Monday Morning Quarterback

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.

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.

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?

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

Indiana at Penn State
Michigan State at Purdue
Iowa at Ohio State (Tiebreaker)

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.

Monday Morning Quarterback

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)

Get Gamm - Week Nine

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.

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

Monday Afternoon Quarterback

On a personal note, I am still struggling with the MSU loss to Iowa. Hat's off to Iowa - the Hawkeyes find a way to win. But I'd like to sucker punch a referee today. Hard.

Now that I have that off my chest... it was more of the same this past weekend. Iowa, Penn State and Ohio State remain at the top. MSU is squarely in the next group, wondering what it has to do to get a win. Two games this year lost on the last play. Four by 15 points. Minnesota is in trouble. Indiana likely saw its bowl hopes swirl down the toilet with an epic collapse. Northwestern's season got new life. Purdue has put two good games together. Illinois is bad - real bad. OSU plays both Penn State and Iowa coming up, hang on tight, it is going to be a wild finish...

Team of the Week: Iowa. The Hawkeyes have sat here a lot this season. They are as plain as vanilla ice cream. But they get it done. In a classic Big Ten battle, the Hawkeyes pulled a victory from the jaws of defeat, moved up to fourth in the latest BCS poll and are squarely in the driver's seat.

Player of the Week: Daryll Clark of Penn State led his team to its first win in Ann Arbor since 1996 (seemed to be a common theme for the road winners this past weekend) with a rock solid performance. 16-27, 230 yards and 4 TD passes.

Around the Big Ten
Illinois - Ron Zook got a vote of confidence from his boss. That usually is code for, start lookin' for a new gig. Illinois won't win again. The Illini have sent it in. Amazing for a team that is two years removed from a Rose Bowl berth with some real talent in the lineup. Next up: Michigan

Indiana - I feel for the Hoosiers. IU jumped to a 28-3 lead early, got bottled up the rest of the way and lost in the end. What a shame. That loss likely means home for the holidays. How will the cream and crimson respond? We'll find out in a hurry, as the Hoosiers travel to Iowa City for a battle with the nation's number four team. Next Up: at Iowa

Iowa - Unreal. This team has the magic. Nothing pretty, but solid all the way around. Iowa has to be careful not to get complacent because Indiana has come close twice on the road and would love to rain on Iowa's parade. That said, Iowa is in control with just one road game left - a tough trip to C-bus. Next up: Indiana

Michigan - We're seeing the youth exposed in Ann Arbor. Penn State manhandled the Wolverines on Saturday and that leaves the maize and blue 1-3 in the conference with a few tough games remaining. Will Rich Rod get the boys to buckle down and win a few more to get that all important bowl bid? Stay tuned. Next up: at Illinois

Michigan State - The Spartans are two plays from a 6-2 (4-1) record and a share of first place in the Big Ten. State did everything right against Iowa, except win. Dantonio has been great at keeping the Spartans on an even keel, win or lose, and he'll need to dial up a big performance on the road this week to jump start a critical stretch of winnable games. Next up: at Minnesota

Minnesota - The Golden Gophers have scored seven points in the last two games, saw stud wide receiver Eric Decker go down with an injury and have to play another white hot defense this weekend. At 4-4 and with games against MSU and Iowa remaining (plus Illinois and South Dakota State), the Gophers are in must-win now mode. Next up: Michigan State

Northwestern - Northwestern pulled off what has been pulled off on the 'cats in the past. A highly improbably come back win. Down 28-3, NU pecked away at the lead and then held strong at the end to beat Indiana. That was huge, as the Wildcats still have Penn State, Iowa and Wisconsin on tap (plus Illinois). Next up: Penn State

Ohio State - Ohio State was very sluggish in the first half against Minnesota, but blew the doors off the game with a big play to start the second half. It gets easy for a week, and then OSU finishes with a trip to Happy Valley, a huge home date with Iowa and a roadie to Michigan. Next Up: New Mexico State

Penn State - The Nittany Lions are starting to fire on all cylinders with an eye on a November 7 matchup with the Buckeyes. Penn State needs help in the conference race, but has BCS on the brain. First up, the Nits have to be careful not to overlook the Wildcats... Next up: at Northwestern

Purdue - Don't look now but Purdue has a two game win streak. However, the Boilers have to travel to Madison to take on a rested and hungry UW squad. Getting at least three wins in the last four games is a tall order, but with new found confidence, maybe Purdue is up to the task. Next up: at Wisconsin

Wisconsin - The Badgers have lost two straight. The week off came at a great time. Now the Badgers are focused on winning out, an outside shot at a piece of the Big Ten title and a New Year's Day bowl berth. It starts with a hot Purdue team coming to town. Next up: Purdue

Get Gamm Winner:
Phats, Andrew and Buckeye Nation all went 5-0 this week - thanks to Iowa's comeback win. Phats was closest on the tiebreaker so he becomes our first back-to-back picker on the season...

