Encore, encore!
Is it just me or does everything seem a bit anti-climactic now?  I mean, don't get me wrong, we have a couple of great races going on in the first year of division play within the Big Ten, but can there be a better all around football game than the one that Michigan State and Wisconsin battled in last week?  That one had everything.


The good news is, we have some really good games on tap this weekend and plenty at stake.  That alone means we are far from peak season in what is shaping up to be an exciting B1G race.


Northwestern at Indiana, Noon EDT (BTN)
My gut says BTN wishes they had a shot at MSU - Nebraska instead of this one.  Indiana and the Chicago area will watch this one at least for a while, but other than alumni, is there any interest in this game?  Northwestern is better than they've shown record-wise.  Indiana may have found the future at QB in Iowa City.  The Wildcats are more talented overall and have a team that can beat anyone on a given Saturday.  The same cannot be said for IU.  Persa is dinged up but I like the Wildcats to mix he and Colter well and pull away late on Homecoming in Bloomington.  Northwestern 34 - Indiana 24.


Mayo says ... I really thought that Northwestern would be much better than they are right now. Dan Persa has had a tough go of it since his injury last year and although his backup Kain Colter seems to be pretty good running the offense, the defense looks like Michigan’s recent defenses (read non-existent). Indiana, whew something stinks in Bloomington. There are signs of a positive future, but it’s not going to be overnight. Northwestern 37 – Indiana 13


Purdue at Michigan, Noon EDT (ESPN2)
This could be an interesting game.  Many are watching to see if another great start to the season + loss to Michigan State = Michigan collapse.  I think this Michigan team is better than the last few, especially on defense.  The Wolverines won't have a total collapse but are playing for bowl position now because the loss to MSU, coupled with games remaining against Iowa, Nebraska and Ohio State more or less renders them an also ran in the Legends race.  Purdue is two wins from a bowl game and starting to come together.  The ground game and defense are underrated and with a blueprint on stopping DRob available courtesy of MSU, the Boilers will be ready.  Still a week off to prepare and heal and a hunger to prove the pundits wrong puts Michigan over the top.  Michigan 31 - Purdue 23


Mayo says ... Two up-and-comers with questions just about everywhere on the field, but both positioned for a post-season. A co-worker told me last February that Michigan wins 9 games this year. I scoffed at this thought, but now believe that might be at the high end of the year. Purdue needs to find some unbreakable players that can last a season to get where Hope wants them to be. Michigan 41 – Purdue 35


Michigan State at Nebraksa, Noon EDT (ESPN) - Game of the Week
Just like last week, this pits strength against strength.  Nebraska is top ten in all of the key rushing categories.  Michigan State is top ten in all of the key defensive categories.  The Cornhuskers boast a mobile QB who can beat you with his savvy, including his decisions in the option game.  The Spartans boast a front seven that gets after you because the back end is sound.  So, what gives?  Well, if the Spartans can contain T-Mart and force him to pass, this could go the way of the NU-UW game earlier this month.  Nebraska needs to get pressure on Cousins and avoid the big play.  The special teams are very evenly matched.  Both teams have great tailbacks. But I keep going back to the one dimensional tendencies of Nebraska against a really good run D.  The rule of thumb is keep Martinez from a run over 25 yards and you win (they are 9-0 when he has at least one 25-yard plus run a game).  MSU is hungry to keep proving that what you see is real and holds on for it's first ever stretch of three straight wins over ranked opponents.  Michigan State 27 - Nebraska 21


Mayo says ... Three weeks ago, I would have picked the Huskers hands down. Now, it’s not that easy. These Spartans that Dantonio has built are by far the most impressive team in the conference right now. Nebraska was greeted at Wisconsin very rudely and I expect Michigan State will not let up on the pedal this weekend in what will most likely be one of the best matches of the weekend. As a college football fan, I’d rather watch this than even LSU-Alabama. Michigan State 34 – Nebraska 30


Iowa at Minnesota, 3:30 EDT (BTN)
They are playing for the pig in Minnehaha. Iowa lost it last year and wants it back.  They will probably get it back without much of a fight.  I like that the Gophers made a statement and signed Coach Kill to a long term deal but that doesn't help in the now.  He is a few good, solid recruiting classes away from having the horses to sniff six or seven wins.  Makes me wonder why they ever fired Glen Mason, who if nothing else, got the maroon and gold bowling most years.  Iowa is starting to find its stride and this is a good tune up going into a month that has them taking on MSU, Michigan and Nebraska.  Iowa rolls.  Iowa 45 - Minnesota 17


Mayo says ... Iowa takes a 3 hour bus ride, sits in a beautiful new stadium and runs a few sprints up and down the field, takes a shower and a bus ride home. Minnesota wakes up, wonders why nobody likes them, lays down like a beaten dog and accepts that maybe next year they can play with the rest of their friends. Iowa 56 – Minnesota 10


Illinois at Penn State, 3:30 EDT (ABC)
This is where the Penn State schedule gets interesting.  Games remain with Wisconsin, Ohio State and Nebraska after this one so a win is imperative in the race for the top of the Leaders division.  Illinois is also at a crossroads.  The offense is stagnant and the Illini are playing tight.  The magic of the 6-0 start has been flushed and now the men in orange are tasked with a tough trip to State College to face a stout defense.  While I am still not sold on the Penn State's offense to consistently stretch the field, Silas Redd is a stud and can be a one man wrecking crew.  Illinois will come out inspired and ready, but Penn State staves off an Illinois rally and stays atop the Leaders.  Penn State 23 - Illinois 20


Mayo says ... Oh how the Illini have fallen. Starting 6-0 I thought this was going to be the year they surprise some heavyweights. Well, not so much now. Penn State has been playing stellar defense and their only loss is a national champion caliber squad. Paterno can still coach at 134 years of age and brings his team another victory. Penn State 44 – Illinois 14


Wisconsin at Ohio State, 8pm EDT (ESPN)
This is a very intriguing game. Ohio State is coming off a bye week and a solid road win at Illinois.  Wisconsin hits the road again as the opponent's biggest home tilt of the season.  The million dollar question is - will the Badgers be caught licking their wounds from the devastating loss at Michigan State, mired in a shell-shocked hangover, or will they come out hungry to avenge the loss and regain a bead on the leaders in the Leaders?  Ohio State is going to have to pass the ball more than four times to keep the Badgers honest.  Wisconsin can keep a good Buckeyes defense off balance with the Wilson, Ball, Toon, Pedersen combo.  After seeing Wilson first hand, I can attest, this guy is poised and mature beyond a typical senior QB.  The crowd will be rabid and a win keeps the Buckeyes in this race.  However, when push comes to shove, you have to pick the better team to win, even on the road. Wisconsin 24 - Ohio State 23.


Mayo says ... I remember back when this was a game I looked forward to watching every year. Maybe because it was the personification of the Big Ten style of football. Right now, Wisconsin might have to take a quarter to get back on track and Ohio State just wants a win to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately for Luke Fickell, his head coaching tenure appears to be completed at Ohio State by seasons end, this is one more step back. Ohio State 14 – Wisconsin 38

Hail yes!
Sorry for the delay this week... recovering from an amazing college football game in East Lansing last Saturday, and traveling for work.  But before I hit the road for home Wednesday am, I thought I'd better check in.  After all, what a weekend it was.

The Hail Mary will be what is most remembered, but let me tell you, the MSU - Wisconsin game was a classic college football game.  Big plays.  Comebacks.  Momentum shifts galore.  Two heavy weights going toe to toe to the finish.  Maybe we'll get lucky and get a reprieve in Indy that first weekend in December.  Then again, the encores are rarely ever as good...

The good...
The instant classic in E.L.  I want to watch it over and over.  It was - and I've seen some classics in Spartan Stadium - the best to date and will be hard to surpass.  Michigan State.  The defense forced rare UW turnovers.  The offense was efficient.  Special teams turned the tide.  Total team effort.  Wisconsin.  I can't put them in the other categories.  They were as advertised and still have to be the favorite in the Leaders Division.  Penn State.  Smoke and mirrors or not, the Nits keep getting it done.  Now that maybe they've settled on a QB, they can survive the upcoming schedule and sneak into the title game.  Purdue.  Finally, the Boilers are rewarded for playing a good game.  PU may never be a steady threat to win the title, but despite a spate of injuries, Danny Hope has this team poised to make a bowl.  Iowa and Nebraska get to be here too but they virtually had BYE weeks so no comment.

The bad...
Northwestern.  The Wildcats should not be 2-5.  The season is slipping away and the chances are very good that NU stays home for the holidays.

