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Some weeks are compelling, others . . . not as much
This week’s set of games is again somewhat short, and truthfully a little underwhelming. There just aren’t a ton of noteworthy matchups this weekend, though we do get a rare mid-season out-of-conference game to spice things up a bit. Let’s get to it!
#10 Michigan State (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Indiana (2-3, 0-2)
Noon Eastern, FS1
Michigan State -4.5
At the start of the season, one of these teams was ranked, and the other hoped for a .500 season. Here we are six short weeks later, and the roles have completely flipped. Is Michigan State a top 10 team? I mean, per the rankings, yes, but I haven’t seen them truly dominate an opponent. Indiana meanwhile has lost its 2020 magic, but could still cause some noise in the conference. From here on out, I’m all aboard the #chaos train.
Should You Watch? I wouldn’t.
Prediction: Indiana 17, Michigan State 14
Nebraska (3-4, 1-3) at Minnesota (3-2, 1-1)
Noon Eastern, ESPN2
Nebraska -4
C’mon Nebraska! How many one-score games can a team lose, especially against highly ranked opponents? The Cornhuskers had a chance for the upset against Michigan, but fumbled it away. They also were hanging tough with Oklahoma, but couldn’t find a way to win. Eventually things need to bounce right for the Huskers, don’t they? Minnesota seems like a good way to get to .500 on the season.
Should You Watch? I think I’ll check it out, though if something (anything) else catches my eye, I’ll probably venture elsewhere.
Prediction: Nebraska 28, Minnesota 14
Rutgers (3-3, 0-3) at Northwestern (2-3, 0-2)
Noon Eastern, BTN
Rutgers -2
Am I the only one rooting for Rutgers to be not bad? Like, the Scarlet Knights have been terrible for so long, I’m okay with them being a bowl-eligible team with some regularity. Given how tough the East is, I’d like for Rutgers to make hay against their West opponents, and Northwestern is a prime opportunity.
Should You Watch? I wouldn’t, unless you like ugly, low-scoring football.
Prediction: Rutgers 17, Northwestern 14
Purdue (3-2, 1-1) at #2 Iowa (6-0, 3-0)
3:30 PM Eastern, ABC
Iowa -11.5
By virtue of playing in the weakest division in college football, Iowa won’t face another ranked team this year. Which is good, because Penn State showed the world exactly how to beat them. Can Purdue take advantage of the Iowa weaknesses? Who knows, but you better believe I’ll be rooting against the Hawkeyes from here on out forever.
Should You Watch? Yup!
Prediction: Purdue 49, Iowa 3
Army (4-1) at Wisconsin (2-3)
8:00 PM Eastern, BTN
Wisconsin -14
Kind of weird seeing a non-conference game in mid-October, but when you start the season with conference games, this is what you get! Wisconsin still needs to sort out its offense, but the Black Knights aren’t exactly a defensive powerhouse. If the Badgers can contain the Army rushing attack, they should win fairly comfortably.
Should You Watch? I think I’ll drop in for a bit.
Prediction: Wisconsin 31, Army 17
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By: Chris Lucia
Title: The B1G Preview: The Slog
Sourced From: www.blackshoediaries.com/2021/10/14/22726003/the-b1g-preview-the-slog-bsd-michigan-state-indiana-nebraska-minnesota
Published Date: Thu, 14 Oct 2021 13:23:00 +0000
