where Iowa finally shows up from the onset and buries a team from the first play? That's the million dollar question. The game of the year looms next weekend for the Hawkeyes, so there has to be some major guarding against a peek ahead. For Northwestern, meanwhile, the mission is simple - get another win and get to bowl eligibility. No look ahead exists. Nothing to focus on but the here and now.
Northwestern has beaten Iowa three of the past four seasons, including last year in Iowa City. However, the health of quarterback Mike Kafka is a major question mark, especially against this defense. The Hawkeyes played as poorly as possible in a runaway win last weekend. I'm willing to bet that Stanzi doesn't throw five picks this weekend.
The Wildcats and their spread attack will make this a game, especially if Kafka can go at full tilt. Iowa will work to control the clock and grind out another win. If Northwestern was healthier, I'd be more willing to call this out at my upset alert. But I'm not sold on the health factor. Iowa lives to set up a huge showdown in Columbus next weekend.
Iowa 27 - Northwestern 16
Purdue at Michigan - There is a critical game being played in Ann Arbor this weekend. The thing is, it is between one team that is 3-6 (2-3) and coming off an ugly, shut out loss and a team that is 5-4 (1-4) and desperately seeking that sixth win given a couple of tall tasks yet to be tended to this November.
Purdue has been oh-so-close numerous times this season. For Michigan, it has been feast or famine with little in between. Prior to getting pasted in Madison, the Boilers had lost games by 2, 7, 3 and 6 in successive weeks at the onset of the season. The trouble is, the trend is worsening, as the past two losses have been by 15 and 37.
The gold and black need to win out to go bowling. Michigan needs one more and maybe more to avoid the Pizza Pizza Bowl. I hate how both teams are playing right now but I sense more turmoil in Ann Arbor. Fans are pretty miffed over the egg laid in Champaign last weekend. Most will pick Michigan here and while that seems like the safer bet, I'm not so sure.
Purdue 24 - Michigan 23.
Western Michigan at Michigan State - The Michigan State Spartans are two plays from 6-3, and a bad decision and a bad call from 8-1. Easy come, easy go. Western Michigan also sits at 4-5 and has been a bit of a disappointment this year. The Broncos were expected to contend for the MAC West title but have been inconsistent all season long.
This game comes at a good time for the Spartans. A win puts MSU at 5-5 with two to play. Bowl games are critical these days - for the extra practice time, the perception of recruits, etc. But this isn't a gimme. WMU will come to play. The Broncos beat Illinois at this time last year and are hungry to follow up what the Chippewas did back in September.
State is dinged up but I think a season of what ifs, and shoulda-coulda-woulda explodes on Western. That momentum may be just what this team needs to get a sixth and perhaps seventh win...
Michigan State 38 - Western Michigan 14.
Wisconsin at Indiana - Another game that has meaning to both teams involved. Wisconsin still has a very outside shot at a share of the league title. Indiana is two games from bowling and still stinging after another tough road loss in a game it was controlling.
The Badgers aren't fancy, but beat you by smashing you in the mouth on both sides of the ball. Indiana has some playmakers but hasn't beaten UW since 2001. The Hoosiers are a year from getting back to a bowl game. Wisconsin is a few games from a sunny trip south on New Year's Day.
Wisconsin 31 - Indiana 13
Ohio State at Penn State (Tiebreaker) - They saved the best for last this weekend. The game of the week in the conference if not in college football. An elimination game. A statement game. The BCS will be watching. The nation will check in to see if the Big Ten is "still playing bad football." All eyes will be on a PA quarterback leading Ohio State and an OH quarterback leading Penn State. This one has - at least in the past few years - pushed aside OSU-Michigan as the tone setter for the Big Ten conference...
The series is all tied up at 12 apiece. Penn State won 13-6 last season, marking two straight wins for the visitor in the series. 12 of the 16 games since 1993 have been won by the home team, however, and I'm not sure - having been to most of the Big Ten stadiums - if there is a better home field advantage than the one in State College.
Both defenses are rock solid. Each team is decent to good with special teams. That puts the onus on the offense. Penn State's is more efficient, more dangerous and more apt to get the job done. Both teams already have a conference loss so a loss here likely means no Big Ten title. For Ohio State that would mark a first non-title since 2004.
