Alamo Bowl Preview

Michigan State vs. Texas Tech

When: Jan. 2 at 8 p.m. (central) on ESPN

Where: San Antonio, Texas

What to watch for: The Red Raiders boast the best passing offense in the Big 12, and the Spartans have the worst passing defense in the Big Ten. This should be the difference in the ball game. If Sparty doesn't stop the pass, they will not win this one. Another factor in this one is how the Spartans will react to not having eight of its players on the squad. Michigan State will be without WR's B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell and Fred Smith, RB Ashton Leggett, CB Chris Rucker, LB/S Brynden Trawick, DT Ishmyl Johnson and DE Jamiihr Williams.

Cunningham and Dell rank second and third for the Spartans in receiving yards, respectively, whil Leggett had 125 rushing yards and four touchdowns for the Spartans.

Prediction: Texans always Remember the Alamo. There is just too much going against Sparty in this game. Texas Tech's offense is too prolific and the suspensions will hurt Mark Dantonio's squad. Red Raiders win this one, 38-14.

VS.

(Photo Credit: athlonsports.com)

10 Big Things about Week 5: Let's call it Juice Williams's swan song...

1. Juice benched: How the so-called mighty have fallen. The Big Ten preseason first-team QB has been benched in favor of junior Eddie Magee. Juice had an interception and a fumble in the loss to the Nittany Lions. I have to admit, I do have a slight bias, being that I am a big Juice hater (Williams that is - not the drink), but its a shame we won't see more of this the rest of the season.

(Photo Credit: ChicagoNow.com)

2. John Clay: The Badger running back makes his second appearance on 10 Big Things. He simply dominated, with 32 carries for 184 yards and three touchdowns in Wisconsin's win over the weekend.

3. Sparty back on track: Michigan State stepped it up when it was most needed with their overtime win against the Wolverines. One thing that is worrisome is the quarterback play, however. Kirk Cousins tossed two interceptions in regulation, which forced head coach Mark Dantonio to play backup Keith Nichol in overtime.

4. Tyler Sash: Honestly, this guy is just an interception machine. Sash picked off another one this past weekend, giving him five on the season. He's tied for first in the NCAA in interceptions and has seven INT's in his last eight games, dating back to last season.

5. Daryll Clark: The Nittany Lion signal-caller was solid this week, bouncing back after their home loss to Iowa. Clark completed 17 of 25 passes for 175 yards and also rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

6. Boiler Butter Fingers: Purdue turned the ball over six times this weekend, five on fumbles and one on an interception. Purdue already has 17 turnovers this year and their -8 turnover margin is dead last in the Big Ten.

7. Marvin McNutt: McNutt had a career day at wide receiver on Saturday. The former Hawkeye third-string quarterback caught four passes for 121 yards and had a pair of touchdowns in the Hawkeye's win over Arkansas State.

8. Terelle Pryor: the Buckeye sophomore threw three touchdowns and ran for another in the Ohio State victory over Indiana

9. Northwestern mounts comeback over Purdue: Northwestern outscored Purdue 24-0 in the last 31 minutes of the game to defeat Purdue 27-21

10. Larry Caper: The Spartan RB had 13 carries for 39 yards, including the 23-yard game winning run in overtime to upset the Wolverines.

BTOC: Week 5

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-1)

2. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0)

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1)

4. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0)

5. Michigan Wolverines (4-1)

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-2)

7. Northwestern Wildcats (3-2)

8. Michigan State Spartans (2-3)

9. Indiana Hoosiers (3-2)

10. Illinois Illini (1-3)

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-4)

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.

10 Big Things from Week 4

Time for everyone's favorite segment...10 BIG THINGS!

10. Duane Bennett: The Gopher RB took some pressure off of QB Adam Weber and star wideout Eric Decker by rushing for 89 yards on 21 carries. The sophomore ran for three touchdowns.

9. Juice Williams: Will the real Juice Williams please stand up? Voted as the first team All-Big Ten quarterback this preseason, the senior had an awful performance against the Buckeyes. Williams threw for only 79 yards and tossed two interceptions

8. Michigan State struggles yet again: At this point, Sparty fans are probably counting down the days until the start of basketball season. Michigan State struggled for the third straight week, turning the ball over four times. Sparty has turned the ball over six times in the last two games.

