This is a bittersweet weekend for me.
While I am pleased that I was able to gain some ground last weekend and am confident in this week’s pick, I am jealous that Kevin and Jerod Morris will be spending the weekend in Columbus for the Buckeyes and the Boilermakers on the La Quinta college football road trip.
Although, being a fan of the Boilers, it’s probably a good thing I’ve decided to stay at home…as I don’t know if I could handle the embarrassment that will more than likely be handed to Purdue on Saturday.
Either way, the two of them are on a trip that I someday will make myself (I am currently in the process of attending every Big Ten basketball and football stadium, beginning this year).
So, aside from me sulking about having to be at home in my weather-controlled apartment, here are the picks that we have made for the eighth weekend in the Big Ten world.
Purdue vs. Ohio State
- Dustin’s Pick – Ohio State 46-17
You can call me a bad Purdue fan all you want, but the Boilermakers have taken a turn for the worst, and I certainly do not see them recovering in Columbus this weekend. Again, this game is apart of Jerod’s La Quinta College Football Road Trip series, and he and Kevin may want to head for the exit gates by halftime.
- Kevin’s Pick – Ohio State 45-13
The Buckeyes and Boilermakers have had some good battles over the years. But they’ve usually taken place in West Lafayette. Urban Meyer is 2-0 in Big Ten games that Ohio State lost last year. That and who knows who the quarterback will be for Purdue and if any of them will be effective.
And there is the wild card of the best still getting benched. I hear you frustrated Boiler fans – Danny Hope isn’t give them much hope to be competitive this weekend.
I will be at the game in Columbus, so I wouldn’t mind a closer score than what I predicted. It’s more fun staying all four quarters of a close game than a blowout no matter how great Ohio Stadium and the traditions are.
Minnesota vs. Wisconsin
- Dustin’s Pick – Wisconsin 36-6
All of a sudden the Badgers are back in the driver’s seat to represent the Leaders division in the Big Ten Championship game. A big win against Purdue last week on the road has given Wisconsin confidence, and I don’t expect the Badgers to have a let down game against the Golden Gophers. Paul Bunyan’s Axe is awarded to Wisconsin this year.
- Kevin’s Pick – Minnesota 30-28
Upset Alert. Wisconsin is coming off of their second best offensive performance in school history. Now a reverting to mean will be in order and the Gophers will play inspired ball for Coach Jerry Kill after another scary seizure, and Minnesota will take back possession of the Paul Bunyan Axe.
It’s always awesome to see a team win it back and rush the others squad’s sideline taking back the axe and celebrating. Here’s the Badgers doing it in 2003 and they’ve had it ever since. And here’s to hoping it happens this weekend.
Nebraska vs. Northwestern
- Dustin’s Pick – Nebraska 31-28
I don’t think Northwestern has reached the point where they can take down Nebraska…at least not yet. This will be a close game on the Wildcats home turf, but the Huskers get a much needed road win.
- Kevin’s Pick – Nebraska 45-35
Payback time for the Cornhuskers coming off a bye week. After getting torched in Columbus two weeks ago and the embarrassing loss in 2011 to Northwestern, Nebraska will take care of business this year.
Bo Pelini may be on the hot seat, so if he wants to keep his job under the new athletic director in Lincoln, they have to put away the Wildcats.
Michigan State vs. Michigan
- Dustin’s Pick – Michigan 24-10
I said it last week and I’ll say it again, Michigan State has been disappointing. Michigan has been as well, but at least the Wolverines are winning the games that they should be winning in the conference. This will be a close game because of the in-state rivalry, but Michigan should come away victorious.
- Kevin’s Pick – Michigan 31-14
Another test for Michigan in a rivalry that they haven’t won since 2007. Another Paul Bunyan-themed trophy to the winner of this game. Just like the Minnesota-Wisconsin prediction, the Wolverines will take back this rivalry trophy.
Michigan looked awful in their two losses this year but looked sensational in Big Ten play so far. Meanwhile the Spartans have looked awful in the Big Ten and will continue to look bad in the Big House.
Indiana vs. Navy
- Dustin’s Pick – Indiana 38-27
Very rare that you see a Purdue fan pick against the Boilers and pick the Hoosiers to win, especially during football season. IU has played some good football the last two weeks but haven’t been able to put it together for a win. They are catching a less-than-impressive Navy squad at the right time.
- Kevin’s Pick – Indiana 35-24
The Hoosiers looked very competitive at home against the Buckeyes last week and they will keep rolling in a tight one in Washington, D.C. This might be one of many fun games to watch, after I wind down at a sports bar post-game. Heck, Indiana might be a fun team to watch for the rest of the year, and who knows beyond that? (Purdue fans cringe)
Penn State vs. Iowa
- Dustin’s Pick – Iowa 19-14
This one is a coin flip. Iowa looks to be on the right track, and so does Penn State. The Iowa/Penn State game is typically hard fought and comes down to the final couple of minutes in the game. Simply because it’s at home and the Hawkeyes got a much needed win against the Spartans last week, I am going with Iowa over Penn State.
- Kevin’s Pick – Iowa 20-17
This won’t be a fun game to watch. But Kirk Ferentz is again pulling wins out his ass to cool down that proverbial hot seat. They will continue to sit tied atop the Legends with Michigan.
I know it is early but they could still be up there together until Iowa goes to Ann Arbor November 17th. The winner could be the team to come to Indianapolis to play Ohio Staerrr- Penn Staerrrr- umm Wisconsin(?) for the Big Ten Championship.
