Wolverine Wednesday: Big Ten Week 14 Preview

We all know the most important game this weekend, so no need to cover that.  There are a few interesting games that could swing the pendulum of the Big Ten Championship game.   There are also a couple of Friday games. 

Friday:

Iowa (-6,5) @ Nebraska: A battle of 7-4 teams, which seems to be right.  Both teams are average at best and playing for a Black Friday corn trophy.  Iowa 17 Nebraska 13 

Indiana (-28.5) @ Purdue:  What a miss-match game for two teams close to each other in Indiana.  IU will be in Indy for a home game against a foe TBD.  IU 41 Purdue 10

Saturday:

Oregon (-6.5) @ Washington:  UW plays well at home but its a short trip for the Ducks.  Oregon has something to play for in maybe Indy and probably the playoffs.  Oregon 28 Washington 27

Wisconsin @ Minnesota (-1.5): The Badgers have been playing better and the Golden Gophers are doing their late season dive.  I think Wisconsin wins this one 21 Minnesota 17 

Penn State (-13.5) @ Rutgers: Both teams have 5 wins and the winner gets two more weeks of practice and a bowl game.   Neither team wants to pass.   Penn State 30 Rutgers 21

Maryland @ MSU (-3.5): Is this game a Ford Field?  Don't watch or attend this game.  Maryland 17 MSU 16 

UCLA @ USC (-21.5): USC is clearly the better team.  USC 38 UCLA 21 

Northwestern @ Illinois (-6.5): Both teams are bowl eligible and nobody cares about this game.  Illinois was way over ranked all year.  Northwestern 28 Illinois 17

Big Ten Weekend 13 Preview and BBall Thoughts

Another interesting week in the Big Ten, there is one solid game out West but the rest are just ok, as programs fight for bowl eligibility. 

Rutgers @ OSU (-31.5): What is OSU's best win of the year? Washington on the road?  Great job with the schedule Big 10.  OSU 45 Rutgers 6

Minnesota @ Northwestern (-3.5): This is is another Wrigley Game and Northwestern would like to get its first win in its home away from home.  I wonder what attendance will look like?  Northwestern 17 Minnesota 14

USC @ Oregon (-10.5):  That seems like a lot of points for this traditional PAC 10 match-up.  This might as well be a playoff game, loser is going to a Bowl Game.  Oregon 31 USC 28

MSU @ Iowa (-16.5): Iowa plays good football in November.  MSU does not.  Iowa 24 MSU 10 

Nebraska @ Penn State (-7.5):  How in the world is Nebraska 7-3?  They are also a TD and a hook dog on the road.  Neither team has their starting QB and Penn State's head coach is now at Va Tech and Nebraska's head coach was wanted by Penn State. What a mess.  Neither coach is any good.  Penn State 20 Nebraska 13

Illinois (-7.5) @ Wisconsin: Illinois is the better team but they are not really that good.  Wisconsin is really bad but play better at home when its cold.  Illinois 21 Wisconsin 17

Washington (-10.5) @ UCLA:  Is Nico playing? Both teams had a moment in the mid-Big10 season.  Not so much now.  10:30 kick is right.   Washington 30 UCLA 22

Basketball:

Dusty clearly doesn't know what his best rotation is yet and continues to tinker with it.  Games against Middle Tennessee is a good time to experiment.   The team does seem to lack a natural shooter and can get lazy on the boards sometimes.  Still they have talent everywhere and maybe too much talent.   Loved to see Yax dominating like he can, we need to see a bit more dog in him.  He is a great player but also a team player and it might not be in his nature to take control of a game.   Mara is a good passer but he also makes too many dangerous passes.  

They will be better and can't wait to see when Dusty figures it out. 

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 12

Not the best matchup weekend but there is at least one interesting game to keep an eye on. 

Friday Night:

Minnesota @ Oregon (-25.5):  I don't believe the Ducks are as good as everyone thinks but the Golden Gophers don't play well on the road ever.  Night game, short week, long travel, no way.   Ducks 31 Gophers 10 

Saturday:

Wisconsin @ IU (-29.5):  I have no idea how Luke kept his job when he is traveling to a Big Ten school on Saturday and the Badgers are a 30 point dog.   Wisconsin does have heart and just had a big win over Washington who is another team that can't play road to save their lives.   IU 44 Wisconsin 14

Iowa @ USC (-6.5):  This is the best game of the weekend.  Iowa is tough and should've beat the Ducks last week and was competitive with IU.  USC is rolling and has a shot at the Big10 Championship game and maybe even the playoffs.  I think this will be low scoring affair.   USC 24 Iowa 16

Penn State (-6.5) @ MSU:  Both teams are 3-6 and both teams are currently on fire.  MSU had to vacate wins this week and Penn State is the most disappointing team in the country this year.  One head coach is fired the other could be replaced by the red hot Brian Kelly, who just wants his $54M.   I would normally say don't watch this game, but the dueling flame throwers could be entertaining.  PSU 20 MSU 17

