Big Ten Football Preview: Contenders step to the plate
Now that Big Ten Football is starting their conference slate, it’s time to throw out all of the preconceived notions from each team. Coming into the season, the Ohio State Buckeyes were the unanimous No.1 team in the country. A mere four weeks later, the Buckeyes aren’t even a heavy favorite to win their division. Despite, their lackluster effort in non conference play, Ohio State can finally start to raise their level. At least the Buckeyes maintained their winning streak.
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The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been too inconsistent to perform at a high level. Therefore, they bring a .500 record into the Big Ten football conference schedule. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Huskers turned the season around during conference play. Instead of being one of the undefeated teams, the Huskers have been left to scratch their heads at the end of ball games.
With five undefeated teams left in the conference, there are quite a few surprises entering October’s first game. The Northwestern Wildcats really shocked the Stanford Cardinal to begin the season, and they have let down one bit over the last three weeks. Still, the Wildcats have so much to prove this time of year. The last time Northwestern was ranked this high, they put all of their stock in a game vs Ohio State. After a crushing loss in the fourth quarter,their program fell flat, and it took them over a year to regain the confidence.
Joining the Buckeyes and the Wildcats as undefeated teams are Michigan State Spartans, Indiana Hoosiers, and Iowa Hawkeyes. Due to the Hoosiers’ showdown with the Buckeyes on Saturday, the Big Ten will have at most four undefeated teams left. However, it could be far worse by the time Week 1 in conference play is over.
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No.22 Michigan Wolverines vs. Maryland Terrapins: Maryland got completely embarrassed by West Virginia last weekend. They won’t get a reprieve when the Michigan Wolverines come to town. After facing the best scoring defense, Michigan begins conference play as the No.2 overall defense in the country. They only give up 9.5 points per game, and they tackle as well as any team in the country. Jim Harbaugh has this team rising fast, so don’t expect a let down Saturday. Due to the heavy rain, the game could get sloppy offensively, but that could play in the hands of Michigan too.
Purdue Boilermakers vs. No.2 Michigan State Spartans: This game is all about the Spartans. They’ve looked impressive in four wins, but they aren’t as explosive as some other teams. For example, Michigan State’s three-point win over Oregon doesn’t compare to Utah’s 42 point win over Oregon. Still, the Spartans will not have trouble with Purdue on Saturday.
Army West Point vs. Penn State Nittany Lions: Penn State is the only Big Ten Football team with a conference victory. Therefore, they are the only conference team facing a non conference opponent. After losing to undefeated Temple to open the season, the Nittany Lions have been great in recent weeks. They should get one more victory before resuming conference play.
Cardale Jones
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. No.16 Northwestern Wildcats: Quietly, this could be one of the best games in Big Ten play. The Wildcats like to run the ball with Justin Jackson, and play incredible defense. They are giving 8.75 points per game this season. Meanwhile, Minnesota knows nothing but close games. They lost by six to TCU, then won three straight games by three points apiece. Will the Gophers be able to score enough against Northwestern to win?
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. No.19 Wisconsin Badgers: The Badgers are the favorite in the game, but they aren’t the undefeated team. Iowa comes into the game with a Top 20 defense, so they will challenge a sub par Wisconsin rushing attack. Like the other games in the Big Ten West, the forecast calls for heavy defense, and a chance of a completed pass.
No.1 Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Indiana Hoosiers: The Buckeyes are a 22.5 point favorite over an undefeated Indiana squad. The Hoosiers certainly aren’t getting much respect entering the game, but they do have reigning Big Ten Co-offensive Player of the Week, Jordan Howard at running back. The Buckeyes defense has been great in the first month, but they’ll be challenged by the Hoosiers offense.
Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini: The Huskers have continued to be one of the most interesting teams to watch in the Big Ten. They give up over 378 yards passing, while throwing for 324 yards per game. Three of their four games have come down to the final play. However, they lost two of them. Illinois is as balanced a team in the conference offensively. They come into the Big Ten Football schedule with a (3-1) record, but they’ve struggled with Nebraska in the past. It should be another wild ride Saturday evening.