B1G Preview: Week 10

Week 9 was worse than week 8 for my picks. I admit, I drank the Kool-Aid on Michigan State (always a mistake), and I doubted OSU at home at night (also a mistake). I will say though, I feel bad for Wisconsin. Two heart-breaking losses two weeks in a row on the road. They could be reeling. Purdue should provide a nice re-entry to the win column, as they did for us last week.

Weeks 1-8: 54-13
Week 9: 3-3
Overall: 57-16  (.780)

All games are on Saturday 11/5. All times eastern. My picks in bold. (Rankings: BCS)

Legends Division

#15 Michigan @ Iowa

12:00 - ESPN

Minnesota @ #17 Michigan State

12:00 - BTN

Northwestern @ #10 Nebraska

3:30 - BTN

Leaders Division

Indiana @ Ohio State

12:00 - BTN

Purdue @ #20 Wisconsin

3:30 - ABC/ESPN2

Bye: Illinois, #16 Penn State

Biggest "must-watch" games of the week:
For the first time in a while, Michigan is the top game of the week in the conference. There is a clear division between the haves and the have-nots, and I think the teams I have picked are the haves. But the exception is Iowa. They are a borderline team right now. But given their loss to Minnesota last week, that took them down a couple pegs. They are very suspect on defense...which gives the obvious edge to Michigan.

Upset Alert!
You can call me crazy, and I know many of you do, but I'm putting OSU on upset alert. They're riding high from their huge win over Wisconsin (fan actually rushed the field after the game...come on Buckeyes...act like you've been there), but I don't think a dramatic primetime win is a cure for what ails Ohio State. They still have some big question marks on both sides of the ball. A hangover is not so far outside the realm of possibility...and Indiana is licking it's chops.

 

But notice who I picked to win.

 

I also think Northwestern is going to play Nebraska tough as well, but not tough enough to score an upset. Not on the road.

Snoozer of the week
Minnesota beat Iowa last week, but Michigan State, fresh off a huge loss to Nebraska last week, is looking for revenge. Minnesota got it's signature win of the year last week. Back to reality.

Bold predictions!
I really do think that the cream of the B1G should rise this week. All of the favorites should win. And we should be no closer to a clearer picture of the league's divisional races when Saturday has come and gone.