Maryland @ Illinois (-14.5):  I don't see any other reason to watch this game then scouting Maryland for next week.  Illinois 27 Maryland 17

Purdue @ Washington (-16.5):  The Huskies are a different team when they play in Seattle.   Purdue is getting better but not today.  UW 28 Purdue 9 

UCLA @ OSU (-32.5):  NBC must love that they have a primetime game with #1 team in the nation and a 32.5 spread.  Yikes.  OSU 41 UCLA 13

Michigan Thursday: With Bonus BIG10 Weekend Preview

I'm not a big fan of Warde, if your a daily reader of this blog you know this already.  Like my feelings about Wink, I do give credit when credit is deserved.  Warde made an excellent hire in Dusty, who I consider one of the best basketball coaches in America.  He has also made a smart decision by cancelling the game in Germany.  

In my mind, there was zero reason to play that game.  #1 It takes a home game away from the season ticket holders, #2 Western is located like a hour and half away from Ann Arbor, and #3 Michigan would make a lot more money hosting the Broncos then traveling overseas.   Not to mention the Wolverines would also lose a recruiting visit weekend.  Smart move Warde. 

ESPN is struggling right now.  They are in a huge fight with Youtube TV that has 10M subscribers and now they are shutting down the ESPN Bet app after 2 years into a 10 year agreement.   The worldwide leader in sports better start to figure out how to be a better partner.  Maybe not paying $30M+ for your MNF Booth might be a good start at saving some money.   Reports are they losing $5M per day with the Youtube fight and shows audiences are way down. 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 11

Friday Night:

Northwestern @ USC (-14.5):  This is an interesting game for Wolverines fans to watch.  Michigan needs USC to keep winning to keep their quality loss status and next up at Wrigley is NW.  We know what happens when teams travel west and a Friday night kick doesn't help.  USC 31 NW 17

Saturday:

Indiana (-14.5) @ PSU:  This seasons difficult schedule didn't cost James Franklin his job, the easy games did.  It what was supposed to be another major match-up has PSU at a 2 TD dog at home.  PSU plays tough by IU wins.  IU 28 PSU 20

Ohio State (-30.5) @ Purdue:  We know Purdue is feisty, but I think us Michigan fans are going to be ashamed of the point total that the Buckeyes will put on the Boilermakers this weekend.   OSU 40 Purdue 10. 

Oregon (-6.5) @ Iowa:  I did not see this one coming.  The Ducks have zero good wins and a home loss to IU (Yes, the PSU win in Happy Valley was good at the time).  Iowa is playing really good football and is the only program to give IU a game this season.  This game will knock one of the teams out of the CFP picture.  Yes, Iowa is playing for a spot!  Iowa 24 Oregon 21 

Washington (-10.5) @ Wisconsin: The UW Bowl as nobody has ever called it! 😀 Poor Wisconsin.  Washington is still really good in my mind.   UW - West 34 UW - Midwest 7 

Nebraska @ UCLA (-2.5):  I like UCLA in this one as Creepy Mahomes is out for the year with a broken leg and Matt Rhule has James Franklin vibes to me.  UCLA 21 Nebraska 13 

Big Ten Preview Week 10

This season is flying by, and we are already at Week 10.  Let's get to the matchups! 

No Friday Game

Penn State @ Ohio State (-19.5):  This was supposed to be the game of the year in the Big Ten.  After OSU beat Texas, they were ranked #1 and Penn State was #2.  How things have changed for the Nittany Lions since then.  OSU 28 PSU 10 

Rutgers @ Illinois (-11.5):  I don't know about either one of these teams.  Neither are very good and both teams think they are decent.  Greg Schiano fell to his knees when they beat NW last weekend.  Illinois 21 Rutgers 13

IU (-21.5) @ Maryland:  I believe Indiana is the best team in the Big Ten and has the best win @ Oregon.  Maryland is a tough place to play and an improved squad.   I still think IU has more fire power.  IU 38 Maryland 17

Michigan State @ Minnesota (-3.5):  This is the don't watch this game of the week.  The Golden Gophers only play well at home.  Minnesota 24 MSU 23 

USC @ Nebraska (-4.5) Both teams only have 2 loses.  USC is the better team, but they play terrible on the road.  Might be chilly in Nebraska.  Neb 30 USC 28 

Big Ten Preview: Week 9

What a stinker for a Big Ten weekend match-up preview.  UCLA is the top Big Noon game and the Instate rivalry of Michigan - MSU tops the NBC game of the week. On to the show:

UCLA @ IU (-26.5):  I love UCLA's turnaround but that comes to a halt this week.  IU 51 UCLA 14 

Northwestern @ Nebraska (-8.5): Both of these teams are 5-2?  That seems strange to me.  Nebraska just got embarrassed by PJ Fleck and Matt Rhule wants the Penn State job?  Nebraska 24 Northwestern 14

Rutgers (-1.5) @ Purdue: Not sure this is a watchable game.  I think Purdue sneaks one out here.  Purdue 28 Rutgers 21. 