7. Iowa has Big Ten Players of the Week...again: The streak continues. The Hawkeyes have had at least one Big Ten Player of the Week in each of the first four weeks. This week it was senior linebacker Pat Angerer and junior defensive lineman Adrian Clayborn. Binns was named defensive player of the week for recording a safety and Clayborn was named sp

ecial teams player of the week for returning a punt for a touchdown.

6. Bad Call in IU-Michigan game: It appeared that Hoosier receiver Demarlo Belcher and the Wolverine defender both had possession of the ball as they hit the ground, which would be ruled as dual possession, giving the ball to the Hoosiers. However, the call on the field was ruled an interception and the play stood even after an official review. This call cost the Hoosiers a chance to mount a comeback drive against Michigan.

5. John Clay: The Badger running back rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown in the

win over Michigan State

4. Bill Lynch's sideline tirade: The Hoosier head man (right) had a good one on Saturday. After the dual-possession/interception play occurred, Lynch sprinted down the sidelines, tossing his headset down and chucking his gum (the flavor was probably gone anyways...)

(Photo credit: espn.com)

3. Tate Forcier: The freshman QB lead the Wolverine comeback over the Hoosiers, throwing for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score.

2. Scott Tolzien: The Wisconsin signal caller is for real. The junior threw for 243 yards and four touchdowns in the 38-30 win over Michigan State.

1. Iowa Hawkeyes upset Joe Pa: The Hawkeyes defeated the Nittany Lions for the seventh time in the last eight meetings. The win moved Iowa into the top 25, putting them at 13th in the AP poll and 17th in the Coaches poll

1A. Football in the Heartland blogger beating ESPN Big Ten blogger in pick'em: That's right, I don't want to brag or anything, but I am up four games on ESPN Big Ten blogger Adam Rittenberg in picking Big Ten games.

Let's start the Big Ten schedule: Week 4 Picks

Indiana (3-0) vs. Michigan (3-0)

Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2

What to watch for: The Hoosiers get a tough test right away in the Big Ten, facing off against Rich Rod. This game will tell us if Indiana is for real

Prediction: I'm not buying Indiana being a good team, I don't see them winning more than one or two Big Ten games at most. Michigan and Tate Forcier take down the Hoosiers in the Big House, 30-14.

Michigan State (1-2) vs. Wisconsin (3-0)

Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN

What to watch for: This is a very interesting game, and a crucial game for Sparty if they want to right the ship. Badger QB Scott Tolzien (right) has been kind of an under the radar quarterback, but he's played extremely well thus far. He's completed 69% of his passes for 641 yards.

Prediction: This is a tough one, I like both of these teams and I think Sparty is better than their record. Unfortunately for MSU, I like Wisconsin in this game. Camp Randall is going to be jumping around all day long. Badgers win it in a close one, 20-17

(Tolzien photo credit: www.badgernation.com)

Minnesota (2-1) vs. Northwestern (2-1)

Game Time: 11 a.m. on Big Ten Network

What to watch for: There's alot of offense to watch here. Northwestern QB Mike Kafka is 2nd in the Big Ten in passing yards per game and is coming off being named the Big Ten co-offensive player of the week. Gopher wideout Eric Decker is 4th in the NCAA in receiving yards, and Gopher QB Adam Weber is third in the Big Ten in passing yards per game.

Prediction: Lots and lots of offense in this game, it will be fun to watch. I'm thinking the Gophers win this one in a shootout, 40-33

I'll be back later to give you my predictions for the three afternoon/evening games

BTOC: Big Team on Campus

We're heading for Week 4 of Big Ten play, and that means it time to toss around some rankings. Now I don't use any high tech mathematical formulas or computers to figure out the top teams in the Big Ten. Just my brain, and my mind...and I'm using my head too. So here we go, lets size up the Big Ten rankings thru three weeks of play. Who's the BIG TEAM ON CAMPUS?

1. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)

3. Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)

4. Michigan Wolverines (3-0)

5. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0)

6. Michigan State Spartans (1-2): I think they are much better team than how they've been playing

7. Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)

8. Northwestern Wildcats (2-1)

9. Illinois Illini (1-1)

10. Indiana Hoosiers (3-0): Lets see how they do in Big Ten play

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-2)

Agree? Disagree? Discuss....

10 Big Things from Week 3

Another week, another 10 Big Things

10. Sean Lee injured: The Nittany Lions start linebacker sprained his knee in the first half of the game against Temple. He is curretly listed as "possible" on the depth chart for this weeks game against Iowa. If Lee is unable to play, it could be detrimental for the Lions (And great for my Hawkeyes!)

9. Big Ten loses to a MAC school for the second straight week: It was bad enough when Central Michigan defeated Sparty, now Northern Illinois dominated Purdue. Whats next?!

8. Tyler Sash (right): Making his second appearance on the 10 Big Things. Sash had another interception this past weekend, giving him four picks already this season.

(Photo Credit: Hawkeyesports.com)

7. Ralph Bolden: The sophomore runner caught four passes for 62 yards and ran for another 64 yards to continue his string of good play for the Boilers.

6. Wolverine center David Molk: The big fella suffered a broken bone in his foot on Saturday that will require surgery. The anchor of the Michigan line will be out for 4-6 weeks.

5. Greg Jones: The Sparty LB continues to show why he was named Big Ten preseason player of the year. Jones is 3rd in the NCAA in tackles with 38.

4. Hawkeyes continue streak of player of week winners: Iowa punter Ryan Donahue was named co-Big Ten special teams player of the week this week. Iowa has produced a player of the week in each of the first three weeks this season. Jeremiha Hunter was co-special teams player of the week in week 1 and Tyler Sash was co-defensive player of the week in week 2.

3. Indiana undefeated: I have to give Indiana a little bit of credit, they are a little bit better than I thought they would be. I figured they would slip up agaist at least one of these non-conference teams, so I give credit to Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers. However, this doesn't mean they will be sucessful in the Big Ten by any stretch of the imagination

2. Ohio State rights the ship: Great job by the Buckeyes to get back on track and easily defeat Toledo this past week. That's big for them going into the Big Ten schedule. Although Terelle Pryor did throw two picks, which is a bit disheartening.

1. ESPN College GameDay heading to Big Ten Country: College GameDay is going to Happy Valley this coming Saturday for the Iowa-Penn State game. Get fired up Big Ten Fans. I know I am. I'm hoping to see Corso throw on a Herky Hawkeye mask, but I won't count on it.

Big Weekend for Big Ten: My Week 2 Picks for the 11 a.m. games

It's time for another week of picks. Last week the Big Ten went 10-1 and I went 11-0 with my picks. I plan to stay undefeated this week with my picks, but if I do, then the Big Ten certainly will not have a 10-1 record this week. Lets take a look at the games...

Western Michigan (0-1) vs. Indiana (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch For: Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller completed 22 passes for 259 yards against Michigan last week, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Hiller ranks 13th all time in MAC history in career passing yards and 6th in career passing touchdowns.
Prediction: Indiana will pick up win number two, which is good because wins are going to be hard to come by for the Hoosiers as the season progresses. Indiana 17, Western Michigan 10

Central Michigan (0-1) vs. Michigan St. (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
Who to watch for: CMU QB Dan LeFevour has passed for 9,575 yards, thrown 74 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,253 in his career as a Chippewa.
Prediction: Michigan St. will continue to use both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol at QB, and the MSU defense will be too much for the Chippewas. Michigan State 30, Central Michigan 14

Eastern Michigan (0-1) vs. Northwestern (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch for: Northwestern's Corey Wootton is on the watch list for several defensive awards this season. The defensive end only played a quarter in week 1 vs. Towson after sitting out much of spring practice nursing the Torn ACL he suffered in the Alamo Bowl last season. Look to see if he gets more time this weekend.
Prediction: Wildcats QB Mike Kafka has a big day and Northwestern trounces EMU, 40-10.

