Ah, here we are. The weekend behind us and already looking to week two. The Big Ten looked pretty good but then again its not hard to with the beginning schedules being what they are. I am really looking forward to the meat of our schedule to get to some real games. Okay, with my BS out of the way on to the reason you are here.

 

Eastern Illinois @ Illinois

Illinois is coming off a tough loss to Missouri but will bounce back against Eastern Illinois. This is a good game for them to have to get that confidence back up. Don't worry Illinois you lost to Missouri last year and ended up in the Rose Bowl.

Eastern Illinois is no slouch but they just can't quite get it done against Illinois.

Eastern Illinois 27 Illinois 33       Actual Score : Eastern Illinois 21 Illinois 47

Illinois smoked these guys and made themselves look really good. Thought this was going to be a bit closer but Illinois decided they wanted a big win. 

Murray State @ Indiana

Indiana is slowly building this program into a decent machine. Not quite up to the big boys yet but can definately hold their own against them. Look for them to grease the wheels with the guts of Murray State.

Murray State is just another one of those "pre-season" teams that is just trying to get some extra cash for its program.

Murray State 10 Indiana 39        Actual Score :  Murray State 3 Indiana 45

Is Indiana bringing back the 70's? The football days of old? Well, it was Murray State let's not get too excited. 

Florida International @ Iowa

Iowa destroyed Maine. They should have and they will do the same to Florida International.

Florida International just continues to be the whipping boy of the big schools. Hey, at least they know where the money is.

Florida International 13 Iowa 41         Actual Score : FIU 0 Iowa 42

Iowa wanted to make a statement. They did. They can woop any small team they want. Your on a roll Iowa let's keep it going. 

Miami (Ohio) @ Michigan

Michigan just didn't look like I expected in the first game. To be honest I don't think they will look good in this game either. That being said they will come away with a win.

Miami (Ohio) will make this a nail biter and scare the shit out of Michigan. These guys are good but just not quite good enough to pull the upset.

Miami (Ohio) 24 Michigan 27         Actual Score : Miami(OH) 6 Michigan 16

Michigan is still not running on all cylinders and looks really bad. Yes, they won but geez 16 points against the Redhawks? Michigan doesn't even get mentioned on t.v. anymore. Things aren't looking good heading into their next game. 

Eastern Michigan @ Michigan State

Michigan State once again figures out a way to break hearts all over Michigan. Get ready Spartans this will happen at least 2 or 3 more times this year. Not against Eastern Michigan though. This is the one the Spartans win by as much as they lost last week.

Eastern Michigan is always a stout opponent but will be 7 points short of this win.

Eastern Michigan 25 Michigan State 32     Actual Score : EMU 10 Michigan State 42

MSU won this one convincingly. EMU usually plays MSU a little closer than this but not this time. MSU took the frustration of their last game out on EMU. 

Bowling Green @ Minnesota

Minnesota fans are going to get mad at me about this prediction. Well, don't. Minnesota is on the cusp of being decent this year but they aren't going to win this one. I tell you what though if they win against the Falcons I will pick them to win their next game.

Bowling Green shocks the world by beating Pitt. Mark May looks like someone pissed in his cereal and he can't believe his old school got beat. I tell you what though. Bowling Green beating Minnesota won't be an upset in my book. They are really good.

Bowling Green 37 Minnesota 34 OT      Actual Score BGSU 17 Minnesota 42

Minnesota was going to make sure this team didn't hang around and beat them in the end. Is Minnesota back? Well, it was BGSU, but BGSU had just beaten Pitt. I'm not sure what to make of it except now I have to pick the Gophers to win next week now. 

Northwestern @ Duke

Northwestern is also an up and coming team in the Big Ten look for them to blow away Duke. Technically Duke should be an FCS school when it comes to football.

Duke ditch the football team and focus on basketball please.

Northwestern 46 Duke 17       Actual Score : Northwestern 24 Duke 20

I don't know why Northwestern always seems to have trouble with Duke. Maybe Duke just has their number but not this week. Northwestern squeeks one out. 

Ohio @ Ohio State

Ohio State looked really good at Youngtown State and they should have. Alot of people are talking about how many field goals OSU had but they don't seem to realize field goals win games. They win the close ones. They put the close ones just out of reach. All those field goals was just practice for the kicker. OSU had that game locked up after the first series.

Ohio is another underated small school not to be taken lightly. They will put up a good fight for about the first quarter and then will cave. The reason it will look close in the beginning is because they will think they have a chance with Beanie being out ot the game. It won't mater.

Ohio 3 Ohio State 56         Actual Score : Ohio 14 Ohio State 26

WTF. Ohio State was losing going into the 4th quarter. What should we make of it? Does Beanie really mean this much to the team? Was Tressel just messing with Ohio? Was OSU just sleep walking through this until the end? Were they looking past Ohio to USC? This game left so many questions unanswered that every OSU fan has to be a bit worried about next week. 

Oregon State at Penn State

Penn State looked really good against Coastal Carolina. Yes, I know. Who the heck is CC? Well they are nobody but Penn State beat them like a nobody which is good. This game with Oregon State will be an early test for Penn State and they will pass this test with flying colors.

Oregon State barely lost to Stanford but Penn State isn't Stanford. Look for Oregon State to get a real old fashoned Big Ten beatdown.

Oregon State 20 Penn State 51      Actual Score : Oregone State 14 Penn State 45

Penn State right now looks like the best team in the Big Ten. They crushed and pulverized Oregon State so badly when they heard people talking about Beaver Stadium they thought they were home already. 

Northern Colorado @ Purdue

Purdue looked great in the beginning of the season last year, then sort of tailed off towards the end. Once again this is mostly a scrimmage game for Purdue.

Northern Colorado is just here for the paycheck. Thank you, come again.

Northern Colorado 13 Purdue 56    Actual Score : Northern Colorado 10 Purdue 42

Nothing like waiting till week 2 to start your football season. Especially when it's a team as bad as Northern Colorado your starting it off against. We didn't learn much from this game.

Marshall @ Wisconsin

Wisconsin handled Akron quite easily. They will do more of the same with Marshall. Wisconsin, once again will get off to a slow start but in the 3rd quarter their strength, size and stamina will show what they are about.

Marshall will keep it close in the first half. The second half will just get totally out of control.

Marshall 18 Wisconsin 42       Actual Score : Marshall 14 Wisconsin 51

Everyone is getting down on Wisconsin for barely being ahead at halftime. Get a clue jerkoffs. This has always been the way Wisconsin plays football. They are the ultimate second half team. 

Well, that's week 2 all wrapped up. Put your kid on the bus and bless the freedom you have. Don't forget about your other kids though. Yes, the Purdue/Northern Colorado was a cut and paste from last week so suck it. Go Big Ten. Good luck to everyone.

