Conference matchups are starting and heres a week of predictions for my favorite conference.

Illinois @ Indiana

Both of these teams come in looking to prove themselves as dark horse contenders for the Big Ten. Illinois has been great running the football this year but the passing game has been lackluster. They have only managed to throw for 2 TDs this year. Juice will have to be able to get it done through the air some to take some pressure off the running game. Defensively, the Illini will have to be better against the pass. They were absolutely torched by Mizzou and they need to improve on their only 1 Int through 3 games.

Indiana comes into the game led by QB Kellen Lewis. Lewis is a dual threat who already has 12 TDs this year (3 rush) and will look to tear apart this Illini secondary. The Hoosiers are also very capable of running the football and will no doubt mix it up on Saturday. The Hoosier D has been good against the run as shown by the fact that Lewis is averaging running for more than 40 more yards then their opponents. The rush D will be tested by Juice and co. no doubt. But expect the Hoosiers to load the box and make Juice win it with his arm.

Prediction: Hoosiers win 31-21.

Penn State @ Michigan

This game features two teams that were originally picked to be at the top in the race for the NC. Oh what has happened to Mich. That's another story though. Penn State comes in looking to flex its defensive muscles. The rush defense has been phenomenal, allowing only an average of 17 yards a game. They will face a tougher test with Mike Hart being the man running at them though. On offense, Anthony Morelli should be able to shread a very weak Mich secondary while Penn mixes in the run with Kinlaw and Scott.

Michigan will have to try to rely on Mike Hart to carry this team and keep the ball away from Penn's offense. No doubt that the Nittany Lions will gameplan heavily against the run as Chad Henne's status is unclear at this point. If Henne doesn't play, the Wolverines will struggle on offense. Mallett was not very good despite having good stats at the end of the day, and that was against a very weak Irish team. The Wolverine D will have to continue to pressure the passer as they did all last week. They will have to make sure that Morelli doesn't have too much time or Mich will lose big.

Prediction: Penn pulls out a big one 35-17

Michigan State @ Notre Dame

Michigan State comes into the game at 3-0 and are facing a horrible Notre Dame team. On offense it shouldn't even matter what they do. Notre Dame can't stop anyone right now. Defensively, attack Clausen like Mich did all last week and the defense might win the game for them.

Notre Dame is reeling right now and they need a win to avoid the possibility of going 0-8 to start the season. Jimmy Clausen will have to play great football. He will have to make sure he makes the right decisions and doesn't turn it over. If he does that, it will be a step in the right direction. The running game has to rush positively this week or it won't even matter if Clausen tries to be Colt Brennan. He will get planted on every play. Defensively, Notre Dame will have to stop the good ground game and slow down Devin Thomas. If Notre Dame can force Mich State to have to pass in alot of 3rd and longs, they may get the offense in position to score a TD.

Prediction: Spartans don't give Notre Dame the win, pull it out 21-14.

Northwestern @ Ohio State

Northwestern was one of my sleeper picks to make some noise in the Big Ten. They have not looked good this year, but this may be the week they wake up. CJ Bacher will have to be on his A-game because the Wildcat run game has been virtually non-existant and no doubt that playing Ohio State will only make matters worse. The Wildcat D will have to try to make Boeckman win the game for the Buckeyes.

For the Buckeyes, the offensive game will require  Wells getting it going on the ground early and often. Boeckman has been horrible this year. He has showed little poise in the pocket and is making some very bad decisions. On defense, Ohio State just has to let James Laurenitis roam and make the big plays he is so capable of making. He is capable of shutting down the running game and baiting the QB into making bad throws. The secondary will have to be ready because the Wildcats like to throw.

Prediction: Northwestern upsets 17-14.

Iowa @ Wisconsin

Iowa is fuming after a loss in the annual rivalry game to Iowa State and Kirk Ferentz should have his team ready to play. Their offense has been dismal so far, struggling after the loss of Drew Tate. Albert Young has to step it up and try to give Jake Christensen some time by getting the ground game going. If they can do this, they should be able to put up some points. Iowas D was good last week and will have to perform yet again. Wisconsin has been able to put up points both on the ground and through the air. The front 7 will have to be ready as PJ Hill will no doubt be used early and often.

Wisconsin's offense has looked very good so far this year. Tyler Donovan has not thrown an interception yet and PJ Hill flexed his muscles last week with a 5 TD performance. Offense should not be a problem at Camp Randall. The Wisconsin D showed its flab last week, giving up 31 to the Citadel. This is definitely not the D that the Big Ten is noted for. They have only managed 3 Ints so far this year and are giving up 110 yards rushing. Wisconsin won't want to get into another shoot out and give Iowa a chance.

Prediction: Wisconsin big 38-17.

Purdue @ Minnesota

Now its time for the game of the week. Purdue comes into town needing to do only one thing on offense, throw the ball as much as possible. Painter is very underrated and should be able to shred a horrible Minnesota pass defense. Defensively, they have to containg Amir Pinnix. If he gets to run, Purdues passing attack won't be able to rack up points and the defense may tire, allowing Minn to hang around and pitch an upset.

My Gophs need to win. The secret to success is Amir Pinnix. He has to keep the ball away from Painter or this one will be over by halftime. Weber will have to make the smart decisions as well because we can't afford to give up good field position to Painter. The defense will have to try to get some heat on Painter and try to mix up their coverage a lot. Otherwise Painter will pass for 500 yards with ease.

Prediction: Gophers make me proud, win 45-42 in overtime. OK maybe not, they will probably give up 42 though.