I like Penn State's offense more and that is the difference in this one. Well, that and a loud, rambunctious Nittany Nation clad in white.
Penn State 17 - Ohio State 13.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Monday Morning Quarterback
Since my team has been burned by it in particular the last two weeks, I say it is more than past time to suspend, fire or hang the culprits that are ruining the game in effigy.
Now that I have that off my chest... we have a clear separation of the top four, middle four and bottom three these days in the Big Ten. That didn't stop one of the bottom feeders from finally getting it done, or another from coming very close - again - to another upset win but in the end, there is a clear delineation in the league right now.
Team of the Week: Illinois. The Fighting Illini finally got up off the mat and put together an impressive win. It all started with a critical four down stand at the one and catapulted the beleaguered Illini to a much-needed victory.
Player of the Week: Adam Weber, Minnesota QB. No Decker? No problem. Adam Weber threaded the needle all night against what had been an air tight MSU pass defense to the tune of 416 yards and 5 TD passes.
Around the Big Ten
This week, I'll focus the team-by-team capsules on bowl possibilities and projections. Note that the picking order is as follows: Rose, Capital One, Outback, Champs, Alamo, Insight, Little Caesar's. There are also a handful of bowls that will be looking to fill slots, so even if the Big Ten doesn't get two in the BCS, there will be room for anyone 6-6 or better.
Illinois - Saturday was sweet for the Illini. A hustle play and subsequent goal line stand turned the tide and gave Illinois its second straight win over the Wolverines. The Illini are 2-6 and while not officially eliminated from bowl eligibility, it will take a minor miracle for that to happen. Illinois may spring up and take another couple of wins, but no bowling for the Zookers this season. At least the Illini play their last game December 5, so it will feel like a bowl game.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 2-10. Prediction is 3-9. Next up: at Minnesota
Indiana - Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, they got screwed. Indiana was on its way to extending the lead against what felt like a lifeless Iowa team until an inexplicable reversal of a clear touchdown. That gave Iowa life and that was all the Hawkeyes needed. IU is 4-5 (1-4) and needs two more to go bowling. That's a daunting task with Wisconsin, Penn State and Purdue left.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 4-8. My prediction? 5-7 (2-6) and no bowl. Next Up: Wisconsin
Iowa - Apparently, Iowa does have major magic. It can throw five picks, get booth reversals that make about as much sense as wiping before you poop and pop you with big plays as quick as lightning strikes. Amazing. Iowa is 4th in the BCS standings and has one more major hurdle to a perfect record. That said, Northwestern and Minnesota could sting the Hawkeyes at home if they don't arrive a little earlier. I can't see the magic carrying this team all the way to 12-0, at least not with the level of mistakes made against IU.
Best case is 12-0. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 11-1 (7-1), a share of the title and a Rose Bowl berth. Next up: Northwestern
Michigan - Ouch. The spiral continues. Was it smoke and mirrors in September? Maybe so. The Wolverines turtled up in a major way in Champaign and the rest of the slate isn't exactly loaded with Delaware State's. In fact, this weekend's game is probably the best shot to get something done.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 6-6 (2-6) with the Champs, Alamo, Insight and Little Caesar's Bowls in the mix. That 2-6 record and head-to-head loss to another 6-6 team (MSU) means Michigan slides to the Insight Bowl. Next up: Purdue
Michigan State - Another week, another bad call by the officials (replay in this case) another 8-point or less loss for Dantonio and crew. For those keeping score, that's 12 of 15 losses in Dantonio's tenure by 8 points or less. Spotting a seemingly down and out Gopher squad 14 points before running a play hurt - BAD. The schedule eases up a tad the next few weeks, but there isn't an automatic path to six wins.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 4-8. Prediction is 6-6 (4-4). Based on the wins over Michigan and Northwestern (fellow 6-6 teams) and MSU being well-traveled, San Antonio and the Alamo Bowl call. Next up: Western Michigan
Minnesota - It seems like teams who lose the big offensive star always step up. Maybe because others get a look. Perhaps it is because the players rally for the downed teammate. In this case, I think it was both. The Golden Gophers came alive in a major way against MSU, and more or less sealed bowl eligibility with a couple of easy home games left.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 7-5 (4-4). The Champs Bowl might think about MSU despite the head-to-head result because MSU has traveled well to Orlando the last two years, but I think newness prevails and Minny invades Disney. Next up: Illinois
Northwestern - The Wildcats hung tight with Penn State for three quarters, but the loss of Kafka put a lid on any upset hopes. Northwestern sits in a precarious position. It still has two road games left, including a rivalry game and closes with Wisconsin at home. One more win is needed, is it there?
