Taking A Look Around the Division

Nebraska comes off the bye week. Iowa is still undefeated in Conference play. Michigan looks to have their season back on track, and Michigan State is looking like the worst team in the Legends Division.

Iowa 4-2 (2-0) V. Penn State 4-2 (2-0)

Iowa shocked a lot of people last week, by upsetting Michigan State in East Lansing. The Hawkeyes pulled off a 19-16 double overtime win to stay undefeated in the Conference. Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg still has just 2 touchdowns, to 3 interceptions this season.

The biggest story for Iowa this weekend is the health of running back, Mark Weisman. Wesiman injured his ankle against Sparty, and is not listed on the depth chart against Penn State. Weisman is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season, and is the leading rusher for the Hawkeyes.

Penn State has won 4 straight games after losing the first two games of the season. The major reason being senior quarterback Matt McGloin. The senior signal caller has completed 61.2% of his passes this season, but he has 12 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions. McGloin has already been sacked one more time this season, then he was all of last season. For Iowa to win this game, they will have to get to McGloin.

PREDICTION

Penn State 27, Iowa 14

#25 Michigan 4-2 (2-0) V. Michigan State 4-3 (1-2)

Michigan is the No. 16 ranked rushing team in the country, while the Spartans are the No. 14th defense in the country. Senior quarterback Denard Robinson has rushed for over 200 yards in two games this season. He hasn’t hit the 100 yard mark on the ground against only Alabama and Notre Dame. He did put up 90 yards on the ground against the Irish. Robinson has only 9 touchdown passes to 8 interceptions, and is only completing 54% of his passes. For the Spartans to win this game, they will have to make Robinson throw the ball.

PREDICTION

Michigan 45, Michigan State 21

Minnesota 4-2 (0-2) At Wisconsin 5-2 (2-1)

After starting the season 4-0 the Gophers have dropped two straight. Senior quarterback MarQueis Gray is battling an ankle injury and is doubtful against Wisconsin. Backup Max Shortell came in last week and completed 47% of his passes against Northwestern. He is not a runner either. He will be swimming against the Badgers defense. It could be 3 losses in a row for the Gophers.

The Badgers should realistically be 4-3. A late last minute missed field goal against Utah State has the Badgers at five wins. After a disappointing loss to Nebraska, Bret Bielema’s squad has won 2 straight Big 10 games. Senior running back Montee Ball has returned to his Heisman form. He averaged 8.5 yards a carry against Purdue last week. He has rushed for 816 yards, and 11 touchdowns this season. He may have another huge day on Saturday.

PREDICTION

Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 17

Nebraska 4-2 (1-1) At Northwestern 6-1 (2-1)

Nebraska comes off a bye week, and the biggest loss under head coach Bo Pelini. How the Huskers bounce back from a 63-38 loss to Ohio State will determine the rest of this season. Nebraska’s coaching staff will have to show they can make changed to still have a shot to win the Big 10 Championship. Despite the off weak, the Huskers still rank 5th in the nation in rushing. The health of senior running back Rex Burkhead will need to be monitored in this game. He reinjured his left knee against Ohio State.

Northwestern answered the call last week against Minnesota. The Wildcats started the season 5-0 before falling to Penn State 39-28. Northwestern pulled off a close 21-13 win over the Gophers. For the Wildcats to beat the Huskers, junior quarterback Kain Colter will need to get more involved in this offense than he has been all season.

PREDICTION

Nebraska 24, Northwestern 21

By Jimmie Allen

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