The ugly...
Illinois.  Hmmm, funny how not playing anyone early can bite you late.  Illinois is stagnant and predictable on offense and the defense isn't bailing out the O at the same rate.  So much for that amazing start.  Indiana and Minnesota.  I can't pick on them any more than placing them here. It's bad.  Real bad.

Get Gamm...
We had two go 4-1 but since Mayo picked the MSU win, he gets the nod over Dan.  Dan gets to move to the top of the standings now that he's picked enough games for the stats to even out.

This week...
Michigan State at Nebraska (Game of the Week)
Northwestern at Indiana
Purdue at Michigan
Illinois at Penn State
Iowa at Minnesota
Wisconsin at Ohio State

Big Ten in the national spotlight
It's a big week for the Big Ten.  The SEC almost always dominates the airwaves and the headlines, but this weekend, ESPN's Game Day descends upon East Lansing for the best game in college football this week - Wisconsin v. Michigan State.

The rest of the slate is rather yawn-inducing, though the cat fight in Evanston could be fun to watch.  Only two games are division tilts but at this point, everyone needs Ws.

Illinois at Purdue, Noon EDT (ESPN2)
I think Illinois was exposed a bit last week by an Ohio State team that had been all together underwhelming on the season.  The Illini can play defense and have some offensive weaponry but prior to the loss had been squeaking by.  Purdue was some bad kicking from a very nice win in State College and has improved little by little, week by week.  Illinois is dead last in most statistical categories when it comes to special teams, which will bite them eventually. In the end, Illinois has more talent and the better defense and when push comes to shove, defense wins games.  Illinois 23 - Purdue 20

Indiana at Iowa, Noon EDT (BTN)
I know that Indiana has threatened Iowa with upsets each of the last few years, but this might be the worst team the Big Ten has seen in a really long time.  Add to it the fact that IU is missing a few key players and the picture is not pretty.  Iowa re-found the offense last weekend and should have no problem dominating in all facets this week as well.  On a side note, I'd hate the 11am local time start as a fan or a player!  Iowa 41 - Indiana 14

Nebraska at Minnesota, 3:30 EDT (ABC)
Raise your hand if you would rather see Nebraska and Iowa go toe to toe twice this season instead of seeing these teams play Indiana and Minnesota this week?  I said above that Indiana might be the worst team the Big Ten has produced in a long time?  Well, Minnesota is right there too.  The ONLY saving grace is that the Gophers played USC tough on the road in the opener and has a win over a D1 foe.  Then again, while IU has its only win against an FCS school, at least the Hoosiers beat an FCS school.  But I digress.  Nebraska comes off a bye hungry to get firing on all cylinders before a big battle with Michigan State next weekend.  Minnesota is battling injuries, guys skipping class, an unhealthy coach... Taylor and Rex win this one on their own.  Nebraska 49 - Minnesota 0

Penn State at Northwestern, 7pm EDT (BTN)
Something's got to give in this cat fight.  Penn State has been stout on D (3rd in scoring defense, 2nd in total defense, 3rd in rushing defense and 3rd in passing defense) and Northwestern has been able to move the ball with some measure of consistency (5th in total offense, 6th in rushing offense, 4th in passing offense).  With every game, Dan Persa is closer to his pre-Achilles self.  Penn State refuses to select a QB and is down its top receiver.  Silas Redd has been a stud and will need a strong performance in order for the Nits to stay unbeaten in the Leaders Division.  NU is 0-fer night games so far, but finds a way in this one, almost a must-win for the Wildcats.  Northwestern 24 - Penn State 20

Wisconsin at Michigan State, 8pm EDT (ESPN) - Game of the Week
The Badgers' first true test of the season and first real road game.  Michigan State's third tough league test in the past three games.  Wisconsin brings a bona fide Heisman candidate to the table in Russell Wilson.  Michigan State brings a dominant defense - the physical, gritty, tough variety common place in the days of George Perles regime.  Something has got to give.  While everyone and their brother wants to make this a UW O v. MSU D discussion, I want to look at the opposite. 

Wisconsin has the league's best scoring defense, third rated total defense, fifth ranked run defense and No. 2 pass defense. UW also is near the top in other key defensive categories.  However, aside from Nebraska, who has Wisconsin played?  That will be a key in this game, whether the so-called experts want to say so or not. Michigan State has the 8th ranked scoring offense, 7th rated total offense, 10th ranked rushing offense and 3rd ranked passing offense.  MSU allows the fewest sacks and leads the league in time of possession.

Seems like a slam dunk, eh?  Just like Vegas thinks (UW is giving 8 at this time).  Maybe, or maybe not.  Wiscy's true weak link is special teams.  While MSU hasn't been as buttoned up as the past, the Spartans changed last year's game with a punt return TD and are long overdue for a kickoff return for a TD.

The night atmosphere, MSU's defense and the fact that the offense is just starting to fire on all cylinders has me leaning against the popular pick.  If MSU is going to win just one of the next two, next week is the one to win, but why not win them both?  Gholston or no Gholston.  Michigan State 23 - Wisconsin 21.

And then there were three...
We went into an important week of conference play with five unbeatens.  We came out with three.  Wisconsin and Penn State rule the roost in the Leaders, Michigan State in the Legends.  The race is still on in both, as Illinois has yet to play either Penn State or Wisconsin and will try and have a final say in the deal.  Ohio State can still play the spoiler too.  The Spartans, meanwhile, still have to go to Iowa and Nebraska - one loss teams hungry to stay in the mix.  And frankly, Michigan might have one of the easier roads with home games remaining against its toughest competitors.

It was a great weekend for football around the Big Ten.  The only game never in doubt was Wisconsin v. Indiana.  The rest gave us plenty of entertainment and water cooler fodder.

The good... Wisconsin. Although I am disappointed that the Badgers scored 24 less this year than last.  What's up with that?!  Michigan State.  Another year of containing D-Rob.  Conditions were nasty, so MSU got back to Pound, Green, Pound and looked great doing so.  Sets up a great game this week with UW.  Ohio State.  The Buckeyes ratcheted up the D some more and made Illinois look silly at times.  Iowa.  That's the offense that was sorely lacking at Penn State.  Then again, maybe it only appears against sub-par defenses?  Penn State.  Solid, if not at all pretty.

The bad... Purdue. But not really.  The Boilers played Penn State tough.  They just get this rap after a loss.  Them's the breaks!  Michigan.  Two-fold.  The vaunted offense again looked below average against MSU's defense.  And those uniforms?  H-I-D-E-O-U-S.  Burn them. Or donate to kids looking to dress as bumble bees for Halloween.  Illinois. Phew, what's that smell?  The Illini offense.  Northwestern.  Great offense.  Zero defense.  Hard to win in this conference without a good D.

The ugly... Indiana. Sorry but wow, are they bad or what?  Penn State's offense.  It is hard to watch. Ohio State's offense.  Not all of it though.  The Bucks can run, especially with Boom back.  But one completion on four attempts?  Holy old school Batman!  The dirty talk regarding MSU - UM.  Especially that from Chris Spielman on the broadcast.  Please.  MSU was penalized as the officials saw fit.  And don't go thinking that M was squeaky clean.  Right before the "punch", Will Gholston's facemask was in hand with his helmet being pushed to the ground.  Kudos to Michigan coaches and players for calling it what it was - physical domination and not dirty play.  Media and fans?  Bag it.  This is football not patty cakes!

Got Gamm? No one bested my 4-1 and that catapults me back to the top overall, in a tie with Phats.

This week...
Illinois at Purdue
Indiana at Iowa
Nebraska at Minnesota
Penn State at Northwestern
Wisconsin at Michigan State (Game of the Week)

Get Gamm - Week Eight

For most, this is just another interesting week of conference play. A couple of good games and some other tune-ups for next week and beyond. For me? This is THE week. Michigan State and Michigan go toe to toe and there is plenty at stake. There is also plenty of talk, though mostly from former players.

Before I get picking though, I have to weigh in on the college football landscape.

Memo to Mizzou - stay where you are. The SEC will eat you alive and use you for the fact that you are about more than just sports (See Vandy). A&M was wisely replaced with TCU and if the Big 12 has its wits, Houston and SMU will follow to make it a happy family of 12 once again. Or, hey, do nothing and stay at ten. Forget BYU or Boise. My goodness can we get some regional reality in these conferences?