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 5-7. Prediction is 6-6 (3-5). Northwestern will get hosed by the Michigan factor a bit, moving down to the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl despite a better conference record than Michigan. No head to head hurts as well as that even easier than Michigan's OOC slate. Next up: at Iowa
Ohio State - Ohio State got it's third shutout of the season and a chance to work more kinks out of the offense. The Buckeyes have a grueling stretch run remaining, but live for these moments. We'll see what Pryor and the offense is made of in the next few weeks.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 7-5. Prediction is 9-3 (6-2) and a trip to the Capital One Bowl. Can you believe it has been since 1996 that the Buckeyes have been in Orlando for New Year's Day? Next Up: at Penn State
Penn State - The Nittany Lions had a battle on their hands for a little more than a half last weekend, but have set themselves up nicely for a run to the finish. Ohio State comes calling, followed by Indiana and then a potential trap in East Lansing. It's simple, win out and the BCS will likely come calling. Slip once or twice and it'll be warm and sunshine for New Year's but not with the payout desired.
Best case is 11-1. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 11-1 (7-1), Co-Champs and a likely berth in the Fiesta Bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Purdue - Just when I thought Purdue was over the hump, the Boilers got "Badger-slapped" in Madison. That goose egg performance leaves no margin for error in the quest for bowl eligibility. The next three are winnable games, but the Boilermakers have been way too up and down this year for that to happen.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 3-9. Prediction is 3-9. Tough losses at Michigan and to Michigan State followed by a loss of the Old Oaken Bucket to rival IU. Next up: at Michigan
Wisconsin - The Badgers are back. Wisconsin bullied and battered the Boilers on Saturday en route to a 37-0 shutout win. UW has four games left and none of them should create much fear. It all sets up for the Badgers to enjoy some warmth and sun for the holiday's.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 10-2 (6-2). The head to head loss to OSU coupled with the fact that UW travels to Hawaii in December knocks the Badgers back to the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Indiana
Get Gamm Winner:
Seems that going out on the limb for the Illinois-Michigan game paid off. I was the only one to go 5-1 meaning no one "Got Gamm" for the week.
Illinois at Minnesota
Northwestern at Iowa
Purdue at Michigan
I'll say something that I know Bill Lynch and Mark Dantonio want to say (as well as most of the rest of the coaches who have been hosed by absolutely horrible calls, no-calls or reversals this season): it is time for the Big Ten to publicly reprimand the hack jobs its officials are producing this season. Not a writer, broadcaster, coach or non game official has been able to explain how Indiana's TD got reversed, or how one could overturn a catch, football move, two steps and fumble at a critical juncture in the MSU - Minnesota tilt.
Since my team has been burned by it in particular the last two weeks, I say it is more than past time to suspend, fire or hang the culprits that are ruining the game in effigy.
Now that I have that off my chest... we have a clear separation of the top four, middle four and bottom three these days in the Big Ten. That didn't stop one of the bottom feeders from finally getting it done, or another from coming very close - again - to another upset win but in the end, there is a clear delineation in the league right now.
Team of the Week: Illinois. The Fighting Illini finally got up off the mat and put together an impressive win. It all started with a critical four down stand at the one and catapulted the beleaguered Illini to a much-needed victory.
Player of the Week: Adam Weber, Minnesota QB. No Decker? No problem. Adam Weber threaded the needle all night against what had been an air tight MSU pass defense to the tune of 416 yards and 5 TD passes.