Thanks for the comments everyone. I would have wrote more BS but I am still in shock about how close the Ohio/OSU game was. On an up note every single Big Ten team put up a win on Saturday. Congrats all. Time for me to think up an excuse of why I can't take my GF out for dinner for her b-day which is on the fucking 13th. Damn it didn't she know OSU was going to be playing USC in 2008? She could have been born earlier or later for crying out loud.

 

 

 

 

 

Well, here we are again. Back for another exciting season of Big Ten Football. This is my first blog in a while. Well, since the end of last season. I feel a bit rusty so I will keep it short and sweet.

Illinois @ Missouri

Illinois is coming off an absolutely horrible loss to USC. We know this will be in the back of their minds and Missouri scores early and often against them. First game of the season we will watch Illinois implode.

Missouri is looking to shoot straight to the top with a resounding victory over Illinois.

Illinois 13 Missouri 37           Actual Score : Illinois 42 Missouri 52

Feel bad that I got this one right but oh well. At least Illinois fought to the end. It takes a lot of heart to score a touchdown with 2 seconds left in the game knowing you lost anyways. This team will go on to have as good a season as last year if not better.

 

Western Kentucky @ Indiana

Indiana finally made it to a bowl game last season which is a milestone to this program. They should be fine against Western Kentucky barring any unforseen mishaps.

Western Kentucky is always a good contender but just won't be fully ready in this opener.

Western Kentucky 23 Indiana 27         Actual Score : WK 13 Indiana 31

Nice to see Indiana back on track to start the season. Indiana looked pretty decent overall scoring in all 4 quarters..

 

Maine @ Iowa

Iowa did a decent job turning the season around last year and they have Maine coming to them. This should be a win.

Maine thanks for coming and good bye.

Maine 10 Iowa 26     Actual Score : Maine 3 Iowa 46

LOL, Maine. I really don't have much to say. I thought it was going to be a bit closer than that but Iowa had other plans.

 

Utah @ Michigan

Michigan won't make the same mistake last year under-estimating the season opener. This will be a blow out. This is a statement game for Rod.

Utah prepare to have your doors blown off.

Utah 6 Michigan 43        Actual Score : Utah 25 Michigan 23

I guess I had more faith in Rich Rod than most and gave him too much credit. Utah is a fine team but really doesn't have the caliber of athletes that Michigan has. This was more about Michigan players not knowing the offense and making stupid plays and mistakes. On another note I want to mention that Michigan fans suck and you guys need to be off your asses cheering for your team. That fucking stadium was dead ass quiet until about 3 minutes left to play. I didn't realize Michigan fans don't cheer for their team unless they are winning or have a chance to win. Sorry if I offended any Michigan fans that were cheering the whole time but that stadium should never ever be that quiet. You disgust me. On an up note Michigan will be fine.

 

Michigan State @ Cal

Michigan State is probably not ready for the Golden Bears. I am seeing this as an opening loss in a close heartbreaker.

Cal always seems to find itself climbing its way to the top only to fail later in the season. Look for them to win a close one here at home and shit a brick later on in the season.

Michigan State 31 Cal 33 OT       Actual Score : Michigan State 31 Cal 38

Leave it to the Spartans to once again make it close and tear the hearts out of their fans. This team will be just like last year's team winning the ones they should and losing the ones they should by a small heartbreaking margin. If any Michigan State fans have heart problems skip this season or you will die.

 

NIU @ Minnesota

Minnesota the dud of the Big Ten, didn't really add anything to this team in the off season. This is a loss.

NIU is not that great but they are easily better than Minnesota.

NIU 18 Minnesota 9        Actual Score : NIU 27 Minnesota 31

Great win for Minnesota. That makes you even with last season's record I believe. I hope this means the Gophers are on their way up. I don't want to have to make fun of them all season like I did last year. You'll have to excuse me if I don't drink the kool-aid just yet though. Seriously though Congratulations.

 

Syracuse @ Northwestern

Northwestern was a bit of a surprise team last season. They should be able to start things off right against Syracuse.

Syracuse, I remember growing up and hearing how great these guys were in football. Things sure have changed.

Syracuse 21 Northwestern 31        Actual Score : Syracuse 10 Northwestern 30

Nice win for Northwestern and once again we are left wondering what ever happened to that great football tradition at Syracuse. Never a push over but almost always a sure win for any decent team playing them. Good job Northwestern, impressive win.

 

Youngstown State @ Ohio State

Ohio State once again has a great chance to go to the NCG only a few hurdles to get by and they are in. We all know this is just a warm up game. Watch the Buckeyes get out early and see a preview of Terrell Pryor if the score really gets out of hand.

Youngstown State knows this is just a scrimmage that is scheduled to get them some extra money. They wil play hard but just won't have the talent to keep up. They will score right at the end to make a good show.

Youngtown State 10 Ohio State 35      Actual Score : YS 0 Ohio State 43

Yeah, OSU won. Terrell Pryor looked bad ass and it looks as though Tressel has decided to create a two-headed monster. Hey, why not it has worked for other teams. Beanie Wells will be fine. Also, if he isn't you don't have to worry as OSU has a myriad of other backs to fill in. Maurice Wells, Brandon Saine can all step in and get it done just as good as Beanie. You don't build a program like OSU and not have a huge amount of depth.

 

Coastal Carolina @ Penn State

Penn State taking ideas from the SEC to schedule crappy directional schools to help boost morale in their opener.

Coastal Carolina Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Whatever.

Coastal Carolina 3 Penn State 33       Actual Score : CC 10 Penn State 66

About as impessive as OSU's win over YS. Yes, we got to see how great Penn State is and can be but we just don't learn that much from games like these. This goes for any of the big teams that schedule small school warmups. No, I am not bashing PSU at all its just hard to tell what is working and not. Oh, well every great school starts off with a couple scrub teams to check things out and its a smart move.

 

Northern Colorado @ Purdue

Purdue looked great in the beginning of the season then sort of tailed off towards the end. Once again this is mostly a scrimmage game for Purdue.

Northern Colorado is just here for the paycheck. Thank you, come again.

Northern Colorado 13 Purdue 56      

LOL, WTF was I thinking. Total brain fart for me. They don't play until next week. Someone could have said something. At least I have the option to copy and paste for next week!

 

Akron @ Wisconsin

Wisconsin is looking really good so far rosterwise. These guys will be a top contender all year long. They will keep the game close until the middle of the 3rd quarter when their O-line has worn down Akron and will just crush them.

Akron is also just getting a paycheck by scheduling someone they know they can't matchup with.

Akron 14 Wisconsin 36       Actual Score : Akron 17 Wisconsin 38

I saw some Badger fans bragging about scheduling Akron because they are a BCS school rather than an FCS school for their opener but seriously come on. Akron might as well be an FCS school. Good win for Wisconsin everything went exactly according to how I thought it would. Badgers only up by 7 at the half and then come out in the 3rd quarter to put the beatdown on the Zips.