Speaking of which... the Big East is desperate. It is said to be courting schools as far south as Orlando and as far west as Boise. Please. May as well change the name to Big Spread All Over. Boise does not belong in the Big East. Nor does Air Force or even eastern based academies like Army and Navy. In fact, I think Army, Navy, Air Force, VMI and The Citadel should create their own militant conference... but that's just me.

Kudos to the Big Ten for staying put. The only logical move is when or if Notre Dame is ever truly fair game. Then you add them and only someone else if they make sense...

Now, onto the week at hand:


Indiana at Wisconsin, Noon EDT (ESPN2)
Yawn. Indiana is on the cusp of ESPN.com's Bottom 10. Wisconsin is coming off of a bye, ready and refreshed. It is Homecoming, which may be the only thing that keeps the crowd engaged. Kevin Wilson will eventually get the Hoosiers competing, but Russell Wilson pads the stats in a warm up for the big game in East Lansing (the last time the Badgers lost in conference was at MSU last year). Wisconsin 45 - IU 10


Purdue at Penn State, Noon EDT (BTN)
Purdue might wind up one of the those teams that somehow manages to make a bowl game this season. The Boilers aren't very good but have a chance in this one because Penn State's offense has been abysmal. I'll venture to guess that the Nittany Lions will be sluggish to start after a hard fought win over Iowa and that this will be a better game than expected. But PSU is flat out better and just keeps finding ways to win. Penn State 23 - Purdue 13.


Michigan at Michigan State, Noon EDT (ESPN) (Game of the Week)
Really? A noon game between two ranked teams? I guess OK and TX did it last week but come on. This is far better than OSU and Illinois. Ok, enough venting. The noon tilt back in 2009 was a memorable one - an OT win for the green and white. If you look at it carefully, Michigan State has had some of the best success in slowing D-Rob over his career. The Spartans bring a great defense if a sluggish offense to the table. Michigan has been far more opportunistic with the turnovers on D and is bending but not breaking. Typically this one goes to the team who rushes for more yards. M has the upper hand on offense, but State on defense and special teams. Spartans break it open late. Michigan State 31 - Michigan 17.


Ohio State at Illinois, 3:30pm EDT (ABC)
Well, we know OSU isn't totally dead yet - at least not if Braxton Miller is healthy. For as awful as he was made to look against MSU, Miller was a stud against Nebraska. Problem is, the Buckeyes fizzled and blew a 21-point lead. Illinois wasn't great last week at Indiana but that was to be expected after three close wins in a row. The Illini are good and should win this game, but I cannot believe that Ohio State will lose a third straight Big Ten game. OSU pulls off a mild upset. Ohio State 23 - Illinois 20


Northwestern at Iowa, 7pm EDT (BTN)
A battle of the bruised and battered. Iowa looked the part of a wrestling school at Penn State last week. Northwestern once again failed to sustain a lead against a good team. The Wildcats have given the Hawkeyes fits of late and the black and gold O took a giant leap back last week. I'm not sure who truly needs this one more, but for some reason I like the 'Cats to pull off the weekend's second road upset. Northwestern 26 - Iowa 24.

Gaining clarity, one game at a time...
We're still very early in conference play, but there seems to be some clear separation between the top, the contenders, the pretenders and the nobodies. The weekend saw some great comebacks - Nebraska and Michigan - the backing up of a bold statement (Penn State) and more clarity on who's who this season.

The best part? It gets even better this coming weekend with a slate of meaningful games on tap.

The good...
Michigan. Nebraska. Penn State. Illinois. Purdue.  Nice wins by all five.  Two solid comebacks. One statement backer. Two more good wins even in games that were near givens.  Nebraska was most impressive to me because the fans had turned on them, OSU was in control and things were spiraling fast.  Patience, a defensive surge and the Martinez-Burkhead combo were the nails in the Buckeye coffin.  Michigan overcame an ugly first half to dominate a NU team that looked inexplicably lost for two quarters.  Penn State had to back up the "Iowa is a wrestling school" call out by a player and did so with a dominating if not awe-inspiring performance.  Illinois and Purdue rolled - and should have.

The bad...
Ohio State and Northwestern.  The Buckeyes finally woke up their dormant offense and looked to be on the road to a romp in Lincoln.  Then Miller got hurt and that was all she wrote.  Bauserman looked - as my 12 year old said - fat, old, slow and with an arm of a middle schooler.  What a shame that the six-time defending champ has fallen so hard so fast.  Northwestern looked the part of contender until halftime.  Then it all unraveled.  The 'cats forgot the great spy defense that kept DRob in check early and let him right back in the Heisman race...

The ugly...
Iowa. Indiana. Minnesota.  The latter are not a shock and require no further comment (or beat down).  But Iowa? Really? That offensive display was, well, offensive.  Highly.  What happened to the offense that worked so well in a comeback win over Pitt?  And people, Pitt bull-whipped a good USF team so we know that was a nice win for Iowa.  There was no fight from the wrestling school that had owned PSU in the 2000s.

No winna...no dinna
For the first time this year, I beat all comers by taking the tiebreaker from Phats - who rebounded nicely after a bad week five.
This week...
Indiana at Wisconsin
Purdue at Penn State
Michigan at Michigan State (Game of the Week)
Ohio State at Illinois
Northwestern at Iowa

Get Gamm - Week Six
No sense beating around the bush.  The thermometer may say 80 and sun here in West Michigan, but we're halfway through the college football regular season.  Mayo is picking with me this week.  Can you beat either of us?

Minnesota at Purdue, Noon ET (ESPN)Not the Basement Bowl in total... that would only be if this were Minny and Indy.  Purdue stunk it up big time last week and is going a la Penn State with a two-headed QB system.  Sorry, not a big fan of that.  Minnesota has to be play better than last week, right?  Purdue does too.  The Boilers aren't all together good but are light years ahead of the Gophers.  Purdue 31 - Minnesota 13.

mayo says... In what could be the Bottom Of The B1G Barrel Bowl, this could be an ugly game. And I don’t mean one team taking the other to the woodshed ugly. I mean ‘can anyone score some points’ ugly. Combined scores against these two last weekend: 96-10. In a pick that even Phats will love, Purdue 13 – Minnesota 6.

Illinois at Indiana, 2:30 ET (BTN)
I had to do a triple check on the game time.  This is old school, sorry but your not on TV this week type of timing.  Of course we know EVERY game is on some sort of TV anymore but still, the time seems odd to me.  Illinois escaped last week with a comeback, throw away, comeback win over rival Northwestern.  Boy was that a kick in the nuts... pun intended - well, at least for the 'cats.  This is simple: Illinois is good.  Indiana?  Uh, see Minnesota.  ILL-INI roll.  Illinois 42 - Indiana 10
 
mayo says... Zook takes his impressive Illini squad next door to Bloomington for what should be a glorified scrimmage, although one player will not be on the field. Why on Earth would you knee a guy in the groin when you know there are cameras on you and there are two refs within 10 feet? Unbelievable. Regardless, Indiana is showing some signs that they could be on the way up, but it’s not going to be a quick fix. Illinois 34 – Indiana 14.

Iowa at Penn State, 3:30 ET (ABC)
If IU v. U of I is old school with its kick time, this is old school based on the style of play.  Iowa has gone to this magical hurry up since the Pitt game and is clicking but both teams get it done with defense first.  This is one of those cross division games that change rooting interests for fans.  And this is a toss up.  Coach Ferentz has had great success against the Nits.  PSU is struggling through two quarterbacks and a paltry kicking game but is at home.  Both teams are quietly sitting on just one loss but have been unimpressive at times.  Heads PSU. Tails Iowa. Flip, roll, bounce... Penn State 16 - Iowa 14.

mayo says... Oh how Penn State needs this win. Iowa can get things going in the conference with a nice win (again) over Paterno and his indecisive QB group. Iowa has had an extra week to prepare for a very mediocre Penn State group. Iowa 27 – Penn State 20.

Michigan at Northwestern, 7pm (BTN)
My Game of the Week.  Two teams with the potential to score in droves and one with a defense that appears improved, but I'm witholding judgment until the Wolverines play stiffer competition.  You know the fans clad in Purple will be hyped for this game and NU often fares well in these night games.  The key is Persa.  If he stays healthy, we've seen what he means.  If the cats can contain Denard and get off to a good start, they will emerge.  Michigan could get caught peeking ahead, but I doubt it.  Michigan 34 - Northwestern 27.

mayo says... Two of the most enjoyable quarterbacks to watch in the sport on the same field. I really like Persa because he has the better arm of the two, but the weapons that Michigan has at WR are the difference. Defenses may end up null and void here, and I don’t buy that Michigan’s defense is quite back yet. But they appear to be the better group in this matchup. Michigan 37 – Northwestern 29.