Around the Big Ten
This week, I'll focus the team-by-team capsules on bowl possibilities and projections. Note that the picking order is as follows: Rose, Capital One, Outback, Champs, Alamo, Insight, Little Caesar's. There are also a handful of bowls that will be looking to fill slots, so even if the Big Ten doesn't get two in the BCS, there will be room for anyone 6-6 or better.
Illinois - Saturday was sweet for the Illini. A hustle play and subsequent goal line stand turned the tide and gave Illinois its second straight win over the Wolverines. The Illini are 2-6 and while not officially eliminated from bowl eligibility, it will take a minor miracle for that to happen. Illinois may spring up and take another couple of wins, but no bowling for the Zookers this season. At least the Illini play their last game December 5, so it will feel like a bowl game.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 2-10. Prediction is 3-9. Next up: at Minnesota
Indiana - Nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, they got screwed. Indiana was on its way to extending the lead against what felt like a lifeless Iowa team until an inexplicable reversal of a clear touchdown. That gave Iowa life and that was all the Hawkeyes needed. IU is 4-5 (1-4) and needs two more to go bowling. That's a daunting task with Wisconsin, Penn State and Purdue left.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 4-8. My prediction? 5-7 (2-6) and no bowl. Next Up: Wisconsin
Iowa - Apparently, Iowa does have major magic. It can throw five picks, get booth reversals that make about as much sense as wiping before you poop and pop you with big plays as quick as lightning strikes. Amazing. Iowa is 4th in the BCS standings and has one more major hurdle to a perfect record. That said, Northwestern and Minnesota could sting the Hawkeyes at home if they don't arrive a little earlier. I can't see the magic carrying this team all the way to 12-0, at least not with the level of mistakes made against IU.
Best case is 12-0. Worst case is 9-3. Prediction is 11-1 (7-1), a share of the title and a Rose Bowl berth. Next up: Northwestern
Michigan - Ouch. The spiral continues. Was it smoke and mirrors in September? Maybe so. The Wolverines turtled up in a major way in Champaign and the rest of the slate isn't exactly loaded with Delaware State's. In fact, this weekend's game is probably the best shot to get something done.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 6-6 (2-6) with the Champs, Alamo, Insight and Little Caesar's Bowls in the mix. That 2-6 record and head-to-head loss to another 6-6 team (MSU) means Michigan slides to the Insight Bowl. Next up: Purdue
Michigan State - Another week, another bad call by the officials (replay in this case) another 8-point or less loss for Dantonio and crew. For those keeping score, that's 12 of 15 losses in Dantonio's tenure by 8 points or less. Spotting a seemingly down and out Gopher squad 14 points before running a play hurt - BAD. The schedule eases up a tad the next few weeks, but there isn't an automatic path to six wins.
Best case is 7-5. Worst case is 4-8. Prediction is 6-6 (4-4). Based on the wins over Michigan and Northwestern (fellow 6-6 teams) and MSU being well-traveled, San Antonio and the Alamo Bowl call. Next up: Western Michigan
Minnesota - It seems like teams who lose the big offensive star always step up. Maybe because others get a look. Perhaps it is because the players rally for the downed teammate. In this case, I think it was both. The Golden Gophers came alive in a major way against MSU, and more or less sealed bowl eligibility with a couple of easy home games left.
Best case is 8-4. Worst case is 5-7. Prediction is 7-5 (4-4). The Champs Bowl might think about MSU despite the head-to-head result because MSU has traveled well to Orlando the last two years, but I think newness prevails and Minny invades Disney. Next up: Illinois
Northwestern - The Wildcats hung tight with Penn State for three quarters, but the loss of Kafka put a lid on any upset hopes. Northwestern sits in a precarious position. It still has two road games left, including a rivalry game and closes with Wisconsin at home. One more win is needed, is it there?
Best case is 8-4. Worst case 5-7. Prediction is 6-6 (3-5). Northwestern will get hosed by the Michigan factor a bit, moving down to the Little Caesar's Pizza Bowl despite a better conference record than Michigan. No head to head hurts as well as that even easier than Michigan's OOC slate. Next up: at Iowa
Ohio State - Ohio State got it's third shutout of the season and a chance to work more kinks out of the offense. The Buckeyes have a grueling stretch run remaining, but live for these moments. We'll see what Pryor and the offense is made of in the next few weeks.