Illinois @ Washington (-3.5): Both of these teams are 5-2? Illinois is ranked again? I guess this is a good game.  Will Illinois get the travel west cold and not show up and play?  I like UW after the Michigan loss as Illinois travel west.  UW 31 Illinois 20 

Minnesota @ Iowa (-8.5): Both of these teams are 5-2? This could be a good game.  Iowa plays great defense and Minnesota plays well at home.  This game is at Iowa.   Iowa 21 Minnesota 14

Wisconsin @ Oregon (-31.5):  Do not watch this game.  It will be ugly and it will be amazing if Luke gets through this year in this role.  Oregon 61 Wisconsin 6

 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 8

Last week every Big Ten had an interesting story line, the one game we thought didn't NW at PSU ended up having the biggest impact as the Nittany Lions lost their starting QB and head coach in one game.  

Now to this week, with much less interesting games:

Friday: 

Nebraska (-7.5) @ Minnesota: The Golden Gophers are home dogs to the 25th ranked team in the nation.  Yes, Nebraska is ranked.  I think Nebraska is a better team but not by a TD and a hook.  Nebraska 23 Minnesota 17

Saturday:

Purdue @ Northwestern (-2.5):  Northwestern is 4-2 and Purdue continues to rebuild.  Either team can win this game.  Northwestern 20 Purdue 17

Ohio State (-26.5) @ Wisconsin: Remember when this used to be a big game?  This might be Luke's final game in Madison.  Ohio State 41 Wisconsin 7 

Oregon (-17.5) @ Rutgers:  Be careful Ducks if your still hung over from the IU slap.  Rutgers will grab an early lead and then give it up in the 2nd half.  Oregon 31 Rutgers 20

Penn State @ Iowa (-3.5): Now this is an interesting game now.  When the season kicked off what was the chance Iowa would be favored in this game? Zero Chance!  That is why they play the games.  Nobody knows what is going to happen here.  PSU 17 Iowa 14 

Maryland @ UCLA (-3.5): Is UCLA the hottest team in the Big Ten?  No IU is but still they have comeback from the dead and we are close to Halloween..  UCLA 28 Maryland 23

USC @ ND (-9.5):  Football insiders believe ND is close to a lock to make the playoffs.  I have yet to see them play a complete game (I did not see last week's win over NC State).  Vegas is not buying USC after the Michigan win.   This might be the last chance for someone to knock out ND from making the playoffs after going 0-2.   I like USC if the team that beat Michigan shows up, if its the team that played Illinois, no thanks.   USC 34 ND 28 

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 7

How did we get to week 7 already?  Didn't the season just start?  I rarely say this, but every Big Ten game this weekend has its own story line and somewhat intriguing.  For example:

Friday Night:

Rutgers @ Washington (-10.5): Both of these teams are pretty good and UW only has one loss to the #1 team in the nation.  That line seems pretty high but its the travel west that will get you.  UW 28 Rutgers 21

Saturday:

OSU (-14.5) @ Illinois:  This is an interesting game because everyone thought Illinois was going to be good at the start of the season and then got slapped by IU.  OSU has been #1 since beating Texas and winning a football tournament at the end of last season.  Classic OSU game,close early, run away in the 2nd half.  OSU 31 Illinois 17

UCLA @ MSU (-8.5):  A week ago this game would've had the infamous, Do Not Watch label.  Now there is some intrigue after UCLA upset Penn State.   Body clock game for the Bruins.  MSU 38 UCLA 21 

Northwestern @ PSU (-21.5):  Raise your hand if you thought both of these teams would be 3-2 right now?  James, put your hand down!  Most would think last week was the "get right game" now its Northwestern.  Iowa on deck for PSU with OSU in the hole.   PSU 41 NW 13 

IU @ Oregon (-7.5): Big Game Alert 💥 #7 IU travels to #3 Oregon.  Time to see if IU is for real.  Like many new up and coming programs IU struggles on the road.  I expect they will on Saturday as well.  Oregon 34 IU 24 

Nebraska (-6.5) @ Maryland:  Both teams are 4-1 and Maryland plays well at home. Nebraska is still a strange program to me. Maryland 21 Nebraska 14  

Iowa (-3.5) @ Wisconsin:  The Badgers played pretty well against Michigan last weekend and back to power football.  That is Iowa's love language.  Close one.  Iowa 17 Wisconsin 14

Purdue @ Minnesota (-7.5):  Purdue is frisky and getting better.  Minnesota is the same team under PJ Fleck every year.  Not sure why this is a prime time game? Minnesota 27 Purdue 21

A Michigan Chad Powers Situation and Big Ten Preview

First a funny:  Chad Powers was a funny idea by Eli Manning that now has become a show on Hulu.  So that got me thinking.  Follow me here:

• Michigan has issues at WR 
• The Lions just cut Ronnie Bell from the practice squad 
• Ronnie has a brother on Michigan right now
• Can we make this happen? 😀

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 6

No Friday games this week. Not a great week for Big Ten match-ups. 