Ohio State at Nebraska, 8pm ET (ESPN)
Something has got to give in this one. Either the OSU offense will awaken and lay the hammer to what has so far been a vastly overrated defense or said defense will add to the woes of the scarlet and gray.  Those star players that were due back?  Uh, not so much.  You know the Cornhuskers are hungry to put last week behind them.  Nebraska 24 - Ohio State 20.

mayo says... Both of these teams got socked in the mouth last weekend. Ohio State learned that eventually Mark Dantonio was going to beat them with a good, old-fashioned defense and Nebraska was given a rude awakening that they weren’t going to walk through the B1G by Wisconsin. In what should be a spectacular rivalry for decades to come, Nebraska shows up and is able to muster a win over a still incomplete roster out of Columbus. OSU 16 – Nebraska 22.

Week six, already?
Seriously, we're at the kinda, sorta halfway mark of the season already? Where has the time gone?  It hasn't been without some brow raisers and head shakers along the way, last weekend included. 

Dan did a nice report card in a comment to last week's pick 'em blog, so I won't repeat what he did.  Instead, I'll stick with my usually good, bad and ugly analysis.

The good...
Wisconsin. Uh, make that a damn good.  Wow.  So much for not having played anyone.  Color me highly impressed and a trite bit more nervous about the night time show down in EL in a few weeks.  Michigan State.  Best defense I've seen from the Spartans since Perles' late 80s squads wrecked havoc on the league. The offense needs to get scoring, but that is a Legends Division winning D.  Michigan.  Then again, they played a team I'm pretty sure my local high school team would challenge.  Still, 58-0?  Nicely done.  Illinois. Sweet comeback, choke, comeback. But how close was NU to pulling off a mirror of the Music City Miracle at the end?  This close!  Northwestern.  I can't rate them bad or ugly after that one.  It was disappointing but oh what a game changer Mr. Persa is.

The bad...
Penn State.  Really? Trouble scoring on Indiana? Ugly. Pick a QB will ya?  Illinois II. Umm, it is never okay for one dude to knee another dude in the jewels - especially when he isn't looking.  Come on.  That was bad. And classless.  Nebraska.  Black shirt huh?  And let me get this straight, you have an option QB throw on five straight plays?  What?  Indiana.  The Hoosiers were in it until the end, in a game they shouldn't have been.  But dude, get the Hail Mary to the end zone will you?

The ugly...
Minnesota. See above.  No wonder Coach Kill is having health problems.  Purdue.  Off a bye week, the Boilers lay a total egg at home against a rival  At least it didn't come down to a field goal - either way - this time.

Gettin' Gamm...
Nice week for all but our leader.  Phats took some shots and went 3-3.  The rest of us went 6-0, with Mayo clinching the tiebreaker on a closer to the huge margin in the UW - NU game.  Mayo, you know the drill:

Minnesota at Purdue
Illinois at Indiana
Iowa at Penn State
Michigan at Northwestern (Game of the Week)
Ohio State at Nebraska

Let the games begin!
Enough of this Big Ten versus no one stuff.  Time to roll up the sleeves, tighten the chin straps and get ready to enter a new era of B1G football!  No sense beating around the bush.  Phats is picking again - the Boiler is on a roll - and this is when and where it all starts to get interesting...

Minnesota at Michigan; Noon EDT (BTN)
The Battle for the Little Brown Jug. A trophy the Gophers have had all of once since 1987.  Good chance it isn't leaving Ann Arbor for the Twin Cities this week either.  Minnesota lost to an FCS foe, is 1-3, and their coach is having notable health concerns. Michigan is off to another 4-0 start with a defense that has improved but a passing offense that has taken a step back.  The Wolverines still lack a good power running back and that will haunt them at some point but not now.  Minnesota is depleted, down and staring at 1-11.  It'll be close early with the rivalry factor, but Robinson outshines Gray. Michigan 34 - Minnesota 13

Phats - Michigan 31 Minnesota 10- I feel bad for Minnesota with the health of their coach, but that was just an ugly loss to North Dakota State.


Northwestern at Illinois; Noon EDT (ESPN2)
I'm not totally sure what to make of this game.  Illinois is an impressive 4-0, but struggled mightily with a good but still MAC foe Western Michigan and has one overall great performance (ASU win) to hang its hat on.  Conversely, Northwestern won what then looked like a good one at BC (the Eagles, it turns out, are not good at all) and then lost at West Point.  Granted, Dangerous Dan Persa has yet to take a snap this year and is set to return this week, but what about the rust?  Illinois has a stout defense (tops in run defense) but can be had at times through the air.  Northwestern is last in total defense and that means Illinois will pound the rock.  Maybe if Persa had a game under his belt, I'd change my mind.  But another rivalry tilt goes to the home team.  Illinois 27 - Northwestern 17

Phats - Northwestern 24 Illinois 17- Going with the upset here and I have no idea why.


Penn State at Indiana; Noon EDT (ESPNU)
Do I have to write this one up?  Penn State is as boring as those uniforms.  Indiana is perhaps incapable of even being Top 25 among FCS foes.  Loss to Ball State?  Loss to North Texas?  Come on!  Penn State does have a fundamentally sound team - at least defensively. The kicking game is going to bite the Nits at some point though, and I'm still not sold on McGloin.  Indiana is desperate and might be up early, but despite losing a key defender in Mauti, Penn State will impose its will on the Hoosiers and walk in Bloomington.  Penn State 24 - Indiana 7.

Phats - Penn State 42 indiana 10- Surprised IU didn't try to sell this game to some east coast city like they did last year, doesn't really matter where it's played PSU will roll.

Michigan State at Ohio State; 3:30 EDT (ABC)
This mirrors the Capital One Bowl Mascot Challenge game of the week between Sparty and Brutus.  MSU has not won in C-bus since the 1998 stunner.  OSU is the only Big Ten team that Coach Dantonio has failed to defeat.  The Spartans boast 24 players from Ohio - many of who were shunned by OSU in the recruiting process.  This game puts the leagues' best defense (MSU) against the leagues' worst offense (OSU).  Stats aside, we know both have beaten on inferior opponents and laid eggs on the road.  OSU is still undermanned and has completed 11 passes in the past two games.  I read it somewhere and agree - first one to 20 wins.  MSU pulls off a mild upset in a game that starts a make or break month for Big Ten title hopes.  Michigan State 23 - Ohio State 17

Phats - Ohio State 17 Michigan State 14- Should be a solid game, and could easily go either, so went with the home team.


Nebraska at Wisconsin; 8pm EDT (ABC) - TFS Game of the Week
Welcome to the Big Ten Big Red!  You get to play the best team in the Leaders Division and one of the more complete teams in the country.  My one caution for Badgers out there though is this - who have you played?  At least Nebraska faced a good Fresno State team, a solid PAC 12 foe in Washington (Oregon State might be banned after the start they are off to) and went on the road for a game with a middling opponent in Wyoming.  UW has played three of four at home, and against teams that might actually make Indiana look good!  Back to the game.  Russel Wilson vs. Taylor Martinez.  Black Shirts against UW tailbacks.  Both teams are high powered and have sound special teams play.  The advantage only comes in the raucous crowd.  In a thriller that lives up to the Game Day hype - Wisconsin 27 - Nebraska 24.
 
Phats - Wisconsin 35 Nebraska 21 Wow, welcome to the Big Ten Nebraska your first game to play at one of the toughest stadiums in the conference. I am not sure Nebraska's defense will be able to slow the Badgers offense enough to get them a shot Badgers take it.


Notre Dame at Purdue; 8pm EDT (ESPN)
Another good game in a weekend full of them on the national landscape.  Purdue is well-rested and gets to welcome a rival to Ross-Ade.  ND struggled on the road after finally getting on the board with a nice win over Michigan State.  NotreND's propensity to cough the ball up like a cat does a hairball, it will be a good game.  Notre Dame - 30 - Purdue 20.
 
Phats - Purdue 24 Notre Dame 21- A little night time Ross Ade magic as Carson Wiggs will kick a 70 yard field goal as time expires and Ross Ade will be a crazy scene. Alright so I am a sucker I admit that this probably won't happen but Purdue is my school I can't pick against them even when my head is screaming NO, my heart still says yes so I have to go with my Boilers. Boiler Up!