Syracuse (0-1) vs. Penn St (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch for: Daryll Clark and Greg Paulus. Look for Clark to have another big day at QB for the Lions, but I expect Paulus to have a pretty good game in his second career start with the Orange.
Prediction: This will be a close game for one or two quarters, but the Lions pull away in the second half. Penn State 37, Syracuse 17.

Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on FSN (Mediacom in Iowa)
Who to watch for: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was almost non-existent in Iowa's near stumble against FCS foe Northern Iowa. Last year, "DJK" was one of Ricky Stanzi's go-to receivers, having 44 catches for 639 yards. But last week, he made only one catch for 22 yards and only saw the field for a couple of plays.
Prediction: First Rivalry game of the season, the Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Although the Hawkeyes never seem to play well at Iowa State, I see Iowa winning a close one to get them to 2-0. Hawkeyes win this one 24-17.

Fresno State (1-0) vs. Wisconsin (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
Who to watch for: Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews ran for 106 yards last week against UC-Davis. The junior has run for over 1,500 yards in his career.
Prediction: *UPSET ALERT* Wisconsin almost blew it last week at home against Northern Illinois, look for Fresno State to pull off the upset at Camp Randall this week. Fresno State wins it on the road, 36-27

Part 1 of my Week 1 predictions

Only about 7 hours away from kickoff of the Big Ten season. I couldn't be more excited to head over to Kinnick Stadium for the Hawkeye games, then get back to my apartment and watch football all day. This is definitely the time of year when I'm up until the wee hours of the morning on Sunday working on the homework I probably should have at least started on Saturday. But I digress, here's the breakdowns for three of the 11 a.m. Big Ten games on Saturday. More to come later today and tomorrow, plus a special twitter related feature that I'm hoping to have every Friday. Stay tuned....

Towson vs. Northwestern

Game Time: 11 a.m. central on the Big Ten Network

Towson Tigers Breakdown (3-9 record last season)

Player to watch:

-Brady Smith (DE): The Boston College transfer started in 12 games for the Golden Eagles in 2007. Had six tackles and four sacks in the Towson spring game.

Northwestern Wildcats Breakdown

Players to watch:

-Mike Kakfa (QB): Kafka takes over full-time for the departed C.J. Bacher, but he has a good bit of experience. He's played in parts of the last three seasons, throwing for 330 yards and rushing for 321 last season. He's also on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award watch list.

-Corey Wootton (DE): The 6'7", 280 lb defensive end (right) is playboy preseason All-American and is on the Bednarik, Nagurski, Hendricks, Lott, and Lombardi award watch lists.

Prediction: Wilcats top the Tigers. Northwestern 38 ---Towson 7
(Wootton photo credit: espn.com)

Montana State vs. Michigan State

Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network

Montana State Bobcats Breakdown

Player to watch:
-Dane Fletcher (DE): Fletcher is on the Buchanan watch list for the best defensive player in FCS (formerly 1-AA).

Michigan State Spartans Breakdown:

Players to watch:

-Greg Jones (LB): The Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year had 127 tackles (80 solo) and 2 sacks last season
-The Quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins will be starting the game but Keith Nichol will also see action as well. Cousins threw for 310 yards last year backing up Brian Hoyer. Nichol transferred from Oklahoma after the 2007 season.
Prediction: Sparty wins this one big. Michigan State 40---Montana State 10

Navy vs. Ohio State
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
Navy Midshipmen Breakdown: (8-5 last season)
Player to watch:
-Ricky Dobbs (QB): Dobbs leads the Midshipmen isn't going to do much throwing, but he will run the heck out of the ball. Dobbs ran for 498 yards last season.

Ohio State Buckeyes Breakdown:
Player to watch:
-Terelle Pryor: Big Ten fans know what Pryor brings to the table for the Buckeyes. The preseason Big Ten player of the year looks to lead his Buckeye squad to the promised land in his second season under center. Pryor threw for over 1,300 yards last year and rushed for another 631. Look for Pryor to have a huge season for Jim Tressel and OSU.
Prediction: Navy will run the ball, ALOT. And then they will run some more. But they will be no match for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State 45----Navy 7