Illinois (-9.5) @ Purdue:  Illinois is a strange team, they get waxed by IU and then beat USC at home by 2 points.  Illinois 28 Purdue 20

Penn State (-26.5) @ UCLA:  There is no better medicine for a heart wrenching loss last weekend then playing UCLA with a free trip to LA.  PSU 45 UCLA 7 

Washington (-6.5) @ Maryland:  I think the Terps are on a heater.  I will take them in this boring game.  Maryland 24 UW 21

UL Monroe @ Northwestern (-11.5):  No idea here.  I hope NW has the better team but I'm concerned.  NW 21 ULM 14

MSU @ Nebraska (-11.5):  One of the best Big Ten games this week.  Nebraska takes another shot at a Michigan team at home.  I like Nebraska but I think Sparty competes.  Nebraska 31 MSU 27 

Minnesota @ OSU (-23.5):  The Glen Mason Bowl (I think like 8 people gets that reference).  Can Minnesota pull off the biggest upset in the history of the program?  I think not.  OSU 34 Minnesota 10 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 6

Can the Big Ten have a good football weekend without the Wolverines playing?  I will make the case this weekend could be the one!  Let's check out the games.   No Friday game this weekend. 

USC (-6.5) @ Illinois:  USC has played well but hasn't played anyone this year.  Illinois got embarrassed last weekend and is now a home dog. This is a pretender or contender game.  USC 40 Illinois 28

Rutgers @ Minnesota (-4.5):  What is the difference between these two teams?  Your guess is as good as mine.  In fact the old Golden Gophers QB is now the starter at Rutgers.  I think the advantage goes to the home team.  Minn 28 Rutgers 26

Ohio State (-7.5) @ Washington: Be careful here Buckeyes.  This stadium has nice views in a chill environment.  Michael Penix is a really good QB (wait a second?).   Forget that last point, but this could be a trap game for Buckeyes with the Glen Mason game on tap against Minnesota.  😀 Jedd what you got?  OSU 41 Washington 30

Indiana (-7.5) @ Iowa:  This is an interesting game, can Iowa shut down the IU offense?  I really don't think they can.  Iowa is just Iowa always.  IU 38 Iowa 14

UCLA @ Northwestern (-6.5):  Don't watch this game.  NW 21 UCLA 7

Oregon @ Penn State (-3.5):  The Big Ten Game of the Year (so far) Penn State fans hate day games because they don't believe their white out powers work in the daylight.  I think I have a secret that everyone knows, James Franklin struggles in big games.  No you can't count an SMU game in the playoffs, that is a bad non-conference September game.  Oregon 24 PSU 17 

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 4

The Big Ten season officially is underway with many Big Ten matchups this weekend.  I love it because I don't have to predict a ton of games, plus we can really see which teams can play and which can't.  Plus, a couple sneaky good games. 

Friday Night: 

Iowa (-2.5) @ Rutgers:  This is not a bad game between mid-tier Big Ten teams. I like Rutgers at home to get the win.  Rutgers 20 Iowa 13

Saturday:

Maryland @ Wisconsin (-9.5):  Wisconsin just got run off the field in Alabama and Maryland is 3-0 after playing a weak non-conference.  I don't love Maryland, but I think they could pull this one off against the struggling Badgers.   Maryland 28 Wisconsin 24

Oregon St @ Oregon (-34.5):  This used to be a rivalry game (The Civil War) that was fun to watch.  Not any longer!  OSU is terrible.   Oregon 100 Oregon State 10 

Purdue @ ND (-26.5):  ND is struggling, and the perfect elixir is ordering a number of the Boilermakers at the bar.   ND and CJ Carr are going to win but I like Purdue and the points.  ND 31 Purdue 17

Illinois @ IU (-6.5): I can never remember in my life this match-up being important.  Both teams are ranked and the #9 team in the nation is a nearly a TD dog on the road.  It will be interesting to watch IU not play a tomato can this season.  Illinois 24 IU 21

Washington (-20.5) @ Washington State:  The Apple Cup! WSU keeps losing really good QB's.  I expect this to be competitive, but UW wins in the end.   UW 34 WSU 21

Michigan State @ USC (-17.5): This game is at 11:00 Eastern Time.  Not 11:00 AM, PM!  Sparty and their fans are not happy.  I don't expect them to be happy after the game either.  USC 34 MSU 24

Big Ten Week 3 Preview

I have a no politics rule on this site.  With that said, I hope College Football can give all of us a momentary reprieve from what is going on in this country.  Today is 9/11 and we should remember we all are Americans first.  