 

Well, hope you guys and gals liked it. I wasn't going to do it again this year but I had a couple people ask me to fire up the old blog so I figured what the hell. Go BIG TEN!!!

 As a side note I have been trying to edit my side note and it won't let me and that just flat out sucks.

I had a lot of fun doing this and the blog comments make me want to come back and do this more so I am definately here for the season. I'll be posting the next predictions on Tuesday or Wednesday. Stay at home dads RULE!!!!! Go Big Ten.

Almost forgot 8 right 2 wrong so far.

This is going to be a long one and it should be. It's rivalry week and if you don't like to read then you might want to skip this weeks predictions. For everybody else that loves the Big Ten enjoy. If you don't like the Big Ten that fine because we don't like you either.

No bonus picks this week because all the other conferences and teams are losers! On to the predictions!

Northwestern @ #20 Illinois

Northwestern, is already bowl eligible and coming off a nice win against Indiana. They must be feeling pretty good about themselves. Northwestern is really starting to come around and they have a good chance at beating Illinois. Don't be surprised if it happens.

NOTED QUOTE- "I was like, 'Just catch it.' Then, I turned to myself and was like, 'Just catch it.' " -- Northwestern senior linebacker Eddie Simpson explaining in the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald how he reacted when safety Reggie McPherson dropped an interception, then how he reacted when he returned his own pick 41 yards for his first career touchdown a few plays later.

Its nice to see that players are actually using their brains out on the field. A thinking team is a winning team.

#20 Illinois, with a huge win over the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes they have to be feeling pretty good right now. We all knew that this team was going to be good we just weren't sure how good.

NOTED QUOTE- "I was emotional," Williams said in the Daily Herald. "I think it was just a combination of everything: My performance. The team we beat. The situation, knowing all the odds were against us and being able to overcome that."

It just goes to show that a team with a lot of heart can go a long ways.

BIT OF HISTORY- The Sweet Sioux Tomahawk is presented to the winner of the annual college football game between the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. The original trophy was a carved wooden Indian, but was replaced by a replica tomahawk for easier transportation.

Northwestern won the Tomahawk first in 1945, beating Illinois 13-7 in Evanston. As of the 2006 football season, Illinois holds a 51-44-5 edge in the series overall, and a 32-28-2 lead since the Tomahawk was instituted. However, Northwestern has owned the series for the past decade, winning 8 of the last 12 matchups.

This one is actually tough to call. Will Ilinois be drunk with joy over their win? Will Northwestern be focused enough to get that one extra win they need to give them 7 wins on the season? I think the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk will go to Illinois this year.

Northwestern 30 - #20 Illinois 37  Actual Score : Northwestern 22 - #20 Illinois 41

Pretty much the out come everyone expected. Northwestern was pretty much dominated all day long. Illinois will be one of the hot teams of the Big Ten next year. Also, look for Illinois to do well in their bowl game.

#7 Ohio State @ #23 Michigan

#7 Ohio State, is coming off of a tough loss last week to Illinois. Hopefully this team will pick up where they left off and finish the season strong. Last week Ohio State had 3 turnovers and 90% of the time if you do that you will lose. The good news though is Ohio State only lost by one score. If they played just a little better they would have won. This week at Michigan though Ohio State with have to play to perfection if they want to win.

NOTED QUOTE- "At the beginning of the season, we said we wanted to get back to the national championship," linebacker Marcus Freeman said. "We were on our way, but a loss like this kills our dream."

This quote really worries me. Does this mean that they are focusing too much on the loss and not on kicking Michigan's ass?

#23 Michigan, lost last week to Wisconsin. They held back their two star players in an effort to save them for this game. Henne and Hart are listed as questionable but we all know they will be playing in this game. I don't think anyone could stop them from playing this week.

NOTED QUOTE-"We were in this position at the beginning of the year and we fought back," captain Jake Long said. "Everyone's going to be excited for this week, last home game, it's Ohio State. It's still for the Big Ten, so everyone's going to get back up."

This just shows you that Michigan knows they fell below expectations this year but has nothing to lose. If they lose no one will care(ie. after the bad start nobody expected much from them). If they win though they get to gloat and go crazy and into the Rose Bowl. Playing against someone with nothing to lose is always dangerous. Michigan will pull out all the stops in this game.

BIT OF HISTORY- The Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry is the intense rivalry between the University of Michigan and The Ohio State University football teams. It has attracted particular national interest over the last four decades as most of the games have determined the Big Ten Conference title and the resulting Rose Bowl match ups, and many influenced the outcome of the national collegiate football championship. The game was ranked by ESPN in 2000 as the greatest North American sports rivalry.

The annual matchup between the two Midwest state schools has been held at the end of the regular season since 1935. Since 1918, the game's site has alternated between Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, and has been played in Ohio Stadium since 1922 and Michigan Stadium since 1927.

During 1835 -1836, the State of Ohio and the Michigan Territory engaged in a brief and bloodless border dispute known as the Toledo War. Some have proposed that the football rivalry is a modern manifestation of this historical tension.

With both teams coming into this game with a loss who knows who is going to win. I am going to have to go with Ohio State though. They have played tough and strong all year even in last week's loss. I have to think that Coach Tressel will have this team ready to play.

#7 Ohio State 33 - #23 Michigan 31 Actual Score : #7 Ohio State 14 - #23 Michigan 3

I really never in my wildest dreams would have thought the Buckeyes could hold Michigan to 3 points in a game. Most of you who watched it though know that the weather was a huge factor in this game. It was difficult for either team to get anything going on the ground or in the air. Although Chris "Beanie" Wells must be part Wooley Mammoth because he was having fun running for 222 yards on 39 carries. I'd like to see any warm weather teams do well in the weather us northerners have come to affectionately call football weather.

Purdue @ Indiana

Purdue, really let me down last week. I really thought they were going to get back on track against a Michigan State team who lost a really close one. It just wasn't to be. Purdue really needs to just focus and excecute its game plan and should be fine against an Indiana team we all thought was better than what they are.

NOTED QUOTE- "I thought on our sideline during the game that we had a real shot to get back in it. There was a lot of time left. But once they distance themselves, then we almost get into a total passing mode and that's never fun." -- Coach Joe Tiller, on how Dorien Bryant's fumble returned for a MSU score was the turning point in the game.

Kowing when you lost your last game is the key to winning your next one.

Indiana, really lost a tough one to Northwestern. This Indiana team really shined at the beginning of the season but then towards the end just kind of sputtered out. Indiana really needs to win this one if they don't want to be left holding the bag with no tickets to a bowl game in it.

