Week 11 Picks

South Dakota State vs. Minnesota
Prediction: Although the Gophers are Decker-less right now. They will win this game and become bowl eligible. Minnesota 27, South Dakota State 10

Indiana vs. Penn State
Prediction: The Lions may not be able to smell the roses, but they're certainly going to keep playing hard and try to make another BCS bowl. Season's over for Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers as the Lions roll, 35-7.

Michigan vs. Wisconsin
Prediction: This is a HUGE game for Rich Rod. A must-win since they play Ohio State next week. That being said, I think Bielema and Tolzien will win this one. Wolverines miss out on a bowl for the second-straight year as the Badgers jump around to the tune of a 24-14 victory.

Michigan State vs. Purdue
Prediction: I never would have thought that Purdue would be two wins away from bowl eligibility. Honestly, I think the Boilers have this one in the bag. Sparty has struggle since losing to Iowa and is coming off an easy win over a MAC opponent. I don't think they will be ready for Danny Hope and the Boilers. Purdue wins it, 21-17.

Northwestern vs. Illinois
Prediction: Northwestern is coming off a huge win at Iowa and I think they will continue to build off of that win when they head to Champaign. Pat Fitzgerald and his squad get it done for a second-straight week, beating the fighting Zooks, 17-14.

Iowa vs. Ohio State
Prediction: It's a game for all the roses. James Vandenberg is going to have to shoulder the load for the Hawkeye offense and not make mistakes. Call me biases, call me a homer, I honestly believe Iowa will win this game. It's going to be a low-scoring defensive effort and the Hawks are going to rally around their young QB. Iowa wins in a close one, 10-7.

Time for Week 7 Picks

Another installment of pick'em. Now that I'm in a self-described "Pick'em War" against ESPN Blogger Adam Rittenberg, I'll post his picks for you as well. But first, here's my picks

Deleware State vs. Michigan
Game Time: 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Should be an easy game for Michigan to get themselves back on track, let's see how Tate Forcier plays after being roughed up by the Hawkeyes (and after being yelled at a lot by Rich Rod).
Prediction: Wolverines roll 38-10
Rittenberg's Pick: Michigan

Iowa vs. Wisconsin
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: It's the battle for the Heartland Trophy. The Hawkeyes hit the road for the next two weeks to see if they can continue their undefeated season.
Prediction: Stanzi plays better, Hawkeyes win in a close one, 24-21
Rittenberg's Pick: Wisconsin

Northwestern vs. Michigan State
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
What to watch for: Michigan State's QB play and how the Sparty defense plays against the Mike Kafka offense.
Prediction: In a slight upset, I'll take the Wildcats, 27-24
Rittenberg's Pick: Michigan State

Ohio State vs. Purdue
Game Time: 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Let's see if Purdue can even compete in this game
Prediction: Purdue has, what I would say is a 0% chance of winning, and I think I'm being generous. Buckeyes crush the Boilers, 40-7
Rittenberg's Pick: Ohio State

Minnesota vs. Penn State
Game time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: If the Gophers have any chance, Adam Weber and Eric Decker need to have damn good games.
Prediction: Penn State keeps it going, winning this one 30-13
Rittenberg's Pick: Penn State

Illinois vs. Indiana
Game Time: 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Battle of some bottom feeders. Illinois needs to limit the turnovers if they wi this game (Good luck with Juice and Magee at QB).
Prediction: Indiana will pull of the upset in this one, and the Fighting Illness will prepare fireronzook.com. Hoosiers win 17-14
Rittenberg's Pick: Illinois

So as you can see, this is a BIG week for me to either jump ahead of Adam Rittenberg or for him to catch up to me. Only time will tell. Let's just sit back and watch some Big Ten Football

Week 5 already!? Unbelievable

Its crazy how fast the season has flown by, we're already at week 5. Well here's my picks and predictions for this weeks games.
Lets see if I can continue to beat Adam Rittenberg

Arkansas State vs. Iowa
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
What to watch for: Look to see if the Hawks can continue to roll. They've looked extremely impressive after that near slip-up against Northern Iowa. Offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga has been cleared to play after a thyroid condition kept him out for three weeks.
Prediction: On Iowa! Hawkeyes roll 27-7

Michigan vs. Michigan State
Game Time: 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network
What to watch for: A loss for Sparty would be absolutely detrimental. I think quarterback play and the turnover battle will be the key to this one.
Prediction: Tate is still a Forcier and the Wolverines remain atop the Big Ten after this one. Sparty's season looks to be coming to a close...Michigan wins 24-13

Northwestern vs. Purdue
Game Time: 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Purdue's has been horrific when it comes to penalties. Last week the Boilers committed 13 penalties for 103 yards against Notre Dame.
Prediction: Pat Fitzgerald will have his team fired up and the Wildcats will come away victorious, 24-17

Wisconsin vs. Minnesota
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: Badger QB Scott Tolzien has played just as good as any other QB in the Big Ten, if not better than any other QB. Look for him to have another good one, but this will be a tougher test for Wisconsin.
Prediction: Wisconsin continues to roll, but this one is going to be really close. Decker and Weber will keep the Gophers in it. Badgers win 17-14

There are your predictions for the early games, I'll be back later tonight or tomorrow with the afternoon and evening game picks.

One Quick Note...

Hey all, I'm still recovering from that incredible win by the Hawkeyes last night.

But I just have one quick note.

I'll be back with the next installment of 10 Big Things and Tweets around the Big Ten tomorrow, but I did want to point out one quick thing...

Check out my pick'em record right now, over on the left side in the Big Ten Standings section.

I'm currently 31-7. Just below that is the pick'em record for ESPN Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg.

Just wanted to point out that I have a four game lead at picking games on a guy that works for ESPN, just saying...

That's all for now because its time for some booklearning, time to stop slacking off at the library and time to get some work done.