Friday Night:

Indiana St @ IU (-48.5):  What type of line is that?  Larry Bird is pissed.  IU 55 ISU 6

New Mexico @ UCLA (-15.5):  Can UCLA go 0-3 with that Tennessee QB?  Watch out for the Lobos!  UCLA 19 New Mexico 14

Saturday:

Oregon (-28.5) @ Northwestern:  This game opens the Big Ten season?  On a side note, what the hell has happened to Oklahoma State?  I really wish Michigan had traveled there last week.   Oregon 51 NW 10 

Wisconsin @ Alabama (-21.5):  Why does the Wisconsin starting QB always get hurt early in the season every year? I like Alabama in this one, but over 3 TD's?   Alabama 21 Wisconsin 13

Houston Christian @ Nebraska: No line.  Really?  Nebraska 36 HCU 7

Towson @ Maryland:  No line. Really? Towson, Maryland sounds like a town with good home values.  Maryland 28 Towson 0

Villanova @ Penn State:  No line, but it's a fun basketball game.  Penn State 28 Vill 10

USC (-20.5) @ Purdue: USC does not play well when they travel East, but it's Purdue.  USC 31 Purdue 20

Norfolk St. @ Rutgers: No Line Really?  Rutgers 28 NFS: 12

Youngstown State @ MSU: No Line, Really?  Good win by Sparty last week.  MSU 30 YSU 17

Ohio @ OSU (-30.5):  Finally Ohio State playing an instate team.  They should play UC every year now they are in the Big 12.  OSU 30 Ohio 13

Western Michigan @ Illinois (-27.5):  I don't think Illinois is a good as everyone thinks they are.  They are better than the Broncos.  Illinois 24 WMU 3

UMass @ Iowa (-35.5): The fighting Don Browns are no longer.  What a terrible game.  Iowa 17 Umass 0

Minnesota (-2.5) @ Cal: Not sure this line makes sense.  I like Cal 23 Minnesota 20

Big Ten Weekend Preview Week 2

The NFL has a game tonight and Jimmy will play the fighting Taylor Swift's on Friday night in Brazil.  Still we are here for Big Ten football and lets see what is on tap this weekend:

Friday Night is for Fighting:

Western Illinois @ Northwestern (no line):  Vegas clearly doesn't know what is going on with either team.  I think NW gets its first win of the year.   Northwestern 30 Western Illinois 10

Northern Illinois @ Maryland (-16.5):  I tell you what, you don't want to play NIU in week 2.  Ask ND.  I think Maryland sneaks out a win but I like the +16.5.    Maryland 28 NIU 17

No Eastern Illinois game on Friday night?

Saturday:

FIU @ Penn State (-42.5):  Penn State is playing one of the worst college football program in the county not to mention in Florida.  Do Not WATCH this game.  Penn State 61 FIU 10

Illinois (-3.5) @ Duke:  Illinois is ranked #11 in the country.  Does anyone know why?  Duke is a basketball school but the football program has been better.  Yes, Illinois is on the road but still only 3.5 points?  Illinois 24 Duke 14

Iowa @ Iowa State (-3.5): This is Fox Big Noon game.  A bit of a let down after last week great game as 2 teams battle for some of  Corn Trophy.  This is the first rivalry game of the year and always close.  ISU 17 Iowa 9

Kennesaw St @ Indiana (36.5):  Indiana's current and future non-conference schedule is laughable.  
At least schedule the MAC.  IU 48 Kenn 7

Northwestern St @ Minnesota:  Another great match-up! WTF? No line.   Minnesota 40 NW St: 12

Grambling @ Ohio State: Another no line.  Ohio State: a lot of points Grambling: a lot of money to show up! 

Oklahoma St @ Oregon (-28.5):  You don't think OK State can keep the Ducks UNDER 40?  I'm a MAN! Is there some Big Ten vs. the State of Oklahoma thing going on this weekend?  Oregon 39 OK State 21

Miami OH @ Rutgers (-15.5) I like Miami and the points, they played Wisconsin tough.  Rutgers 21 Miami 17

MTSU @ Wisconsin (-28.5): Another great match-up.  Wisconsin 31 MTSU 6 

Akron @ Nebraska (-34.5):   Be careful here Nebraska, be very careful.  Nebraska 20 Arkon 14

GA Southern @ USC (-28.5): Georgia Southern is a decent football program.  They won't be able to keep up with USC.  USC 40 GA Southern 10

BC @ MSU (-4.5):  Is this the second best game of the weekend for the Big Ten?  I like BC in this one.  BC 17 MSU 14 

Southern Illinois @ Purdue: This game should be on Friday! No line! Purdue 31 SIU 12

UCLA (-2.5) @ UNLV: Strange one.  Orji in Vegas!  UCLA 41 UNLV 31 

UC Davis @ Washington:  The Big Ten is playing too many teams this weekend that sound like regular guys.  UC Davis sounds like a pitcher in the minor leagues that throws 105 MPH.   Wash 28 UCD 3

Michigan Thursday: Big Ten Preview Week 1

I love so many things during Week 1 when I know football is back.  This post is another example of something that makes me smile because I know football is back.