NOTED QUOTE- "I couldn't believe it. I saw his arm going forward," receiver James Hardy said. "I actually looked at the ref and said 'Are you serious?' I don't know what they were looking at."

Focusing on what could have or should have been will only doom you to another loss next week.

BIT OF HISTORY-

The Old Oaken Bucket is the name of the trophy that is annually awarded to the winner of the Big Ten Conference college football game between Indiana University and Purdue University. It is one of the oldest football trophies in the nation. It is symbolic of collegiate football supremacy between the two largest public universities in Indiana which play it at the highest level, NCAA Division I. The trophy was first awarded in 1925 and is one of the most famous football trophies.

Purdue leads the series 54 to 25 with three ties. The Boilermakers have won nine of the last ten contests, including five straight. Purdue won the 2006 contest 28-19.

I am going with Purdue this week. They seem like they are already focused on this game. Indiana really seems to be paying attention to what happened last week.

Pudue 27 - Indiana 17 Actual Score : Purdue 24 - Indiana 27

With this win Indiana makes its case to recieve a vaunted bowl ticket that every team so desperately wants. Purdue just looked terrible most of this game. Indiana started to get to work right away by putting 17 points up by halftime. A late rally by the Boilermakers made this game close and exciting as it came down to a last second field goal by Indiana to win the game. I am a little disappointed in Purdue as I thought they were a little better than Indiana. Indiana though was playing for the memory of Hoeppner who wanted Indiana to "Play 13". Congratulations Indiana you will be playing 13 this year.

Penn State @ Michigan State

Penn State, took care of Temple just like they should have. Not really a notable win last week but they need to keep things going if they want to beat an excited Michigan State team.

NOTED QUOTE- Does anybody know how you swear in Italian? Because I think that's what he said to me. I didn't quite understand it." -- Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley on head coach Joe Paterno not being happy with the defense despite the shutout. 

Knowing that you can still improve on a perfect win is the sign of a champion.

Michigan State, came up with a huge win over Purdue. Why is this a huge win? I will tell you why, because it proves that Michigan State can bounce back from a bitter loss.

NOTED QUOTE- "There's no doubt, we had to take our anger out," linebacker Kaleb Thornhill said. "Coach D is the best motivator I've met in my life, I don't know what he does but he always says the right thing to get you motivated."

Coach Dantonio is awesome. He is almost a clone of Jim Tressel and I guarantee Dantonio makes Michigan State a Big Ten powerhouse in 3 years or less.

BIT OF HISTORY- The Land Grant Trophy is presented to the winner of each football game between Penn State and Michigan State.

Since Penn State joined the Big Ten Conference in 1993, the Nittany Lions and Spartans have played each other for the trophy in the last week of conference play. The trophy, designed by former Michigan State coach George Perles, features pictures of Penn State's Old Main and Michigan State's Beaumont Tower. Penn State won the most recent meeting between the two by a score of 17 to 13 on November 18, 2006 at Beaver Stadium. Currently, Penn State leads the overall series at 12-11-1, though many of the games were played prior to Penn State joining the Big Ten and are thus not included in the trophy count. Michigan State has not won at Beaver Stadium since 1965.

Penn State University and Michigan State University are among the nation's oldest land-grant universities, hence the name for the trophy. They are also the most recent additions to the Big Ten. Fellow Big Ten members Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin are also land-grant schools.

This game for me came down to the toss of a coin and it was Michigan State. No, I really did flip a coin.

Penn State 23 - Michigan State 24 Actual Score : Penn State 31 - Michigan State 35

I saw this game through to the end as was absolutely stuck to my chair. A crazy come from behind touchdown to help seal the win for Michigan State. The first time in a long time that Michigan State actually closes the deal at the season's end. This program is starting to turn around. The fans and the players need to buy into what Dantonio is selling. Tough loss for Penn State but they were already assured of a bowl game. The refs once again almost blew this game though. Penn State was shown as only having 1 timeout left while Michigan State was shown with having 3. Dantonio downed the ball and the ref ruled that Penn State called a timeout but charged Michigan State with it. Then the Spartans had to run the ball and Penn State called another timeout for their 4th timeout in the half. Resulting in the Spartans having to punt the ball back to Penn State. Luckily this didn't affect the outcome of the game as Penn State was unable to move the ball after they recieved it. Although maybe I am remembering incorrectly maybe someone else who remembers better can fill us in  on the comments below.

#24 Wisconsin @ Minnesota

#24 Wisconsin, got a victory over a very beat up Michigan team. Oh, thats interesting, Wisconsin was missing more of its starters than Michigan was and still won. This team has overcome so much adversity this season that I am proud to have them in the Big Ten.

NOTED QUOTE- "Our team, we've definitely gone through some rough times this year," cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu said to The Capital Times. "We definitely needed a win like that."

Knowing what pitfalls you have overcome and using them to motivate your team will always help to win games. 

Minnesota, do I really have to write something about you? Well, I will try to hype you guys up. Bah, who am I kidding you can't be hyped.

NOTED QUOTE- "I asked them after the game, 'Who just feels like you've been stuck in the gut with a searing knife?' Everybody did. I said that's good because that means we have a chance." -- Minnesota coach Tim Brewster on the close loss.

This is a good sign. This team doesn't like losing and hasn't become used to it either. These are the building blocks for next year.

BIT OF HISTORY- The Slab of Bacon was a traveling trophy that passed between the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badgers and University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football teams, given annually to the winning team immediately upon the conclusion of the game. It was the first symbol of one of the most heated rivalries in college football and the most-played rivalry in Division I-A football, with 116 editions dating back to 1890.

Paul Bunyan's Axe, named after the mythical giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan, is a prize awarded every year to the winner of the college football game between Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The trophy is a symbol of one of the most heated rivalries in college football, representing the most-played rivalry in Division I-A football, with 116 editions dating back to 1890. The Golden Gophers lead the all-time series, 59-49-8, while the Badgers lead the Axe's series, 32-24-3.

Earlier, the schools played for the Slab of Bacon, a piece of wood with an M or a W, depending from which angle one would look on it. It was discontinued in 1943 and would not resurface until 1994. The Paul Bunyan Axe would be instituted as the trophy in the series in 1948; the scores of each game are recorded on the axe's handle.

Most recently, the Badgers defeated the Gophers 48-12 in 2006 to defend the axe.

This one is pretty easy to call. Wisconsin will win this but its going to be even closer than anyone expected.

#24 Wisconsin 19 - Minnesota 16(OT) Actual Score : #24 Wisconsin 41 - Minnesota 34

If the Golden Gophers would have played every game this season like they played this one, they would not be 1-11. The Big Ten is not known for high scoring shootout spectaculars but damn this was one of those types of games. Up and down the field. Back and forth. Damn near got wiplash from all the scoring. You can be assured though that neither team is happy about how their defense played but their offense on the other hand was out of control.