Indiana at Iowa

Purdue at Wisconsin
New Mexico State at Ohio State
Michigan at Illinois
Penn State at Northwestern (Tiebreaker)
Michigan State at Minnesota

Get Gamm - Week Eight

Only six more shots to catch the leaders (five regular season weeks plus bowls). Two big games on the slate this weekend. Penn State hasn't won in Ann Arbor in an awfully long time. Iowa and Michigan State know what it means to play tight games as most of theirs over the past three decades have been in that vain.

Gonna be wet, windy and chilly for most around the league. Lace 'em up, strap 'em tight and let's go!

Indiana at Northwestern - This one has huge ramifications as far as bowl eligibility goes. Indiana needs two more wins. Northwestern is in the same boat. Neither of them has much margin for error with some tough games remaining. IU got a confidence boost last week, while Northwestern got bullied a bit in the second half. When most everything is equal, give me the home team. Northwestern 31 - Indiana 24.

Phats says ... I have a problem picking IU in anything because I am a Boiler and can't stand the Hoosiers. That trend won't change here, Northwestern will have little problems with the Hoosiers. NORTHWESTERN 31 indiana 17

Illinois at Purdue - This one should be interesting. Has Illinois quit on Ron Zook? Looked to me like he might of quit on his team at the end of that IU game last week. Purdue got a signature win for Coach Hope and may have finally cleared the hurdle that has been in the way. It's really simple. Purdue has a fantastic offense - but must hold onto the ball. Illinois has arguably more talent, but has been an absolute dud so far. More of the same this weekend. Purdue 33 - Illinois 23.

Phats says ... I am so glad that picking my beloved Boilers each week finally paid off! I can't tell if we're getting the Illini at a good time when they will be discouraged and pretty much throw in the towel, or a bad time where they band together and try to turn what's left of the season around. My guess is the first scenario. Meanwhile, spirits are high in West Lafayette, the Boilers finally closed the deal on a big game, and I see us using the momentum and taking out Illinois early. Boiler Up! PURDUE 41 illinois 14

Minnesota at Ohio State - The Gophers are mired in a stretch of brutal games, and in the middle of a "State" sandwich. OSU has got to be spitting nails after the loss last week. Pryor is taking heat, some of it deserved, all of it to be expected (he is, after all, the QB). Minnesota failed to score last week at Penn State and I think the Buckeyes boast a better defense. Will anything change for the OSU offense? How will Pryor respond? Can Minnesota steal one while the Buckeyes are going all introspective and such? Ohio State 23 - Minnesota 10.

Phats says ... I don't think Ohio State will lose this one, I know fans are all over Tressell, and Pryor, but they will have little problems, and get a nice rebound win over the Gophers in the Shoe. OHIO STATE 28 minnesota 10

Penn State at Michigan - A big game in Ann Arbor. Michigan is coming off the slaughter of am FCS JV team. Penn State came up big at home against Minnesota. The Nits have been snake bitten in Ann Arbor since the mid to late 90s. How will the Wolverines fare against one of the better teams it will face all season? I think Michigan will give Penn State a game, but the Nittany Lions have a lofty goal in front of them and that goal is very attainable. Penn State 26 - Michigan 20.

Phats says ... This could be a really good game, or a blow out. I am not quite sold on how good Michigan actually is, this should let me know more where they are at. I think it's been awhile since the Lions have won in the Big House, but I think that all changes this year, State's defense playing too well at this point. PENN STATE 28 michigan 14

Iowa at Michigan State (tiebreaker) - Be still my heart. MSU is where it was about a year ago. The top team in the Big Ten coming into East Lansing and a chance for the Spartans to make that move to the top. Last year, faced with the same situation, the Spartans bombed - hard. But after a tough start, with two losses by a combined 5 points and three straight overall, State has won three in a row and looks to make a statement. Iowa has plain found a way to get it done, week in and week out. The Hawkeyes know how to win close games, know how to win when playing poorly, know how to win on the road. The atmosphere will be electric in E.L. and we'll be treated to some good, old-fashioned Big Ten football. Iowa wants revenge. MSU is on a mission. Home field and the league's best kicker is the difference. Michigan State 27 - Iowa 23.