Looking back ... and ahead
As expected, it was pretty much a ho-hum weekend for the Big Ten.  Illinois struggled as I predicted, but aside from the rotten eggs laid by Minnesota and Indiana, everything else was according to plan.  Which begs the question... I know the league will go to nine conference games in the fairly near future (THANK GOODNESS) but can we all agree - no more FCS games and let's sprinkle in a conference game early so we get some games that matter sooner rather than later?

The good...
Penn State may have found a QB.  Illinois, despite a struggle, is 4-0 for the first time since 1951.  Michigan State leads the nation in total yards per game allowed.  Yep, trust me, they do.  Michigan is 4-0 again. Ohio State found some offense, sort of. Iowa and Wisconsin routed lesser opponents.  Nebraska looked good at what might be one of the most gorgeous stadiums I had previously never seen.

The bad...
Sorry but Minnesota and Indiana flat suck.  I feel for Coach Kill, who is going back to get these seizures in order but really?  Losing at home to - albeit a good - North Dakota State?  And Indiana goes to North Texas and falls short in a rally against maybe the worst team in FBS?  Talk about dragging down a conference!

This week...
Big Ten play finally kicks off and there are some dandies.  Phats was gutsy enough to let his gold and black homerism shine through in the IU upset loss pick and with his 9-1 record gets to pick again on the home page.  Thank goodness for league play.  Let the fun begin!

Penn State at Indiana
Minnesota at Michigan
Northwestern at Illinois
Michigan State at Ohio State
Nebraska at Wisconsin (Game of the Week)
Notre Dame at Purdue

Week Four...
San Diego State at Michigan (Game of the Week)
Gamm - On one hand, SDSU has to travel across the country for a noon game. On the other, don't you think the players might have the least bit of desire to beat former coach Hoke, even if he left on good terms?  If this game is in Cali, I go with the Aztecs.  It will be close but M will pull it out.  Michigan 31 - SDSU 30

Mayo - I was stunned to see this as the Game Of The Week, but after looking over the rest of the slate, it belongs here. Hoke prepares his team to take on his former team. Michigan will have to shore up the pass defense to pull away in this one and I think they’ll do just enough to get past this before the B1G season starts. Michigan 38 – SDSU 34

Central Michigan at Michigan State
Gamm - MSU has two sets of revenge on tap here.  One for the 2009 upset on the second shot at a field goal after a freshman named Jerel Worthy jumped offsides on the first attempt (a miss).  Two for the way the Spartans played last week.  News came down today that in addition to the loss of starting right tackle Skylar Burkland, MSU is without center Blake Treadwell and backup tackle Jared McGaha.  Still, MSU pounds the rock, Rock gets 200 yards rushing and MSU rolls.  MSU 48 - CMU 13.

Mayo - Wrong week to be a Chippewa. Dan Enos will take his squad into East Lansing having endured a whipping at the hands of archrival Western last week. Dantonio will likely be able to get some backups in for valuable time and not run up the score too bad in this one. Michigan State 47 – Central Michigan 10

Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Gamm - Eastern was all up in Michigan's face early but never got the scores to scare the maize and blue. Penn State's offense is almost as bad as Ohio State's - and that is bad. Until PSU settles on a QB, I don't think they'll do a thing to impress. And even then, it might be tough. Penn State 20 - Eastern 7.

Mayo - Easy pick of the week. Paterno lets the kids get some quality play time in the Romper Room. Penn State 51 – Eastern Michigan 13

Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa
Gamm - ULM had TCU in a dog fight for a couple of quarters last week and isn't afraid to tussle. Iowa is confident after that stirring comeback. Will they look past ULM (am I the only one who thinks the movie Waterboy when we talk ULM?) or take care of business? I see a sluggish start but a solid win. Iowa 33 - ULM 10.

Mayo - Iowa will be able to shore up some of the issues they’ve had recently by putting the smackdown on whatever the mascot is for Louisiana – Monroe. I’ll admit that I know nothing about this program, but I do know that if “State” doesn’t follow Louisiana, they aren’t any good. Iowa 38 – Louisiana-Monroe 6

Colorado at Ohio State
Gamm - remember when Colorado was good? Wow that seems like so long ago. It even feels like an eternity since OSU was good and that was just last season! The Bucks are a mess on offense and still down several key players. The Buffs knocked off rival Colorado State but don't have the horses to get it done here. OSU will be lackluster but still get a W. Ohio State 24 - Colorado 14.

Mayo - Possibly just what the doctor ordered for OSU? Pac-12 vs. B1G in a matchup of Great Whites vs. Seals. OSU takes out two weekends of frustration on CU. Ohio State 44 – Colorado 24

Western Michigan at Illinois
Gamm - My upset game of the week. Illinois is riding high after a nice win, but the QB is dinged and he's the key to the Illini's success. Western was a 14 point swing on a pick 6 from making Michigan really sweat in the opener and is equipped to win. Granted, Michigan did not have an ounce of the defense that Illinois does but a bit of big win hangover mixed with taking the wrong opponent lightly means the MAC scores win two of the season over the Big Ten. WMU 27 - Illinois 23.

Mayo - This could be an intriguing matchup if Western can get things going. Illinois looks to be in the upper-middle class of the B1G this year and should be able to put this one away by the middle of the third quarter. Illinois 31 – Western Michigan 13

South Dakota at Wisconsin
Gamm - Can we stop annointing Wisconsin as the Big One and the rest the little eleven? I'll give you that UW has looked strong. But um, who have they played? No one and this week they play the fifth cousin of no one - FCS foe South Dakota. We won't know what the Badgers have until NU comes calling next week. Meantime, ho hum another blowout win! UW 56 - SD 6

Mayo - Where are all these South Dakota schools coming from? This “game” doesn’t warrant much of a preview. Wiconsin 61 – South Dakota 6

North Dakota State at Minnesota
Gamm - Minnesota can take nothing for granted. The Bison have given the Gophers fits more than once. Minnesota is getting better but will still struggle. Gophers 30 - NDSU 23

Mayo - If I remember correctly, Tim Brewster’s Minnesota squad fell apart and let this North Dakota State team into TCF Stadium and ruin an otherwise beautiful day for the Gophers. Jerry Kill will have a different result. Minnesota 28 – North Dakota State 16

Indiana at North Texas
Gamm - Not even IU can screw this up. Even with 30 penalties! IU 31 - NT 10

Mayo - Well, I had to look up North Texas to see what they are all about. Apparently U-G-L-Y is the definition of this program right now. Indiana 34 – North Texas 13

Nebraska at Wyoming
Gamm - a good battle between cowboys and farmers. Wyoming is unbeaten but not for long. NU preps for next week's trip to Madison with a beat down and a tighter D. Nebraska 44 - Wyoming 14

Mayo - Nebraska continues its three week “W” tour (Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin) with a fourth “W”. Taylor Martinez has another ho-hum huge day for the Big Red. Nebraska 56 – Wyoming 17

A look back at week three...Ah the good, the so-so, the ugly.  There was plenty of it last weekend in the Big Ten.  That said, I'm not sure we will truly know who's who until we get into league play.  But isn't that all that really matters anyway?

The good...Illinois and Iowa.  Both beat very good teams even if in very different ways.  Illinois really owned ranked ASU in Champaign and despite being down early in the 4th, was largely in control from the onset.  Iowa was down big time.  Things were looking bleak.  Then the Hawkeyes awoke and stormed from behind for a potential season-making win.

The so-so...Michigan. Wisconsin. Nebraska. Purdue. Indiana. Minnesota. Penn State.  Some lopsided wins here with a few nail bitters as well.  Why so-so for blowouts?  Michigan hasn't proven they are anything different than the past few seasons.  Wisconsin hasn't played anyone. Nebraska simply won a game it should have but still lacks the defense we thought they'd boast.  IU and PU played nobody's.  Minnesota beat a decent MAC team but not emphatically.  Penn State is as stagnant as ever on offense.

The ugly...Michigan State. Ohio State. Northwestern.  The Spartans shot themselves in the foot with untimely penalties, two failed scoring attempts inside the five and the first kickoff for a TD surrendered in 9 seasons.  Ohio State has zero chance with this offense.  Whew, that stunk!  And Northwestern goes to West Point and gets rolled on the ground.  Three winnable games where our Big Ten brethren seemed to forget to show up.

This week...Nothing great on the slate for this weekend.  Big Ten v. MAC heats up with three more such battles but no marquee matchups at all.  NU and PU get the weekend off.  MSU and OSU will look to rebound.