Western Michigan @ Iowa

Western Michigan, I don't know about you and I don't even care to know anything about you. This team is just a speed bump for Iowa on their way to 7 wins this year.

NOTED QUOTE- Like I said who cares about you?

Iowa, is coming off of a very ugly win over a very ugly Minnesota team. Congratulations on your season Hawkeyes you really turned this season around.

NOTED QUOTE- "An ugly win is a lot better than a pretty loss," said linebacker A.J. Edds. "We'll take a win any way we can get it. Sure, we want to play better, here and there, but a win is a win and we have the pig back."

Not caring how you won or how pretty it was is the sign of a ferocious competitor.

BIT OF HISTORY- I have to apologize to the Iowa fans because their rivalry week was last week. Sorry about that guys. I will try to not make that same mistake again next year.

Iowa wins this one with style.

Western Michigan 10 - Iowa 23 Actual Score : Western Michigan 28 - Iowa 19

All I can say about this game is, Iowa may God have mercy on your souls for losing this one. WTF, all you had to do was beat a MAC team and you would have had 7 wins and a decent bowl game. Now I have to think everyone looking at you will decide to give the ticket to another more deserving team.

Well that ends the predictions for this week. Earlier today I had this all wrote out once but the lame ass FOXSPORTS oops bug got me so I had to slam all this shit together again. Hopefully it wasn't to difficult to read. I will be updating this and making corrections thoughout the day. So if its not perfect then I am probably still working on it. I can't wait to come back here for the bowl predictions for the Big Ten. Oh, and for all the haters the Big Ten has 10 out of 11 teams bowl eligible so suck on that media whores! All other coferences blow.

GO BIG TEN!

All NOTED QUOTES were found on FoxSports.com

All BIT OF HISTORY peices were taken from Wikipedia.

All  anger shown towards other conferences is just do to rivalry week.

Well, that will be it for awhile for the Big Ten predictions since our season is over. What a wild one it was though. Well I went 4-2 this week which is really good considering it was rivalry week and as we all know anything can happen.

Let's get this rolling. Last week was another great college football weekend. It is really to bad that it is coming so close to the end of the season already. It feels like it just started last weekend. I have a little bit of extra time to devote to this week's predictions so hopefully I will be better than last week's paultry 3-3.

I am going to bring in a new feature of talking about a coach's or player's quotes that I have been finding. If it's a not so smart quote or a derogotory quote I will say why. If it's a smart quote or good motivating quote I will just say why also. Furthermore I will explain why it was a smart or dumb thing to say.

So it looks like another slow week in the rest of college football as I only have two games that are worthy of being in my bonus picks. Without further delay, on to the BONUS PICKS.

DISCLAIMER- All ranks are based on the FOX/AP ranks not the BCS ranks.

#18 Auburn @ #10 Georgia

#18 Auburn, its hard to figure out, looking back on the season, how they lost to Miss St. and South Florida. I think if these teams played again right now, with no question Auburn gives them both a good beat down. Auburn looks to have really turned itself into an elite team destined for greatness.

NOTED QUOTE - "We're going into a hornet's nest." Coach Tuberville. 

It shows respect for the other team and it shows that Tuberville knows what he is preparing for.

#10 Georgia, looks like a great team with a smart coach who knows how to get the most out of his team. Not much to cover from last week. I know Troy is a good team but should they really have scored 33 on Georgia? This is one thing that bugs me about the SEC in general. They don't seem to play enough defense.

NOTED QUOTE - "It's great to be in this position at this time of year." Coach Mark Richt.

This shows that Mark Richt knows what this game is worth and how important it is.

This one is a tough choice but I am going to have to go with Auburn.

#18 Auburn 36 - #10 Georgia 33 Actual Score : #18 Auburn 20 - #10 Georgia 45

Didn't get to see this game but wow. That is a huge score for Georgia.

#12 USC @ #24 California

#12 USC, has looked really shakey lately. When you barely beat teams that you should be destroying you have to wonder how well will they play against an actual good team. I just don't like the way USC has been playing. Not even in their win over Oregon State.

NOTED QUOTE - "All that really matters is getting the 'W' at this point," offensive lineman Jeff Byers told the L.A. Times. "We clearly have a ton to work on."

When players on the team know they have a lot to work on its a good sign that they are cemented in reality.

#24 California, looked to be in freefall mode before pulling their parachute against Washington State. One good thing about the three losses is that they were at least good teams. Not sure what kind of moxie this Cal team has but they better have a lot if they want to stay in this game.

NOTED QUOTE - "There's no pressure. We lost three straight. We went out and played. The coaches let us [have] a little more freedom. They weren't harping on us as much." -- California linebacker Zack Follett after a 20 -17 victory over Washington State to snap a three-game losing streak.

I don't like this at all. So what your really saying is your coaches don't care if you lose again because you've already lost three in a row.

Going to have to go with USC on this one even though I would like to see them lose.

#12 USC 27 - #24 California 23 Actual Score : #12 USC 24 - #24 California 17

Must have been a heck of a game. I wish I could have watched it but I was in mourning after the Buckeyes lost.

Well that's it for the bonus picks now on to the BIG TEN!

Indiana @ Northwestern

Indiana, has looked decent this year. I think they had a tough run when they met up with Michigan State, Penn State and Wisconsin. Those three weeks would be tough for any team but especially tough for a team trying to build up its program. It was good to see them get a win last week. That should help take the edge off when they play at Northwestern.

NOTED QUOTE - "We have two games left, and I think we need to win them both," defensive lineman Jammie Kirlew said. "At least, that's my approach. I don't think we've accomplished anything yet, and I don't think there's a guy in our locker room that feels that we have either."

This one shows that the team isn't happy with just becoming bowl eligible. They want to prove they belong in a bowl game.

Northwestern, just seems to be up and down this year. Such a strong start against Iowa but a terrible finish. It's so hard to figure out which team is going to show up with this team. Is it going to be the team that beat Michigan State in overtime or is it going to be the team that laid an egg against Duke? So close to being bowl eligible yet so far away with two good teams left to face.

NOTED QUOTE - "I think that we just didn't finish," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "That's what we talked about last week and we didn't do it this week."

So you've talked about it. You've practiced it. Yet you couldn't execute that philosophy when game time came. That's not a good sign. Are you going to talk about it again this week and not do it again next week?

I am going to have to go with Indiana. It just seems like their players want it more.

Indiana 34 - Northwestern 21 Actual Score : Indiana 28 - Northwestern 31

Another game that I didn't get to watch. Damn this one must have been really exciting to watch.

