QB Russell Wilson is part of the dynamic duo for Wisco (Icon SMI)

Here we go for week 7 with three teams trying to remain undefeated and two teams trying to become bowl eligible.  Trophy games?  We got them this week as Michigan and Michigan State battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy and Ohio State and Illinois battle for the Illibuck.  Russell Wilson will attempt to maintain his position as the nation’s most efficient passer while Montee Ball will also try to keep his position as the leading scorer in the nation.  Here is a preview of this weeks games.

Indiana at Wisconsin
Oh, I pity the Hoosiers.  Remember last year?  Badgers 83-Hoosiers 20.  Not a pretty site.  The Badgers are not the same team they were a year ago.  They are better.  If you have Hoosiers, sit them this week.  If you have Badgers you would have to start them.  The game is that lopsided.  Expect big games from Russell Wilson, Montee Ball, James White and Nick Toon.  Don’t expect an 83 point blowout like last year.  I think the Badgers will be sitting players early in this one as they have a couple of tough games coming up.  I think Coach Bielema will want to rest his players instead of letting the game get that far out of hand.
Prediction:  Indiana 24 Wisconsin 64
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RB Rex Burkhead hit paydirt a couple of times Saturday. (Icon SMI)

Honestly, when the season started did you really think that after week six we would be able to say the Big Ten has two teams that are now bowl eligible and those teams are Michigan and Illinois?  I know I sure didn’t expect to say these two teams would be the first to become bowl eligible this year.  Something strange is taking place in the Big Ten this year.  Could it be that the conference has improved that much and while the other conferences battle for the top spot the Big Ten Champion could find its way to the big game?  Maybe, just maybe the Big Ten will be in the right position when the BCS rankings start to count.  Before we get that far ahead though we need to look back at this past week. Read the rest of this entry →

Man...we're not playing Toledo anymore (Icon SMI)

Week Three brings another weekend full of Big Ten action as all teams will play.  Seven teams will try to remain undefeated.  Michigan State and Notre Dame will face off in the Megaphone trophy game while Nebraska welcomes an undefeated foe as Washington travels to the Husker Nation.  Eastern Michigan gets to see Denard Robinson and the Michigan Wolverines up close and personal this week.  Ohio State tries to get on track and stay focused after a scare last week.  The rest of us will just try to get through this week of less than exciting games and hope we get some real competitive games soon.

So which games will be exciting to watch this weekend in the Big Ten?  Our first stop is outside the region in sunny Florida.

Ohio State vs Miami (FL)

Scandal Bowl 2011.  Winner gets an NCAA investigation.  Hey look at that, both schools are winners already!  These two teams better enjoy this game because with the NCAA investigations pending, this may be as close to a bowl game as either school will get this year.  All kidding aside, this game will feature two teams still working to establish their on-field identities while missing some key players.  This will be one of those games to watch but not start your Buckeyes.  The Miami defense is stronger than the previous Buckeye opponents.  Joe Bauserman will be the key to the game for the Buckeyes in this one.  If he manages to put in another solid performance, he can lead the team to victory.  This doesn’t help fantasy-wise but he has yet to throw an interception this season.  It could be the key factor to another W if he can keep that streak alive this week. Read the rest of this entry →

QB Denard Robinson looked down the field and saw another Michigan W over Notre Dame (Icon SMI)

Week 2 was not so kind to the Big Ten, with all twelve schools in action and only seven victories for the conference over the weekend.  It was certainly still exciting with six of the games being decided by seven points or less.  A historic first game under the lights at Michigan against an old rival did not fail to deliver drama either.  Some games even delivered a few surprises of their own.

Let’s start with the game of the week, Michigan and Notre Dame.  What started off as a slow paced game that kept Michigan star QB Denard Robinson somewhat under control turned into a complete yawn fest by the end of the third quarter.  Notre Dame appeared to have it wrapped up and was not going to allow Michigan to beat them for a third straight year.  But under the lights and in the fourth quarter, magic happens.  Denard found his magic shoes and the Fighting Irish turned into pumpkins.  Michigan scored 28 points in the fourth quarter. Read the rest of this entry →

RB Silas Redd made a big splash in Week 1, can he repeat? (Icon SMI)

Week 2 is here and the Big Ten keeps it’s early season energy going with all teams taking the field again.  Russell Wilson of Wisconsin will try to continue rolling after last weeks big win and winning the Big Ten offensive player of the week.  Michigan, yes Michigan, had a player receive defensive player of the week.  Brandon Herron did return two turnovers for touchdowns last week.  But this week has a tough test for Penn State.  The rest of the Big Ten has an easy week.  So grab a cold one and pull up a comfy seat, there will be lots of Big Ten action to keep up with this weekend.

Game of the week:

Penn State and Alabama

All eyes are on you Penn State.  Are you going to shock Alabama?  Joe Paterno has his team ranked #23 going into this match up against #3 ranked Alabama.  Time to earn some respect for the program.  Last week Silas Redd went over 100 yards rushing.  Don’t expect that against this defense.  Who will be the quarterback?  Will they split series like they did last week?  What we know is the offensive line is a concern going into this game and that is not good news for whoever tries to throw a pass.  Maybe there will be some magic working in Beaver stadium and the Lions will shock Alabama.   Read the rest of this entry →