San Diego State at Michigan (Game of the Week)
Central Michigan at Michigan State
Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa
Colorado at Ohio State
Western Michigan at Illinois
South Dakota at Wisconsin
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Indiana at North Texas
Nebraska at Wyoming

Week Three...
Eastern Michigan at Michigan - Mike Hart comes back to M... as an EMU coach.  The Eagles, nee Hurons, are 2-0 but against FCS programs.  EMU may stay close early on M's ND hangover, but this won't be close long.  Michigan 41 - Eastern 10

Phats: Michigan 41 eastern michigan 17- What a game last week for Michigan an exciting last second TD. This one might start slow still recovering from that excitement, but won't take long for the Wolverines to roll


Penn State at Temple - I'm not sold that the Nits will go to Philly and win this one.  Al Golden is gone but he left the cupboard nicely stocked.  I'm going upset here.  Temple 20 - PSU 17
Phats: Penn State 31 temple 10- PSU didn't do bad against Bama, but just didn't have enough fire power to keep up with the Tide, this week should be a different story.

Pittsburgh at Iowa - Another good week three game.  Iowa is stinging from that loss to rival Iowa State. Pitt is 2-0.  I think Iowa rebounds and recovers with a good win.  Iowa 23 - Pitt 16
Phats: Pitt 24 Iowa 21- Tough loss for Iowa last week, and this week doesn't get any easier. I think the Panthers steal a road win here

SE Missouri State at Purdue - Purdue Pete wins without a blocked FG.  Purdue 34 - SEMO 13

Phats: Purdue 28 SEMO 10- OUCH the rice game was a nightmare, and some awful time management in the 4th, but this "should" be a win, and it's sad to even have to say should. Good news sounds like Marve will play some in this one as well. Boiler Up!

Miami (OH) at Minnesota - Will Minnesota play fired up for coach or be a little flat?  Hard to be much flatter than last week.  Coach Treadwell will have the Red Hawks, nee Redmen, ready to play but the Gophers squeak one out.  Minnesota 20 - Miami 17

Minnesota 21 Miami 17- Thoughts and prayers go out to Minnesota coach, hopefully he is good enough to return to the field, and that emotion will be enough to propel the gophers to the win

Michigan State at Notre Dame - I'be making the trip to South Bend and hoping to see MSU win 7 of 8 in Irish territory.  ND is better than their record, MSU is improving week to week.  Michigan State pulls out another in an epic battle.  State 38 - ND 35 in 2OTs.

Phats: Michigan State 28 Notre Dame 24- Here's to hoping the Spartans keep ND winless!!

Northwestern at Army - Love that the Wildcats are going to West Point - the most gorgeous campus in the US.  Army is getting better and will be competitive but NU is off to a great start.  It will be close but the 'cats get it done.  Northwestern 27 - Army 21.

Phats: Northwestern 28 army 14- Northwestern quietly flying under the radar, should stay undefeated but might be a tricky game.

South Carolina State at Indiana - IU blew a great chance to make a statement last week and will come out sluggish this weekend.  However, even the Hoosiers can't blow this one.  IU 38 - SCS 14

Phats: Indiana 38 south carolina state 23- IU really had a nice come back vs UVA, then the old IU showed up and blew it. They should win this one, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's close football in our state of IN right now just isn't good.

Washington at Nebraska - The rubber match after last year's blow out in Seattle and shocker in San Diego.  Nebraska has yet to roll like we thought they would but they get it done in Lincoln.  N 30 - W 13.

Phats: Nebraska 31 Washington 17- Nebraska struggled a bit with Fresno, but I haven't been impressed with anybody in the PAC12 yet, and this one is at home Huskers pull away late.

Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois - MAC v B10 III.  UW looks really good.  Northern Illinois isn't bad but even having a former Badger coach at the helm won't change the result.  Wisconsin 42 - Northern 7

Phats: Wisconsin 41 Northern Illinois 7- Nice to see Wisky traveling to a MAC school, but it shouldn't change the result.

Arizona State at Illinois - Other than the Ineligi-bowl, this is the game of the week.  Both teams are off to good starts and look at this as a statement game.  ASU has the burden of travel though, so edge to Illinois.  Fighting Zookers 24 - Sun Devils 20.

Phats: Arizona State 31 Illinois 21- Fighting Illini finally play someone, and we'll know just how good they are, and even though I said I am not impressed with Pac12 I think they get the win here.

Ohio State at Miami - Ah the Ineligibowl.  What Miami is accused of doing makes OSU's transgressions look like child's play.  Miami gets some key players back and has a great coach but Ohio State is hungry to show last week was an aberration.  Buckeyes 27 - The U 17

Phats: Ohio State 24 Miami 21- I have no clue why I am picking OSU here, they didn't look great against Toledo, but they might have been looking ahead. I am hoping for the Big Ten's sake the Buckeyes can pull this one off.

Wild week two, what's left for week three?
It was a wild and crazy weekend of teams that shocked, were shocked and everything in between.  The MAC nearly bit the Big Ten again, a pair pitched shutouts and there is that definite separation of top and bottom already playing out.  Phats got Gamm again, going 9-3 and besting Dan and Mayo on the tiebreaker.  Phats, you know the drill!

Team of the Week
Michigan State. Sorry guys, I'm not drinking the UM is back cool aid quite yet.  That defense gave up 500+ yards and got a couple of turnover gifts.  A few others impressed but one first down, 48 total yards and a shutout?  I have to go with the Spartans.  Sub-par foe or not, MSU did something that is really hard to do.  Better MSU defenses over the years haven't even done this.

MAC Watch
3-1 so far... nearly 2-2. 4 games going this weekend.

Week Three
Eastern Michigan at Michigan
Penn State at Temple
Pittsburgh at Iowa
SE Missouri at Purdue
Miami (OH) at Minnesota
Michigan State at Notre Dame
Northwestern at Army
South Carolina State at Indiana
Washington at Nebraska
Wisconsin vs. Northern Illinois
Arizona State at Illinois
Ohio State at Miami (FL)

Time to tango - week two is upon usFirst, a hearty congrats and shout out to Phats who went a perfect 12-0 last week!  Too bad we seem to have lost Buckeye Nation (is he still in RIP Tressel U mourning?) and Dan, as well as Andrew and some others.  But no less, 12-0 was impressive Phats!  Send me your picks and I will add them to mine.

Note - welcome back Dan!  Not sure why the blog went away... it said there was suspicious activity but we're back now!

Mayo and I went 9-3, not bad, but not good enough!

Week one saw some impressive beginnings, some shaky starts, some lucky finishes and some, well, nasty performances (IU - what the?!).  Kudos to Northwestern for the best win of the week and a tip of the hat to Minnesota for a nice start to the Kill era.  And, foor those keeping track: Big Ten 2, MAC 1.

No time to belabor the week that was any further, so here is the week that is with a couple of impressive games on the slate.

Florida Atlantic at Michigan State - FAU brings an athletic defense but anemic offense to East Lansing.  The Spartans need to shore some gaps, and someone please remind the holder - LACES OUT!  I see a smoother game with some big numbers from Baker and Cousins and another great game from Bullough.  MSU 41 - FAU 7

Phats: Michigan State 35 FAU 7- Michigan State is my 2nd favorite big ten team behind the Boilers.

Iowa at Iowa State - The Cyclones beat Kurt Warner's alma mater by one in the opener while Iowa rolled.  Unfortunately for Iowa, the annual RB injury bug bit again, leaving the Hawkeyes without an impressive freshman.  Iowa is better and overcomes a fired up crowd.  Iowa 27 - ISU 14

Phats: Iowa 21 Iowa State 14

Oregon State at Wisconsin - The Beavers, of the northern tier in the soon to be Pac 324, lost to Sacramento State in the opener.  Meanwhile, the Badgers kicked the runnin' out of the Rebels last week.  The Badgers have a top-notch offense, even if there is work to do on D.  UW 41 - OSU 17

Phats: Wisconsin 41 Oregon State 10- You would think this would be a better match up, but after OSU losing last week not so sure, and Wisconsin looked pretty tough

South Dakota State at Illinois - Really? Follow up Arkansas State with South Dakota State?  No offense to the Jackrabbits, who beat powerhouse Southern Utah in the opener but come on Zooker!  The Illini should get plenty of reps for anyone who wants to play.  Ill-i-n-i 40 - SDS 13

Phats: Illinois 38 South Dakota State 10
Toledo at Ohio State - OSU goes for 2-0 versus the MAC after an easy slaughter of the Zips.  The next fast mascot team to hit C-bus, the Rockets, may be a tad better but don't expect Toledo to add the Bucks to its list of beaten Big Ten teams.  Ohio State 45 - Toledo 7

Phats: Ohio State 49 toledo 14- Who made Toledo's schedule? I believe they host Boise State after this game that's a brutal 2 game stretch

Alabama at Penn State - One of two in the Game of the Week sweepstakes.  This game has tradition written all over it.  Last year, Penn State found out how good the Bama defense was.  Might that happen again?  I expect a lower scoring affair as Alabama is rounding out the offense.  Alabama 20 - Penn State 13.