#13 Michigan @ Wisconsin

#13 Michigan, once again gets away with an ugly win. This almost seems like the norm for this team this year. Michigan's star players are beat up and the team counts on them just a little bit too much. The defense needs a lot of work if they expect to beat Wisconsin. The offense needs to find other stars besides Hart, Manningham and Henne. I am really not sure if Michigan is up to the task of beating Wisconsin.

NOTED QUOTE - Mike Hart insisted he started laughing. "Sometimes, you get your little brother excited when you're playing basketball -- let them get the lead," he said. "And then you come back."

Probably the most disrespectful thing a player could say about another team. It's this exact mentality why Michigan is 8-2 instead of 10-0. This is why they are only looking to go to the Rose Bowl and not the National Championship game. If this is the mentality they have going into a Wisconsin game, Michigan will have no chance at winning.

Wisconsin, really played an outstanding 3 1/2 quarters against the number one team in the country. Too bad for Wisconsin there are four quarters in a football game. After playing that tough against Ohio State they have to feel confident going into the game against Michigan. Another added bonus is that Wisconsin is at home where so far this season they are undefeated.

NOTED QUOTE - "We were pressing to beat the No. 1 team," linebacker Jonathan Casillas told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "We didn't come here to play Ohio State. We came here to beat them."

Got to love a team who doesn't come to play but comes to win. They might not have won last week but with that mentality they will be tough to beat.

I really want to pick Wisconsin to win but something tells me its going to be Michigan's day. This is the toughest pick I have to make in the Big Ten. Do not make bets on this game.

#13 Michigan 17 - Wisconsin 16 Actual Score : #13 Michigan 21 - Wisconsin 37

I got to watch this game and boy was it exciting. The score looks worse than what it was. Michigan played like they were thinking ahead to OSU again and it showed. It looked like Michigan was going to make a comeback for a minute but Wisconsin made the right plays at the right time and handed Michigan its first loss in 8 games. Good job Wisconsin can't wait to see you guys play in a bowl game.

Michigan State @ Purdue

Michigan State, I had you all set up for the upset and like usual you let me down. It's going to be hard to pick the Spartans to win this week. A tough emotional loss takes so much out of a team. Then the Spartans have to travel for a road game. I just don't see this being a good weekend for Mchigan State.

NOTED QUOTE - "It just seems like they always get the break. The ball just goes their way." -- MSU tailback Jehuu Caulcrick.

This is the attitude that Coach Dantonio has to get rid of. This is the attitude of the defeatest. The attitude of a born loser or someone always expecting to lose. Kind of like Cleveland Indians or Chicago Cubs fans. Dantonio will make MSU a powerhouse to deal with in three years or less, once he loses players that have this attitude.

Purdue, last week, had the power and the momentum to carry this one through to a win. One play changed all that. It was a tough loss at a tough place to play. Purdue showed they have what it takes to win this week at home. Out of Purdue's three losses only one of them was at home and that was to Ohio State. Trust me. Purdue will be ready to play MSU.

NOTED QUOTE - "I'm not going to fault a young player for trying to make a play. I don't think we were necessarily smart in that particular instance, because we were covered up pretty good. I don't fault the effort, I fault the execution." -- Purdue coach Joe Tiller, on Jaycen Taylor's fumble at the goal line.

Recognizing what went wrong and how to fix it is what seperates good teams from great teams.

Still a tough choice between these two teams but I give the edge to Purdue for having home field advantage and a better attitude.

Michigan State 26 - Purdue 31 Actual Score : Michigan State 48 - Purdue 31

Didn't get to see this one either but from the looks of the score the fans must have been going crazy. 

Minnesota @ Iowa

Minnesota, has officially had its balls removed and fed back to them. I am surprised the other Big Ten teams aren't trying to get this team thrown out of the conference. Minnesota is stinking up the Big Ten so badly even Division III (yes that's a Roman Numeral 3) schools are making fun of you. Maybe it's time the Golden Dildoes stepped out of the Big Ten on their own and went to Division II. Oh who am I kidding Division II wouldn't accept you guys. Just become an Independant team like Notre Dame. Maybe NBC will give you your own T.V. contract. Also I just checked the Capital One Mascot Bowl and Goldy is losing to the Hokie Bird. Get your asses over there and vote.

NOTED QUOTE - "I take full responsibility as the head football coach for how the team played. I take the good and the bad and we did not play good. Obviously the numbers that we gave up defensively are not acceptable." -- Minnesota coach Tim Brewster on the overall performance. 

Well who's fault would it be if it wasn't yours dumbass? Minnesota ditch this loser of a coach and get someone in there that can at least get you guys a few wins next season. This comment just cheated the rest of the world out of some precious oxygen.

Iowa, really came up with a good win last week against Northwestern. The Hawkeyes are one win away from being bowl eligible but not only that have a chance the week after to almost make sure they end the season with seven wins. Nice turnound for this team. I had this team left for dead but like a zombie they have risen from the grave to possibly become bowl bound. Freaking awesome.

NOTED QUOTE - "It's hard to play good defense if you don't hit and make tackles. We were not doing that in the first half. The fourth quarter was enjoyable to watch. We were playing hard and playing to disrupt things, and we did." -- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. 

In game adjustments are keys to victories. Knowing when and how to implement an adjustment is the cornerstone of building a winning season.

If Iowa doesn't with this game I will mushroom stamp their head coach.

Minnesota 10 - Iowa 37 Actual Score : Minnesota 16 - Iowa 21

Well, looks like Minnesota finally showed up to play a game to bad it still resulted in a loss. Congrats to Iowa.

Penn State @ Temple

Penn State is only the second team to lose to Ohio State and get a win the next week. There is know question that Penn State is a tough and durable team. They look like they are ready for a bowl game. Hopefully they don't look beyond Temple towards Michigan State. I don't think they will. The Nittany Lions showed that they can be down and still comeback to win a game. This shows the character and integrity of their team.

NOTED QUOTE - "I wasn't worried about how the guys responded. I was worried how I might respond. I was ready to punch somebody in the mouth." --Coach Joe Paterno on Purdue WR Dorien Bryant returning the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown.

I had been criticizing Penn State a lot on keeping coach Joe Pa around but after seeing this statement there is no reason not to keep him there. I hope I am as crazy and feisty as he is when I get to that age. Shit, I will be dead before I reach his age so it won't matter.

Temple, scheduled in due to the Big Ten getting rid of bye weeks. How does that make you feel? You are basically considered to be a bye week. That just makes me laugh. Prepare to be destroyed.

NOTED QUOTE - "I don't think we played consistent today. We left a lot of things on the field." -- Temple QB Vaughn Charlton after the 23-7 loss at Ohio.

Gee, you think? This quote just baffles me. Maybe I should go find another one. Oh forget it, all the quotes from Temple are retarded.