Best Case is 10-2. Worst case is 7-5. Prediction is 9-3 (6-2) and a trip to the Capital One Bowl. Can you believe it has been since 1996 that the Buckeyes have been in Orlando for New Year's Day? Next Up: at Penn State
Penn State - The Nittany Lions had a battle on their hands for a little more than a half last weekend, but have set themselves up nicely for a run to the finish. Ohio State comes calling, followed by Indiana and then a potential trap in East Lansing. It's simple, win out and the BCS will likely come calling. Slip once or twice and it'll be warm and sunshine for New Year's but not with the payout desired.
Best case is 11-1. Worst case is 8-4. Prediction is 11-1 (7-1), Co-Champs and a likely berth in the Fiesta Bowl. Next up: Ohio State
Purdue - Just when I thought Purdue was over the hump, the Boilers got "Badger-slapped" in Madison. That goose egg performance leaves no margin for error in the quest for bowl eligibility. The next three are winnable games, but the Boilermakers have been way too up and down this year for that to happen.
Best case is 6-6. Worst case is 3-9. Prediction is 3-9. Tough losses at Michigan and to Michigan State followed by a loss of the Old Oaken Bucket to rival IU. Next up: at Michigan
Wisconsin - The Badgers are back. Wisconsin bullied and battered the Boilers on Saturday en route to a 37-0 shutout win. UW has four games left and none of them should create much fear. It all sets up for the Badgers to enjoy some warmth and sun for the holiday's.
Best case is 10-2. Worst case is 6-6. Prediction is 10-2 (6-2). The head to head loss to OSU coupled with the fact that UW travels to Hawaii in December knocks the Badgers back to the Outback Bowl. Next up: at Indiana
Get Gamm Winner:
Seems that going out on the limb for the Illinois-Michigan game paid off. I was the only one to go 5-1 meaning no one "Got Gamm" for the week.
Illinois at Minnesota
Northwestern at Iowa
Purdue at Michigan
Western Michigan at Michigan State
Wisconsin at Indiana
Ohio State at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
Wisconsin at Indiana
Ohio State at Penn State (Tiebreaker)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Get Gamm - Week Nine
Michigan at Illinois - At a surface level, this game seems like a no brainer. Illinois has been flat out horrible this season. Michigan is young and mistake prone, but better than most expected. This seems like it should be an easy pick. But you know that the Illini are going to show up at some point, even if it is just one time the rest of the way. I wasn't gutsy enough to call an Indiana win over Iowa, but I'll go out on a limb here - maybe a long limb - and predict that Juice gets it flowing and Illinois rises up for its first D1 win of the season. Illinois 23 - Michigan 21.
Nothing too exciting on tap around the Big Ten this week... which makes me wonder. Are we due for another shocking upset? Is this the right time for Iowa to fall? Will Illinois put it together? Can Northwestern tap the well again? Every week is critical from here on out, even if there is no marquee game on the slate.
Picking with me this week is Phats... our first back-to-back winner on the season.
Picking with me this week is Phats... our first back-to-back winner on the season.
Indiana at Iowa - It might sound funny, considering the way IU crumbled with a big lead in Evanston last weekend and with the way Iowa has magically pulled out some wins this season, but this might well be the "upset alert" game for the weekend. Indiana has nothing to lose. Iowa has everything to lose. In fact, Iowa already has lost a bit - with another tailback down for the season, not to mention a solid piece of the offensive line (Dace Richardson). Honestly, I don't expect Iowa to lose here, but hey, stranger things have happened (think WMU to end the season a few years back). All that hot air aside, Iowa makes it 13-straight. Barely. Again. Iowa 20 - Indiana 16.
Phats says ... How many bullets can the Hawkeyes dodge? Shouldn't need to against IU. Finally an easy victory will come for the Hawkeyes at home. IOWA 31 indiana 10
Purdue at Wisconsin - The Badgers are well rested. The Boilermakers are finally on a roll. UW still has an outside shot at a Big Ten title in sight. Purdue needs to win out to go bowling. It all sets up for an interesting game in Madison. Weather won't be a factor but turnovers will. As in, Purdue still coughs it up like a cat coughs up hairballs (often) and Wisconsin is great at forcing the rock to come loose. I think the mini-run by the Boilers comes to an end in Mad-town. Wisconsin 27 - Purdue 14.