Phats says ... Iowa keeps on winning and keeps on getting very little respect from the national media. Michigan State has definitely righted their early season woes, and this in my opinion is the best match up Saturday. I see it coming down to a last second field goal, as Iowa wins it as time expires. IOWA 24 michigan state 21

Monday Morning Quarterback

The title chase got really interesting with this past Saturday's results. Iowa spotted Wisconsin an early lead but once again, found a way to win. Ohio State was a lock to gain a 17th straight road win... until Purdue slammed the door shut. Penn State dominated Minnesota. MSU kept its streak alive. Only Iowa remains unbeaten, with the "three States" right on the Hawkeyes' heels. With tough road games in East Lansing and Columbus still on tap, even the two-loss teams have an outside shot at sharing the title.

Team of the Week: Purdue. Let's give the Boilers (and their faithful followers) a little love. Purdue has been snake bitten all year. Turnovers have crushed their hopes in several games. Old gold and black was ready for a win and a statement win it was. I'm particularly impressed with Carson Wiggs. The best kicker no one knows about in the country.

Player of the Week: I have to give a little love to a Spartan this week. Blair White was money against Northwestern. He made several big catches, caught 12 balls for 186 yards and two scores and was an all around difference maker with a big hit on special teams as well.

Around the Big Ten
Illinois - I saw Ron Zook shake his head and laugh when Juice Williams fumbled the ball as Illinois was closing in on a score that would have given the Illini a 14-13 lead. Then I watched his team fight at the end, to the end, while Zook refused to lengthen the game with his time outs. He has quit on his team. Time for Illinois to start the coaching search. Next up: at Purdue

Indiana - A very nice win for Indiana over Illinois. The Hoosiers are just a couple of wins away from a bowl berth, not bad considering where this team has been in recent weeks. If the offense is clicking, the defense has enough play makers to keep IU in games. Big one coming up this Saturday. Next Up: at Northwestern

Iowa - The Hawkeyes just find a way to get it done, week in and week out. Nothing flashy, fancy or all too impressive. Just win baby. A big road test looms this weekend, at a place where Iowa seeks revenge for a tough loss last season. Next up: at Michigan State

Michigan - Yawn. Michigan set school records on Saturday but in my opinion, they shouldn't count. Delaware State is more like a borderline Division 2 school than FCS. Heck, Delaware State lost TWO games on Saturday. They had to forfeit a conference game to get pounded at Michigan. The good part for State? They got a $550,000 payout to be Michigan's whipping boy. Maize and blue fans - it gets a lot tougher next week. Next up: Penn State

Michigan State - September's swoon has become a distant memory as the Spartans have won three straight to set up a huge home game this coming weekend. It took a half for the offense to wake up, but Cousins to White was firing on all cylinders in the second half, while the freshman duo of Caper and Baker got the ground game going. The real difference has been the MSU defense. Next up: Iowa

Minnesota - The Golden Gophers posted a goose egg in snowy State College and life gets no easier this weekend. A second-straight road trip, to play a team stung by a rare conference loss and hungry to silence the critics... not exactly what a Minnesota team seeking consistency and wins needs right now. Next up: at Ohio State

Northwestern - Northwestern had its chances in East Lansing and needs to turn things around. Penn State, Iowa and Wisconsin still loom on the schedule. The offense is moving the ball through the air, but without a ground game, things are grinding to a halt. Big game in Evanston this weekend given the remaining schedule. Next up: Indiana

Ohio State - Oh my. Not a real shock that the Buckeyes lost a conference game, but at 1-5 Purdue? The offense is a mess. Pryor had four turnovers on Saturday. The defense can only do so much. Time to shake things up. Next Up: Minnesota

Penn State - The Nittany Lions are coming together. That cupcake OOC slate did PSU no favors, but now the defense is settling in and the offense is figuring things out as well. The game this weekend is huge because Penn State has had nothing go its way in Ann Arbor over the years. Win to stay in the race, lose and start hoping others can help. Next up: at Michigan

Purdue - See above. Purdue finally got that much needed win and now can focus on putting together a streak. The opponent this weekend is wounded... are they too wounded to play or does that make them extra dangerous? Next up: Illinois

Wisconsin - The Badgers get a breather after getting punched in the mouth the past two weeks. Wisconsin is one of those, good, not great teams, but the way the schedule sets up, 10-2 looks very possible and that includes an outside shot at a Big Ten title. Next up: BYE

Get Gamm Winner:
Three tied at 5-1, and while technically our overall leader - St. Louis Spartan - was closer on the tiebreaker, I've decided to reward Phats for his loyalty to Purdue! Phats also went 5-1 and was one point from Jeff on the tiebreaker. So Phats, pick away!

Indiana at Northwestern
Illinois at Purdue
Minnesota at Ohio State
Penn State at Michigan

Iowa at Michigan State (tiebreaker)