Update: (how many teams does the Big Ten have?  There alot of games below! 😀)  The Maryland AD says more are coming?  Yikes!

There are 4 Big Ten Games Tonight! 

Ohio @ Rutgers -15.5: Rutgers will continue to be Rutgers as they play tough but just don't have the talent to compete with the Big Ten elite.  They will win this game.  Rutgers 24 Ohio 13 (this is a 6:00 kick)

Buffalo @ Minnesota -17.5: I think The Golden Gophers need to be careful here.  Buffalo sometimes is sneaky good.  Minnesota is also a program that measures success by making bowl games.  Minnesota 21 Buffalo 17 

Nebraska (-6.5) @ Cincinnati: The Cornhuskers need to be really careful here.  Watch how much Nebraska's QB wants to be Patrick Mahomes as has picked up many of Mahomes traits.  Hand signals, hair cut, sayings, etc.  It's a bit over the top if you ask me.  UC is in the Big 12 now,  I see an upset brewing here.  UC 31 Nebraska 28

Miami OH vs. Wisconsin (-17.5): This game will be close for a half and then Wisconsin will wear them down with their running game.  This is basically how every Wisconsin game goes.  Wisconsin 27 Miami 13

2 More Games on Friday Night:

Western Michigan @ MSU -20.5:  Where is this game being played? Italy?  No, East Lansing.  Ok, that makes sense.  I have no idea what either schools has this year.  My guess is Western can stay within 21 points of Sparty.  MSU 31 WMU 14

Western Illinois vs Illinois (-45):  People are very excited about Illinois this year.  Ok, I can understand that but a 45 point favorite over an instate program?  Illinois 44 Western Illinois 3

Saturday:

#1 Texas @ # 3 Ohio State (-1.5): The biggest game of the weekend and maybe ever on Week 1.   The AP could have easily made this a 1 vs. 2.  Yes, Penn State is talented but they never beat Ohio State.  Tough game for Texas to travel to Columbus but Ohio State is going break in a new QB against the #1 team name in nation.  Defense will be ahead of the Offense for both teams.  Texas 20 OSU 17

FAU @ Maryland (-14.5): Both programs are sort of neutral as football programs go.  Both have had good years on the field but now both are basketball schools.  Thank goodness Michigan has Dusty!  Maryland 17 FAU 7

Ball State @ Purdue (-17.5): Purdue continues to try to rebuild and will beat Ball State.  Purdue 20 Ball State 10 

Northwestern @ Tulane (-6.5):  Here is an example of a Big Ten team going on the road to open the season and Tulane can play.  I expect a Tulane win here:  Tulane 23 NW 13

Old Dominion @ IU (-23.5):  IU was the upstart team last year that snuck into the playoffs.  They will come back to earth this year but will win this game easily.  IU 41 OD 21

Nevada @ #2 PSU (-43.5):  Blowout city here and the Penn State hype will continue:  Penn State 51 Nevada 9

Montana St @ Oregon (No Line):  Come on Oregon schedule better.  Oregon 50 MSU 3 

Albany @ Iowa (No Line): Come on Iowa schedule better Iowa 28 Albany 0

Missouri State @ USC (-35.5): USC 45 MSU 6 

Utah (-5.5) @ UCLA: How did I miss this one?  An old school PAC 12 game!  This is a good game and a reason to stay up and watch it!  Utah 28 UCLA 21

Colorado State @ UW (-21.5):  I like UW at home.  Washington 31 CSU 20

• Fox and YouTube TV have come to a temporary extension, so many of the above games are no longer in jeopardy of being shown. 

Happy Thanksgiving! with a side of Big Ten Weekend Preview

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all Michigan Fans and Big House Blog readers! 

 

• Michigan Basketball plays in the finals of the Fort Meyers Tournament tonight against Xavier on FS1 8:30 tip. 

Big Ten Weekend Preview 

Black Friday Matchups:

Minnesota @ Wisconsin (-1.5):  The Golden Gophers are bowl eligible the Badgers are not.   Minnesota should've upset Penn State last week but didn't.  That is the story of PJ's Fleck's career.   Wisconsin is struggling,  Minnesota 21 Wisconsin 17

Nebraska @ Iowa (-4.5): This is actual a Black Friday tradition for some Corn Trophy.  Iowa plays well at home Iowa 28 Nebraska 14

Saturday:

Illinois (-7.5) @ Northwestern: Illinois can win 9 games which is bit of a surprise.  Northwestern is still reeling from the 50 Burger at the Big House.  Illinois 20 NW 13

Maryland @ PSU (-24.5):  Penn State is not good and I guess we won't find that out until the playoffs.   Nice schedule Big Ten.  PSU 41 Maryland 28