Phats says ... Anyone want to take a guess here who I will pick in this one? Of course my Boilers for two reasons, they're my team and I would never pick against them, and I truly believe we have a shot at Wisconsin with the way we are playing. The most shocking thing that came out of the ho hum win over Illinois was no turnovers, if that happens again we can play with anyone remaining on our schedule. Carson Wiggs, the best field goal kicker in the country is the difference making the game winner. Boiler Up.. Hammer Down Baby! PURDUE 24 wisconsin 21
New Mexico State at Ohio State - This one is a tune-up game for the Buckeyes who face a stretch run of at Penn State, Iowa, at Michigan. Ohio State 45 - New Mexico State 3.
Phats says ... YAWN this one will be over at halftime. OHIO STATE 41 new mexico state 3
Michigan at Illinois - At a surface level, this game seems like a no brainer. Illinois has been flat out horrible this season. Michigan is young and mistake prone, but better than most expected. This seems like it should be an easy pick. But you know that the Illini are going to show up at some point, even if it is just one time the rest of the way. I wasn't gutsy enough to call an Indiana win over Iowa, but I'll go out on a limb here - maybe a long limb - and predict that Juice gets it flowing and Illinois rises up for its first D1 win of the season. Illinois 23 - Michigan 21.
Phats says ... Could the Illini get their first big ten win against the wolverines, it's possible, but not probable. While I am not on the Michigan love train like a lot of people, they are still better than Illinois home or away. MICHIGAN 28 illinois 17
Penn State at Northwestern (tiebreaker) - The cardiac cats are going to have to show up earlier for this game than they did against Indiana. Penn State is finally starting to hit its stride. This is a potential trap game with Ohio State coming to State College next weekend, but something tells me JoePa will have his men focused and ready to roll. NU is thinking 1995 with this one (except the Rose Bowl is not in range). Penn State has other ideas. Penn State 34 - Northwestern 17.
Phats says ... How many lives do these cats have?! My Boilers should have beaten them, IU should have beaten them, now they take on a red hot Penn State team. Penn State is playing really well on defense, that's enough to get it done over the Cats. PENN STATE 38 northwestern 10
Michigan State at Minnesota - On paper, we have two 4-4 teams fighting for their bowl lives. In reality, we have a team that is two plays from 6-2 (4-1) and a tie for first in the Big Ten and another that has scored all of seven points in the last two games. Michigan State was stung hard by another heartbreaking loss last week, but has shown great resolve under Mark Dantonio when faced with these situations. Minnesota is without Eric Decker, moving to a two QB rotation and just hasn't had the "it" factor of late. Michigan State 31 - Minnesota 20.
Phats says ... Trust me all of Boiler Nation can relate to the Spartans, we have seen that happen to us many a times, and even some this year. The real question will be can they recover from this heartbreaking loss. Minnesota on the other hand also had what could potentially be a heartbreaking loss if Decker isn't playing Saturday. I think it will be a back and forth game, I think this one comes down to the wire again, but don't worry State fans you'll pull it out. MICHIGAN STATE 28 minnesota 21
Michigan State at Minnesota - On paper, we have two 4-4 teams fighting for their bowl lives. In reality, we have a team that is two plays from 6-2 (4-1) and a tie for first in the Big Ten and another that has scored all of seven points in the last two games. Michigan State was stung hard by another heartbreaking loss last week, but has shown great resolve under Mark Dantonio when faced with these situations. Minnesota is without Eric Decker, moving to a two QB rotation and just hasn't had the "it" factor of late. Michigan State 31 - Minnesota 20.
Phats says ... Trust me all of Boiler Nation can relate to the Spartans, we have seen that happen to us many a times, and even some this year. The real question will be can they recover from this heartbreaking loss. Minnesota on the other hand also had what could potentially be a heartbreaking loss if Decker isn't playing Saturday. I think it will be a back and forth game, I think this one comes down to the wire again, but don't worry State fans you'll pull it out. MICHIGAN STATE 28 minnesota 21
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