Phats: Alabama 28 penn state 17- I think this game will be closer than most people think, unfortunately for the Big Ten I don't see us pulling the upset

Eastern Illinois at Northwestern - Yeah. See Illinois commentary.  Another week to rest Persa and get a well deserved break after a tough road opener.  NU 31 - EIEIO - 10

Phats: ?

New Mexico State at Minnesota - An easier task than a trip to SC for sure.  Minnesota notches a win and builds on some of the surprising momentum from the opening loss.  Minnesota 34 - NMSU 13

Phats: Minnesota 35 New Mexico State 17- Nice effort by the Gophers at SC, this one should be a little easier and a W!

Purdue at Rice - The Boilers are off to Texas to be entertained by the Rice band.  Yep, that's right, this is all about the band.  Rice pulls no punches, as it spelled out $EC to Texas Longhorns fans last week.  On the field, this could go either way, though Purdue has some momentum from the nice comeback last week.  Purdue 27 - Rice 17

Phats: Purdue 24 rice 10- I will take an ugly win any day, especially for a team coming off 6 straight losses, but we really need to clean up some things in week two or we won't be as lucky. Better all around game propels the Boilers to 2-0 and a nice road win. Boiler Up!

Fresno State at Nebraska - Remember when Fresno was the Boise State of college football?  The Bulldogs are still decent and aren't afraid to go on the road, but the horses aren't there.  Nebraska will only get better from last week and get to 2-0 easily.  Cornhuskers 33 - Dogs 10

Phats: Nebraska 49 fresno state 17- Might be closer but who knows still getting to know the Huskers
Virgnia at Indiana - Given that the Hoosiers went to Lucas Oil Field and laid a ginormous egg, I am not going to give this anymore space.  UVA breaks a road losing streak.  Cavs 37 - Hoosiers 20

Phats: Virginia 42 indiana 21- Different coach, same result.

Notre Dame at Michigan - Game of the Week part duex.  ND looked mighty bad in a game that stretched over six hours last week, or at least it felt like that.  Michigan got a win in less than three quarters.  Some want to canonize the M defense after a two TD performance.  While better, take note - ND racked up half a thousand yards but killed itself with mindless turnovers.  ND will shore things up.  This will be a classic for the first night game in Big House history.  I'm going with the non chic pick: ND 27 - M 24

Phats: Michigan 28 notre dame 24- Not really sure how good either of these teams are so this game might tell us something. I don't like ND so GO BLUE

Let the games begin!August is coming to a close.  School is starting back up.  Teams are tired of hitting amongst friends. Week one is upon us.  Let the games begin!

I can't promise any real consistency in posting, as the schedule is as crazy as ever.  But we'll give Get Gamm another shot this fall.  After all, we've been at it for, what, almost a decade?

Thursday
UNLV at Wisconsin - Not a total pushover opponent for starters, but UW will find that Russell Wilson was a coup this summer.  Badgers 37 - Rebels 13

Friday
Youngstown State at Michigan State - MSU fans keep hearing how they may be better but have a worse record. The talent is there and deep. Of note will be the play of a re-vamped O-Line and Linebacking Corp. MSU 45 - Jim Tressel State 7

Saturday
Northwestern at Boston College - Probably the best matchup of the weekend.  NU must have a healthy Persa at the helm all season long if the 'Cats are to surprise. He'll be rusty for this one and facing a very good defense.  BC 24 - NU 20

Akron at Ohio State - Round one of three B10 v MAC games on the slate for week one.  OSU is without some key players until game six and Luke Fickell will carry a new set of nerves.  The QB question is what I'm watching for in a game OSU should roll through regardless.  OSU 31 - Zips 3

Indiana State at Penn State - If this was 1979 and we were talking hoops, it might be another story.  No indication so far of who will start at QB. My money is on Bolden if PSU wants to take a positive step forward. PSU 45 - ISU 6

Tennessee Tech at Iowa - An easy way to break in some new starters for the Hawkeyes who once again will try to fly under the radar and wind up scary good.  Iowa 38 - TTU 0

Middle Tennessee at Purdue - Woe is Purdue.  Seriously, has a program been more decimated by injuries of late?  The Boilers are very inexperienced at QB and this against a team that has fared quite well the past two seasons.  Upset of the day.  Middle Tennessee 26 - Purdue 20

Minnesota at USC - I've seen some (Pat Forde) call for an upset here.  USC is under the radar due to probation and a ho-hum 2010 campaign.  Minnesota has some talent but not the depth or overall horses to win.  USC 31 - Minnesota 13

Western Michigan at Michigan - B10 v MAC II.  The much anticipated Brady Hoke era cuts loose against a pretty good directional Michigan foe.  Western will keep it interesting early but Michigan preps for the big one next week with an easy win.  Michigan 42 - WMU 20

Chattanooga at Nebraska - Is it Big Ten against Tennessee weekend or what?  The Cornhuskers arrive with a bang on both sides of the ball.  Nebraska 56 - Choo Choo 3

Arkansas State at Illinois - Finally, a cupcake for an opener (no more Mizzou). Illinois is a team many think is poised to take the next step.  Thing is, I don't always buy that with Zook's teams.  Illinois 48 - Arkansas State 10

Indiana vs. Ball State - B10 MAC III should be a decent game but really, at Lucas Oil?  IU can't fill Memorial Stadium!  I like the new coach and direction and this will be a win, but there is a lot of work to be done. IU 34 - BSU 16

2011 Season Preview
If your summer has been at all like mine, you are so busy that weeks and weekends blend together. You could use more vacation time to make every weekend the four day variety. You have given little thought to football season in the midst of a good old fashioned heat wave.

As I am all three, my previews are going the way of an overall snapshot this year. Maybe, maybe if there is time in August, I will delve a little deeper team by team, but for now, this will have to do.

As always, I've assigned each and every game for all twelve teams a win or loss to come up with this look. I won't say who I picked where, with the exception of a game here or there. Maybe I will find the time later to give you a more in depth analysis.

Legends Division
6 - Minnesota Golden Gophers: Minnesota has some talent but will take time to adjust to a new coach and system. If anything, I'm aiming low here but hey, not everyone can win at once. Most likely upset win? Illinois. Most intriguing game? Nebraska. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl game.

5 - Michigan Wolverines: Michigan will respond well to Coach Hoke but like Minnesota, is going to need time to plug the right talent into a new system. Shocking prediction of the preseason? A win against Ohio State. Toughest loss of the season? Notre Dame or Michigan State. Final record... 7-5 (4-4 Big Ten); Ticket City Bowl berth.

T3 - Northwestern Wildcats: The season hinges on the health of Dan Persa. Everyone wants to anoint this team as a dark horse, but with an Achilles injury? I'm not totally sold. Best win? Penn State. Toughest loss? Michigan State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Texas Bowl berth.

T3 - Iowa Hawkeyes: Iowa is another one that is a bit tough to peg. On one hand, they replace a solid long-time starting QB and some key contributors. On another - Iowa always reloads with solid pieces and parts. The schedule is favorable for Iowa. Best win? Northwestern. Toughest loss? Nebraska. Final record... 9-3 (5-3 Big Ten); Capital One Bowl

T1 - Michigan State Spartans: MSU has a tough, tough schedule. October is particularly brutal. The offensive weapons are there, but what about the O-line? The defense will be good, but what about the linebacking corps? Biggest win? Wisconsin. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 10-2 (6-2 Big Ten); Outback Bowl berth (jumped by Iowa due to two appearances in the past three years)

T1 - Nebraska Cornhuskers: Welcome to the Big Ten, Big Red! NU gets Michigan State, Ohio State and Iowa at home. Two road games loom large for Nebraska but I think the Cornhuskers make a big splash in their first season. Biggest win? Ohio State. Toughest loss? Big Ten opener at Wisconsin. Final record... 10-3 (6-2 in Big Ten plus loss in inaugural title game); Orange Bowl berth

Leaders Division:
6 - Indiana Hoosiers: Another program breaking in a new coach. Indiana won't be as bad as it has appeared in some seasons, but has a tough slate. The Hoosiers could surprise someone, but I'm not banking on it. Best chance for an upset win? Northwestern. Most anticipated game? Purdue. Final record... 3-9 (0-8 Big Ten); No bowl berth

5 - Purdue Boilermakers: Purdue is one of those teams that could really prove me wrong this season. Then again, there is a reason I have them here. I will admit, I originally had the Boilers losing to IU and tying for last in the Leaders Division, but felt that might be too bold. Biggest game? Notre Dame. Toughest contest? at Wisconsin. Final record... 5-7 (2-6 Big Ten); No bowl berth.