Penn State 53 - Temple 7 Actual Score : Penn State 31 - Temple 0

Pretty much what we all expected except I thought Temple would at least score once.

Illinois @ #1 Ohio State

Illinois, is a tough team. The Illini have quietly moved themselves into 3rd place in the Big Ten. Nobody is giving Illinois enough credit. I don't care what other people say about the Big Ten. It is still quite a feat to be 3rd in this conference. Sadly if Illinois should upset Ohio State everyone from the SEC will claim that Ron Zook is an SEC coach. Let me break this down a little bit for everyone. A miniture bio on Coach Zook.

Coach Zook - Born April 28, 1954 in Loudonville, Ohio. Yep a northerner. Was a defensive back for Miami University. No not that Miami University the other one in Ohio. Once again a northern school. Went on to coach at Murray State University, Cincinnati, Kansas, Tennesee, Virginia Tech and the Ohio State University. So you can see he has been all over the place. He even coached in the NFL. After a brief stay in the NFL he came back to Florida(yes he had been there before). Then he moved onto Illinois. By the way, Zook was fired by Florida. Sorry SEC fans you didn't want him so don't take credit for making him a great coach.

NOTED QUOTE - "We all just want to be somewhere warm." -- Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall, simplifying his postseason desires in the Daily Herald. 

A simple yet effective way to say you are playing hard to get to a bowl game.

#1 Ohio State, once again comes away with a win. Everyone kept saying how Ohio State was going to lose. Then the Buckeyes win and everyone says Wisconsin wasn't that good anyways. Once again it is a no win situation with Ohio State. If they win its because Illinois sucks and the Big Ten is weak. If they lose its because Ohio State sucks and the Big Ten is weak. Taking this mentality we see that only good teams have a loss. I am not going to say that this year's Ohio State schedule is hard or weak but one thing is true. The Buckeyes just keep winning. Something only 2 other teams have been able to do this year. I know the Buckeyes remember the close call last year with Illinois so I know they will be ready for them this year. There is just something about this Ohio State team that just makes you pick them to win every week. They have no talked about super stars on this year's team except Laurinitis. No one on this team is up for the Heisman this year. This year's team is humble and hard working. They know what they have to do each week and they do it. They just keep winning.

NOTED QUOTE - "Our season was on the line," right tackle Kirk Barton said. "We've already had a one-loss season last year, we don't want another one. We just looked at each other like, 'Hey, we don't want to feel like we did last year.'"

Remembering a loss and feeding off of it is the sign of a great team. Some teams remember losses and lose heart. Other teams post the score of the game in their locker room and remember that they don't want to feel like that ever again.

This actually is a bit tougher of a choice because I really respect Illinois and what they have accomplished so far this season. The fact still remains though Ohio State is undefeated, they are playing at home and last year's humiliating loss is still fresh on everyone's mind as if it happened yesterday.

Illinois 14 - #1 Ohio State 30 Actual Score : Illinois 28 - #1 Ohio State 21

I got to watch this game and boy was it a fun one to watch. I was a little disappointed in the outcome but have to say Illinois played a near perfect ball game and thats what it takes to win big games. OSU just had to many turnovers. I am not sad that OSU lost but I just can't help but notice right at the beginning of the game that Illinois fumbled the ball and OSU recovered it. I would have rather lost 70 - 0 than have that nagging feeling of "Gee one missed call." I do have to point out though that the way Illinois played it might not have made a difference. They looked really good out there. Congratulations Illinois, you beat the number 1 team this week. Next time though. Act like you have done it before and don't jump on my "O". Have some class. I didn't see OSU jumping on anyone's emblem this year after all their wins. I forgot to add that the officiating was actually really, really good with the one exception.

Well, I spent a lot of time on this week's predictions. I hope everyone enjoys them as I enjoyed coming up with my comments. As always if you post in the comments section I will respond to you. Also if I have any gramatical errors please list them so they can be fixed.

If you have never had Prosciutto you need to get to the grocery store and ask for some.

All quotes were found on Fox Sports or Yahoo Sports.

Well, in the end it was another exciting week in CFB. Too bad my team lost but to everyone's team who won congratulations. I was really terrible this week with my picks as I was 2 - 4. Damn, what the hell happened in the Big Ten this week? All the teams that usually win lost. If it wasn't for Iowa and Penn State I could have had my first opher weekend. Also with some of these teams winning that weren't expected the Big Ten has a record 10 out of 11 teams bowl eligible. But wait, I thought the Big Ten sucked. I guess the Big Ten is a better conference than most people give us credit for. I can't wait for the bowl games to roll around so hopefully the Big Ten can prove that we are a good conference.

 

 

 

Sorry about not responding last week. I had a family emergency that called me away for a week. With my apology out of the way. Let's see what we have going on.

Looks like only two bonus picks this week. Yes, I will be using the FOX rankings and not the BCS rankings. Everything else out there doesn't deserve my attention. After I wrap up my two bonus picks I will be moving on to my BIG TEN picks.

#6 ASU @ #4 Oregon

#6 ASU looked solid against a very good California team. ASU really surprised me with the way they played and managed the game. ASU hadn't played against a good team up until then but they showed they are also a good team. Maybe homefield advantage helped them with this win? If ASU wins this week at Oregon though they will be considered real contenders for a National Championship.

#4 Oregon put together a great win against USC(who I consider to be just an average team). Oregon's resume just keeps looking better and better. If they can win over ASU they have 3 weak opponents left to finish out the season. Except for UCLA which no one knows which UCLA team will show up.

I am going to have to give the edge to Oregon on this one.

#6 ASU 31 - #4 Oregon 34 Actual Score : #6 ASU 23 - #4 Oregon 35

Great overall game. Hope Dixon isn't hurt to bad. Oregon at home just looked to be too much for ASU to handle. Maybe if ASU was at home for this one it might have different but I doubt it.

#3 LSU @ #17 Alabama

#3 LSU is every sportscaster's favorite to win out the SEC and move on into the National Championship and blow out whoever is on the other side of the field. One thing that bothers me about LSU is they seem to struggle against every opponent with a few exceptions. I am not sure that they are as strong as everyone thinks. Week in and week out they keep hearing in the news how great they are. Eventually that is going to get into the players heads and they will start thinking they are the best. That's when an upset occurs.

#17 Alabama the Crimson Tide! Just had to say it. I mean hey, it is catchy. That being said I just don't think Alabama matches up well against LSU. Yeah, I know about the coaches rivalry and all that but it really comes down to the players. As much as I would like to see Alabama win I just don't think its going to happen. Wait, they are playing at home? Hmm, let me rethink this for a moment. Nah, no upset this week.

I am giving LSU the advantage in this one.