Notre Dame (-7.5) @ USC:  I didn't know ND was in the Big Ten now?  Lincoln why don't you do something impressive and upset this Irish team that lost to a bad MAC Team?  ND 31 USC 30

Rutgers @ MSU (-1.5):  What happened to the traditional MSU last game against Penn State?  How is that not a protected rivalry game?  Sparty gets no respect.   What a terrible game.  One last shot for MSU to make it to a bad bowl game.  MSU 17 Rutgers 15

Fresno State @ UCLA (-8):  What? Why?  Who cares?  UCLA 30 Fresno State 20

Purdue @ IU (-29): IU being 29 point favorites over anyone is a storyline in itself.  They have been a great story all year but don't belong in the playoffs.   They are going to roll Purdue.   IU 41 Purdue 10 

I have one suggestion for Warde and the CFP committee.  IU should play either ND or Penn State in Dayton as a play in game next weekend.    That would be more exciting then some of the championship games.  Put it on the CW!  :)

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 13 (also news and notes)

When the season started, we all had one game circled on the schedule.   Clearly, the biggest game of the year.  Indiana @ Ohio State for a shot at the Big Ten Title Game.   With the Big Ten giving The Ducks a free pass to Indy, now the only drama is the traditional rivalry game of IU vs. OSU.

Friday Night Match-Up:

Purdue @ MSU (-13.5): The rare Friday, DO NOT WATCH THIS GAME alert. I guess that no late November night games rule is over.  MSU 17 Purdue 10.

Saturday:

Indiana @ OSU (-13.5):  Michigan's 2nd half gave Ohio State a blue print on how to beat the Hoosiers.  Vegas is not buying IU as they are a 2 TD dog to the Buckeyes.  IU can win this game if they play the perfect game and don't turn the ball over.   This is one of those close first half games and then a blowout after.  OSU 38 IU 17

Illinois (-1) @ Rutgers: Somehow Illinois is still ranked.  Is there a difference between these 2 teams? One is 6-4 and the other 7-3.  Illinois 23 Rutgers 20

Iowa (-6.5) @ Maryland: Does anyone know who is playing QB for Iowa? They found one to replace Cade and then that kid gets hurt and is out for the year.  I expect Cade will play even though Iowa doesn't want him to.  Iowa 14 Maryland 9

Penn State (-11.5) @ Minnesota:  How many of these games are Penn State going to play?  They are going to slip into the playoff by playing nobody and getting embarrassed by Ohio State.   They should play ND in a play-in game to the playoffs.  PSU 38 Minn 28

Wisconsin @ Nebraska (-2.5):  Will the Bowl wins curse continue for Nebraska?  Wisconsin fired their OC after playing Oregon tough at home.  Wisconsin is playing better then Nebraska right now.  At some point Nebraska will win a 6th game.   Wisconsin 24 Nebraska 21

USC (-4.5) @ UCLA:  This is a huge rivalry game and nobody cares.  Both teams have a combined 9 wins and neither have had a good first year experience in the Big Ten.  USC is the better team but UCLA plays pretty well at home.  UCLA 28 USC 23

• Michigan lost another committed recruit with DL Jaylen Williams heading to Wisconsin.  He was committed to Michigan since this summer.  Win some - Lose some. 

• CMU coach Jim McElwain is retiring, clearly a side step from getting fired and the NCAA investigation into Connor Stalions on his sideline. 

• ESPN is ending the show "Around the Horn" next summer. 

• Sounds like tickets are available and low for the Northwestern game on the resale ticket services.

• PFF ranks Mason Graham as DT 1 and Ken Grant as DT 2 in the NFL Draft.  Thanks Wink! 

Big Ten Week 12 Matchups with some News and Notes

Another weekend of stinkers for the Big Ten.  The TV networks must love paying millions for games this weekend.   

Friday:

UCLA @ Washington (-4):  So UCLA has been playing pretty well of late and UW hasn't.  UW is favored because Big Ten teams don't play well on the road.  Take UCLA and the points.   UCLA 21 UW 20

Saturday:

OSU (-28.5) @ Northwestern:  Enjoy the lake views!  I expect it might be windy.  OSU 41 NW 9

MSU @ Illinois (-3):  Illinois is better and I expect them to beat Sparty.  Its the Big Ten road game thing.  Illinois 24 MSU17

Penn State (-28) @ Purdue:  Wow, what a terrible game.  PSU 40 Purdue 12

Nebraska @ USC (-9.5):  Does Nebraska have a bowl game curse?  Does it have to do with them sharing the National Championship with Michigan in 1987.  Correct!  USC 31 Nebraska 21

Rutgers @ Maryland (-6): Can we send these teams to the ACC?  You would have to pay me to watch this game.   Maryland 19 Rutgers 13

Oregon (-14) @ Wisconsin:  How are things in Madison?  This seemed like a good match-up prior to the season starting.  I like the Ducks and the points.  Oregon 38 Wisconsin 10

• Mikey is a captain for tonight's game! 

