Looking Around the Division (Legends)
By Jimmie Allen
Credit: Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE
Several Big 10 teams stumbled on Saturday, Nebraska included. Here is a look at the upcoming weekend in the Division, and the predictions for the upcoming week. Husker Corner editor Jimmie Allen went 4-2 on his predictions last week, only getting the Nebraska loss to UCLA, and Northwestern beating Vanderbilt wrong.
Iowa 1-1 (0-0) V. Northern Iowa 1-2
Iowa is coming off their first loss of the season. The Hawkeyes did not score one offensive touchdown last Saturday against their in-state rival the Iowa State Cyclones. Northern Iowa gave Wisconsin a run for their money. Iowa could struggle this week again. Head coach Kirk Ferentz needs to develop a more productive passing game. Senior quarterback James Vandenberg completed 20 of 42 passes, but threw 2 interceptions. Vandenberg may have found a true No. 1 receiver in former 4 star prospect, senior Kennan Davis. Davis hauled in 4 catches for, 75 yards against the Cyclones.
Prediction
Iowa 24, Northern Iowa 17
17. Michigan 1-1 (0-0) V. UMASS 0-2
This is the break the Wolverines have been looking for. After opening with No. 1 Alabama, and triple option attack that Air Force runs, they play Massachusetts, who has yet to score a touchdown. Michigan has struggled on defense through the first two games, but this is an opportunity to get things straightened out before conference play starts.
Senior quarterback Denard Robinson has thrown 1 interception in each game this season. Two against Alabama. H’s also thrown three touchdown passes in two games. Saturday should be a big game for him through the air. Indiana sophomore quarterback Cameron Coffman threw for 159 yards, and 1 touchdown against the Minutemen.
10. Michigan State 2-0 (0-0) V. 24. Notre Dame 2-0
The Fighting Irish come off a struggling performance against Purdue. Michigan State on the other hand, dominated Central Michigan. Heisman Trophy candidate, Le’Veon Bell rushed for 70 yards, on 18 carries, but scored 2 touchdowns. Bell was pulled from the game after the game, got out of hand.
Notre Dame has racked up 876 yards of total offense through two games. This will be the first true test for Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio’s defense. This is also the first chance the Irish have to measure up against top notch competition.
Prediction
Michigan State 37, Notre Dame 21
Minnesota 2-0 (0-0) V. Western Michigan 1-1
After coming up short in week one against Illinois, the Broncos racked up 52 points, and and 631 yards of total offense against Eastern Illinois. Alex Carder threw 5 touchdowns on Saturday. Jamie Wilson was the Bronco’s leading receiver with 11 catches for 154 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The Gophers threw the ball just 14 times on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how much pressure Western Michigan’s defense puts on senior quarterback MarQuies Gray.
Prediction
Western Michigan 31, Minnesota 17
Nebraska 1-1 (0-0) V. Arkansas State 1-1
Nebraska gave up the second most yards in school history Saturday to UCLA. Bo Pelini, and the rest of his team admitted it was an all around team loss. There are a lot of things that need to be fixed on defense before Arkansas State, and Gus Malzahn come to Lincoln on Saturday.
The Red Wolves put up 613 yards of total offense against Memphis last week. Mahlzahn seemed to fix the struggles his team had in week 1 against Oregon. This could be another long day if Nebraska continues to struggle fundamentally on defense.
Prediction
Nebraska 45, Arkansas State 31
Northwestern 1-1 V. Boston College 1-1
Boston College wrapped up their first win on Saturday over FCS Maine 34-3. As impressive is that win is their first loss in week 1 to, Miami-Fl 41-32 was just as embarrassing. I think Northwestern is going to be firing on all cylinders after beating the SEC’s Vanderbilt. I could see Northwestern winning pretty impressively on Saturday.
Prediction
Northwestern 45, Boston College 21
By Jimmie Allen
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