4 - Illinois Fighting Illini: The Fighting Zookers saved their coach his job last year and return some solid talent. The OOC slate stacks up nicely to bring the Illini momentum heading into Big Ten play. Illinois is a few players away from contending for the division title. Biggest win? Purdue. Toughest loss? Michigan. Again. Final record... 7-5 (3-5 Big Ten); Little Caesars Bowl berth

T2 - Penn State Nitanny Lions: One prediction I know will come to fruition? The when will JoePa talk will not cease. The Nits have a very back loaded schedule and that will bring them back to the pack. The visits from Alabama and Nebraska are very cool and certain white out games (best look from a stadium in college football). Biggest win? Nebraska. Toughest loss? Ohio State. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Insight Bowl berth.

T2 - Ohio State Buckeyes: Win for the "Luker" will be the battle cry for the embattled Buckeyes this fall. New coach. New QB. Missing other key players for five games. Who knows, maybe even the knowledge that the post season is not gonna happen for the next year or so. Don't be fooled - this team is still loaded and last I checked, you don't win or lose games with off the field stuff. Biggest win? Michigan State. Toughest loss? Michigan. Final record... 8-4 (5-3 Big Ten); Gator Bowl berth (please Coach Fickell, don't punch a Clemson Tiger!)

1 - Wisconsin Badgers: The arrival of a one year rental at QB solidifed this for me. UW plays most of the big boys and aside from a scary payback trip to C-bus, along with a venture to East Lansing, where MSU will be hungry for another win over the Badgers, the toughies are at home. Biggest win? Nebraska. Twice! Toughest loss? at Michigan State. Final record... 12-1 (7-1 Big Ten plus a win in the title game); Rose Bowl berth

Big Ten Title Game:
Nebraska versus Wisconsin in a great rematch of an excellent Big Ten opener. This thriller goes into OT with the Badgers prevailing.

Stay tuned for some preseason award predictions... in the meantime, chew on this and let me know what you think.

I'm back!
Okay, so it isn't like my email box was filling up with you guys wondering where I am, but I haven't fallen totally off the face of the earth.

It has been a really busy stretch at work with two product lines and two spokespeople to manage. All good, just busy. Oh and plenty to do at home, between being a husband, dad, co-taxi driver (with my wife), sports supporter...

Anyway, enough about me. It's good to be back. Basketball was interesting, to say the least. Spring football has come and gone. The situation at OSU is a debacle and my prediction is that it will only get worse. Billboards in Michigan proclaim "Liar, liar, vest on fire!" Nebraska is joining our ranks and before we know it, this cold, wet spring will give way to a quick summer and - viola - football season.

I do promise to work to get to my previews again this year and to check in a little more regularly than I have been.

Meantime, ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg gives enough great info to tide us over...

Let's go bowling!
Here's hoping that you all have had a wonderful holiday season so far. Now that bowl season is kicking in full tilt, it is bound to get even more fun. Me? I take this time of the year off so the rest and relaxation is very nice.


Insight Bowl, 12/28 @ 10pm EST: Iowa vs. Missouri
Iowa is under manned but on a mission. Not sure Mizzou feels this was as good as it could get. Iowa 23 - Mizzou 20

Texas Bowl, 12/29 @ 6pm EST: Illinois vs. Baylor
Illinois laid an egg in the Fresno game but is better than their record. Baylor fizzled after a hot start. Ill-i-n-i 30 - Baylor 20

Holiday Bowl, 12/30 @ 10pm EST: Nebraska vs. Washington
Are you kidding? What happened to this game? Historically a great one. UW's only hope is that NU gets lost on the way. Corn 37 - Cool Dogs 17

TicketCity Bowl, 1/1 @ 12pm EST: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Northwestern with Persa wins this game. Despite time for the backup to get better acclimated... TT 41 - NU 24

Gator Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Is this Rich Rods swan song? This MSU has little offense to speak of but the M defense - or lack thereof will provide chances to score. The Bulldogs get it done. Miss State 26 - M 24

Outback Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Penn State vs. Florida
The retirement bowl? Not according to Mrs. JoePa. Penn State is better than Florida and gets the Big Ten a nice win. PSU 27 - FLA 21

Capital One Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Not a bad consolation prize for an MSU team that should be in a BCS game. Bama is good, really good, but are they into this game? MSU starts slow but stuns old Nicky Saban on a late trick score. MSU 24 - Bama 17

Rose Bowl, 1/1 @ 5pm EST: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Wisconsin is good. So is TCU. This is an intriguing game of great O vs. great D. I hope the Big Ten gets the W but feel like TCU has something to prove. TCU 20 - UW 17

Sugar Bowl, 1/4 @ 8:30pm EST: Ohio State vs. Arkansas

I still can't believe that money wins of the suspensions. But then again, it is why Cam Newton is still playing. OSU wins a wild one 31 to 28.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Happy Holidays TFS followers!

It has been a wild, busy stretch for me but I finally have a few minutes to post some football thoughts, think a little hoops and get the Get Gamm finale up and running.

I realize that I've missed blogging about the Big Ten - ACC Challenge (Victory for the Big Ten!) and that I didn't even get the most basic of hoops predictions up. Work and life go that way sometimes. Hoops and swimming for my kids, a ton of travel lately with a busy winter ahead, and some cool stuff at work, such as signing Kurt Warner to be spokesperson for my product line, have all taken me away from the blog. But never fear, I'm back! At least for a few visits over the next couple of weeks...

Final regular season football thoughts... It was a great year for the Big Ten. While a wide chasm exists between the top (Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin) and the rest of the pack who sits at 7-5 or worse, the league is set up to have some success in the bowl season. Can the conference continue last year's momentum? Shut up the SEC? Win the big ones? I hope so.

I am still a little sore at the BCS snub for the Spartans. Not because UW and tOSU aren't deserving. But rather because UConn gets to go at 8-4? Please. We need a tweak to the rules for who qualifies for BCS games. That said, the fam is going to Orlando for our third trip in four years during bowl season and the match-up with 'Bama is one of the best of all 35 games.

The league mopped up in award season, and deservedly so. I still don't get how Ray Guy leaves out an Aaron Bates but as I live at the office sometimes, politics can reign over facts and data!

I am ambivalent to the recent division names announcement from the conference. I'd have preferred something more like Lakes and Plains or Black and Blue but it is what it is. I also have to mimic a question from some of the national pundits... that logo? Seriously? The Big Ten paid to have that made? My 3rd grade daughter came up with something nicer... and for FREE! In the end, that is all window dressing but still, we couldn't get better? The awards? Now those they nailed...

Hooping it up... Bummed that I never got around to picking the Big Ten. There are going to be a lot of good teams and the race is as open as ever. Right now I'd have to say I like Ohio State to repeat, but don't count out MSU just because of some early losses.

It was also nice to see the league rough up the ACC a bit. Hoping that trend continues.

As for Get Gamm for hoops... probably a no go this year. Just too much to do and too many games to try and track. Instead, let's do this. Everyone pick the order of finish (ties are fine) and the closest to wins Get Gamm for bball. Deal? Tiebreaker is teams in the Big Dance.

Speaking of Get Gamm... The only playa to have a better than .500 record in the last week was Dan. That moved him into a tie at the top with nine bowl games to pick. Picks are due by December 28 at 10pm EST.

Insight Bowl, 12/28 @ 10pm EST: Iowa vs. Missouri
Texas Bowl, 12/29 @ 6pm EST: Illinois vs. Baylor
Holiday Bowl, 12/30 @ 10pm EST: Nebraska vs. Washington
TicketCity Bowl, 1/1 @ 12pm EST: Northwestern vs. Texas Tech
Gator Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan vs. Mississippi State
Outback Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Penn State vs. Florida
Capital One Bowl, 1/1 @ 1pm EST: Michigan State vs. Alabama
Rose Bowl, 1/1 @ 5pm EST: Wisconsin vs. TCU
Sugar Bowl, 1/4 @ 8:30pm EST: Ohio State vs. Arkansas