• TN QB is questionable for the big game against Georgia this weekend 

• Should ND be in the playoffs after losing to Northern Illinois at home?

• Former Michigan QB commit Carter Smith could be heading to FS

• Current LSU commit QB Bryce Understood is reported to have a 10.5M offer from Michigan's NIL groups for 3 years.  This is going to be a fun month seeing how this one ebbs and flows.  Is he going to live in the dorm or buy the dorm? 

Big Ten Preview Week 11

 Light schedule this week for the Big Ten.  No big games but we do have a Friday night match-up.

Friday:

Iowa (-6.5) @ UCLA: Keep an eye on the Bruins.  They are getting better each week.  Iowa has a new QB that seems solid. UCLA 28 Iowa 24

Saturday:

Purdue @ OSU (-38):  Yikes! OSU 48 Purdue 14

Minnesota @ Rutgers (-6): Usually the Golden Gophers start fast and fad in November.   This year they are doing the opposite.  Sneaky good game between mid-level teams.  Minnesota 20 Rutgers 17

Maryland @ Oregon (-25): The Ducks are #1 and have an easy schedule until Indy.  Oregon 31 Maryland 7

Penn State (13.5) @ Washington: Be careful here Nittany Lions.  You did not play well last week at home and if your sleepy in a night game across the country, you could lose your playoff spot.  Washington 24 PSU 23

Big Ten Preview Week 10

Happy Halloween! 👻

When the Big 10 put the schedule out they had hoped for 2 huge games between ranked Big Ten opponents: OSU - PSU and Oregon - Michigan this weekend.  Well, we know how that turned out. 

All Saturday Slate this weekend! 

Ohio State (-3.5) @ Penn State:  I'm not sure about either one of these teams.  I though OSU would win easily but they completely slept walked in a close game vs. Nebraska last week.  We also know Penn State has the James Franklin curse playing at top 5 team.   PSU lumbering QB is banged up and questionable.  I still give Ohio State the edge as we all know James can't coach on game day.  OSU 28 PSU 21

Minnesota (-3) @ Illinois:  Vegas does not like the Illini at all and they are home dog again.   This time to the Golden Gophers.  Illinois is the better team.   Illinois 18 Minnesota 13

Northwestern (-1) @ Purdue: This is your don't watch game of the week! Purdue 9 NW 7

Indiana (-8) @ MSU:  Poor Sparty is licking it's wounds after losing the Michigan game and losing the Big Ten escalation.  Now the upstart IU program is making a house call.   It could be worse, they could have the #1 team in the nation visiting.  IU 41 MSU 17

UCLA @ Nebraska (-6):  If the Cornhuskers get the W, they get to go to a Bowl Game.  Lucky them!  UCLA is improved but I think Nebraska gained some confidence with a solid game in Columbus.  Nebraska 31 UCLA 20

Wisconsin @ Iowa (-3): This used to be the match-up to see who goes to Indy for the Big Ten Championship game.  Not this year.  Neither team is good or bad.  Looks like Cade's QB career is now over.  Iowa 17 Wisconsin 16

USC (-2.5) @ Washington: PAC 12 battle of 4-4 teams.  USC is the better team but Lincoln Log Riley continues to lose games. UW only plays well at home.   USC 31 UW30

Big Ten Weekend Preview: Week 9

Can anyone tell me the good teams in the Big Ten?  What about nationally?  Is it Army and Navy? Is it Oregon and IU?  Game Day is in Bloomington, must be a good pre-season basketball game.   What the hell is going on out there?

Friday:

Rutgers @ USC (-13.5):  This is a 11PM EST kick.  Enough said.  USC 24 Rutgers 7

Saturday:

Nebraska @ OSU (-25.5):  This is not a good match-up for the young Nebraska squad as the professional team in Columbus will roll them pretty easily.  It will be semi-close in the 1st half.   OSU 42 Nebraska 14

UW @ IU (-6.5):  Washington should come with gifts for IU, since their former OC and QB lead the Huskies to the final PAC 12 Championship and the National Championship game.   IU hired a no name coach that knows how to coach and work the transfer portal.  They are the hottest team in college football as they have played a JV schedule.  Still, they look really good.  (take the points!)  IU 44 UW 28

Illinois @ Oregon (-21.5):  I hope Illinois enjoyed their win last weekend because they are in a world of hurt this week.  Oregon 36 Illinois 13

Northwestern @ Iowa (-13.5):  I should've watched the MSU -  Iowa game but I can't spend time doing that.  Why would anyone?  Iowa 17 NW 10

Maryland @ Minnesota (-4): Is every team in the Big Ten 4-3?  Minnesota 20 Maryland 19

Penn State (-6.5) @ Wisconsin:  Penn State is waiting to be upset and somehow skating through every game.  This is not the week.  Penn State 28 Wisconsin 18