#3 LSU 27 - #17 Alabama 20 Actual Score : #3 LSU 41 - #17 Alabama 34

This game pretty much happened the way I expected. LSU looks to be on the ropes early but then comes back to win. Another high scoring, no defense SEC game. These games are always good for entertainment like Arena Football. Hey, maybe I am being to rough on the SEC. Oh well next week LSU plays LA Tech, maybe LSU can play defense against them.

Well, thats it for the bonus picks. Kind of a slow week in college football as far as huge matchups between ranked teams go. Oh, well there is always next week. On to the BIG TEN!!!

Ball St. @ Indiana

Ball St., what in the world. This is the second week I have to talk about you guys. Hey, you guys have a good team but your just not that good.

Indiana was trounced last week against Wisconsin. Tough loss but at least it wasn't an emotional 1 point loss in overtime. You got beat, no big deal. Indiana bounces back against Ball St.

Indiana at home this should be a sure win for Indiana.

Ball St. 13 - Indiana 21 Actual Score : Ball St. 20 - Indiana 38

A little bit higher of a score than I expected but still the same outcome. I wouldn't knock Indiana for beating Ball St. because the Cardinals are actualy a pretty decent team. Good job Indiana.

Iowa @ Northwestern

Iowa still a down year for you guys. Nice win over Michigan St. though. Iowa will be drunk off of this win and will have what we call a hangover weekend. The Hawkeyes defense will be stretched thin by Northwestern and then exploited. Look for a surprisingly bad loss here.

Northwestern had a tough loss last week against Purdue. This week Northwestern will refocus and up end Iowa. Honestly, I see Northwestern getting a big win here.

Iowa 7 - Northwestern 37 Actual Score : Iowa 28 - Northwestern 17

These two teams are so unpredictable lately. It was a good win for Iowa and from here the Hawkeyes should win out. Northwestern just showed how unpredictable football really is. They should have been able to handle Iowa but this is why the games are played.

Wisconsin @ #1 Ohio St.

Wisconsin had a blowout win over a good Indiana team. This week though I just don't see it happening against Ohio St. at home. Although, its interesting to know that the Badgers have won 3 straight against Ohio St. at the Horseshoe. Wisconsin will play tough for 2 1/2 quarters but will fall apart late in the game.

#1 Ohio St. keeps playing like a National Championship contender. With a win over Wisconsin, it should put some doubts to rest. The key word being some. This week against Wisconsin the Buckeyes are once again in a no win sitiuation. If they beat the Badgers everyone will say that Wisconsin wasn't that good anyways. If Ohio St. loses everyone will say "I told you so." and Ohio St. will probably drop all the way to 15 or lower in the polls. All Ohio St. can do is come in and win. Avoid the upset pill that almost every other team has swallowed and put another W on the board.

Wisconsin keeps this closer than Penn St. does but not by much.

Wisconsin 14 - Ohio St. 27 Actual Score : Wisconsin 17 - #1 Ohio St. 38

I wonder how exciting this game was to see it live. Hell, I will never know since it was only on the Big Ten Network. At least I got to watch the FOX GAMETRAX and see the little ball moving up and down the field. I would give a recap but who knows what really happened. Maybe someone else can give a recap in the comments section.

Purdue @ Penn St.

Purdue looks to be getting back to playing like they were ealier this year. Purdue showed last week that it can keep its composure after a couple of losses and come back and win a couple. Can they keep this going against a good Penn St. team?

Penn St. looked good in the beginning of the Ohio St. game but just seemed to fall off towards the end. This isn't a bad thing. It just seems to happen to most teams that play Ohio St. this year, they start off looking strong and keep it close for a a quarter or two but then the game just gets away from them. I give major props to the students and fans at Penn St., this was the loudest game this year. Even when the Nittany Lions started to fall behind the crowd was still loud as hell.

I am going with Purdue in an upset over Penn St. due to one fact. Every team (except Youngstown St.) that Ohio St. has beaten has gone on to lose their next game.

Purdue 16 - Penn St. 13(OT) Actual Score : Purdue 19 - Penn St. 26

This was an awesome game to watch. Close and exciting until the end. Nice to see Penn St. bounce back after the huge loss to OSU. That shows that this team has character and will be a handfull for any team they play in whatever bowl game they end up in. Purdue seemed like they had things in hand but let it slip away.

#15 Michigan @ Michigan St.

#15 Michigan has looked better than ever even without their star running back. This week though my Vegas sources say that Hene and Hart WILL be back for this game. The bad news is it's really hard to predict the outcome of an in-state rivalry. Michigan will put up some huge numbers but sadly I see either Henne, Hart, or Manningham getting injured early.

Michigan St. is like a box of chocolates. Your girlfreind likes the thought of them but then asks you if you are trying to make her fat. WTF, let's see some consistancy out of MSU. This week with an in-state rival, I see the Spartans showing just how good they are. They are going to test the Wolverines defence to the fullest. Will it be enough?

Another upset pick here. I am going with the Spartans. Not because they are better but because they always play the Wolverines tough. Also, the Spartans will start off by being down by 13 early then one of the Wolverines stars will get hurt and the Spartans come charging back.

#15 Michigan 30 - Michigan St. 37 Actual Score : #15 Michigan  28 - Michigan St. 24

The saga continues. Michigan wins ugly and the Spartans let their fans down again. Truthfully just too many dumb penalties by Michigan St. did them in. This was another great one to watch. My prediction may have been wrong but I did see both Henne and Hart out for a bit with injuries. This can't be good and we will know more about them later in the week.

Illinois @ Minnesota

Illinois won last week against a good Ball St. team. This week they should win against a very, very bad Minnesota team. Hard to hype up this game when we really know what the outcome of this one will be.

Minnesota, the wonderful Golden Dildoes. I am always trying to find the bright spot on your team but there just doesn't seem to be one. Here is one good thing though. Minnesota has as many wins as Notre Dame. Also don't forget Goldie Gopher still has a chance to win the Capital One Bowl mascot challenge. I already put my vote in for him. Remember, vote early and vote often.

Easy choice here. Illinois, no doubts.

Illinois 43 - Minnesota 14 Actual Score : Illinois 44 - Minnesota 17

Just another ass whooping of Minnesota. On the bright side look at how close my predicted score was. Sweet, just call me Notradomus.

In closing, have any of you just ever have a whole week where nothing went right? Well, I just went through that. A whole week that just sucked butt. Hopefully now my family and I are on the upswing of good fortune. I hope anyone else who was or is having a bad time out there reads this and knows someone else shares your misery. Go BIG TEN!!!

Another great weekend of college football. Looks like I went a little to ballsy on my predictions, as I was 3-3 this weekend. Damn, I need to get on track. Maybe it had something to do with my dryer being broke and I kept wearing the same clothes because I didn't want to air dry my clothes. Oh, well the dryer is fixed now and I should be over 50% on my calls next week. Thanks to everyone who posted comments.