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)

Two more games to pick...Could Penn St slip up again?

Penn State vs. Illinois

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC

What to watch for: Penn State will look to rebound after losing at home last week to the Hawkeyes. Look to see if Juice Williams can do anything at all at QB. His play was absolutely abysmal last week.

Prediction: Doesn't matter whether its Juice or Eddie McGee, the Illini are done. Penn State gets back on track with a road win, 27-10

Ohio State vs. Indiana

Game Time: 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network

What to watch for: Indiana really impressed me last week, despite losing to the Wolverines in a close one. The Hoosiers will have another tough test trying to keep up with the Buckeyes

Prediction: Indiana will keep it close for a half. But the Buckeyes will pull away from this one after halftime. Ohio State wins it 30-14

BTOC: Big Team on Campus

Last Week's Rankings in parentheses after the win-loss record

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1) - (2)

2. Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0) - (3)

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1) - (1)

4. Michigan Wolverines (4-0) - (4)

5. Wisconsin Badgers (4-0) - (5)

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-1) - (7)

7. Indiana Hoosiers (3-1) - (10)

8. Northwestern Wildcats (2-2) - (8)

9. Illinois Illini (1-2) - (9)

10. Michigan State Spartans (1-3) - (6)

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-3) - (11)

Sizing up the triad of afternoon action

Illinois (1-1) vs. Ohio State (2-1)
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: Let's see how Illinois plays coming off of their bye week. Haven't heard much from Juice Williams and "Rejus" Benn yet have we?
Prediction: It's a big game for the Illini, a big game I don't think they are ready for. Buckeyes win it at home, 24-10


Notre Dame (2-1) vs. Purdue (1-2)
Game Time: 7 p.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: Still can't quite figure out Purdue. They play tough on the road against Oregon and then they lose to Northern Illinois? Joey Elliott and Ralph Bolden need to have a good game if the Boilers are going to stay in this one.
Prediction: I think Purdue will keep it close, but Notre Dame is simply the better team. Irish win it 30-20


Iowa (3-0) vs. Penn State (3-0)
Game Time: 7 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: The Lions will be looking for revenge and will give Iowa a tough atmosphere at home (watch for the whiteout). The game will hinge on the Iowa defense and whether or not Hawkeye QB Ricky Stanzi is able to step up and play well.
Prediction: Call me biased but I really think the Hawkeyes are gonna win this one again. Penn State hasn't played anyone good thus far, and they haven't looked particularly good either. Sean Lee might miss this game which is a crucial blow for the Nittany Lions. I think the Hawkeye "D" plays extremely well and the offense does just enough to win this one. Hawkeyes win it, 20-17

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.

Sizing up the week 3 Big Ten schedule

Eastern Michigan (0-2) vs. Michigan (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Let's see if Rich Rod and the Wolverines can keep it going this week. Watch to see if Tate Forcier continues to play beyond his years or if a little bit of freshman stupidity comes into play.
Prediction: Michigan wins it big and Forcier has another great performance. Michigan wins this one 38-3.

#8 California (2-0) vs. Minnesota (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: This is the most intriguing early game. The Golden Bears are the the 8th ranked team in the country according to the AP poll. Cal's offense has been incredible thus far, scoring more than 50 points in both of their first two games.
Prediction: Minnesota's luck is going to run out this week. Cal takes care of the Gophers, 35-10

Temple (0-1) vs. Penn State (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: There isn't a whole lot to watch for except that Penn State should dominate in every facet of this game. Look for Daryll Clark to continue to play extremely well.
Prediction: Man the Nittany Lions schedule is a cupcake. Lions win HUGE, 58-3

Northern Illinois (1-1) vs. Purdue (1-1)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Boiler RB Ralph Bolden leads the NCAA in rushing, look for him to continue to run the ball well against the Huskies.
Prediction: The MAC has really been a thorn in the side of the Big Ten, but Purdue has impressed me. The Boilers will win this game 27-17.

Wofford (1-1) vs. Wisconsin (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien has been somewhat under the radar this year. But the junior has looked pretty good, completing 66% of his passes for 482 yards and two touchdowns
Prediction: Wofford's nickname is the Terriers. If you lose to a team named the Terriers you should just quit football altogether. Wisconsin wins this one 38-6

Ohio State (1-1) vs. Toledo (1-1)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN Plus
What to watch for: This is an intriguing game as well. Toledo isn't just goin to roll over against a downtrodden Buckeye team. The Rockets defeated Colorado last week 54-38.
Prediction: Call me crazy, but I think this one might be close. It's going to be high scoring, but close. Buckeyes win it 40-33.

News around the Big Ten

Time for some news, notes, and the occasional nugget from other newspapers and blogs

Ken Gordon of the Columbus Dispatch writes that Jim Tressel will continue his play-calling duties despite fan frustration.

Jeff Rabjohns of the Indianapolis Star writes about former Purdue linebacker Kevin Sumlin and how he has revived the Houston program

Terry Hutchens of the Indianapolis Star writes about Indiana's 2-0 start. But are they for real?

Kent Youngblood of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes that the Gophers need to be more consistent on offense if they want to upset #8 California.

Andrew Logue of the Des Moines Register writes about the Stoops family's return to Iowa City this weekend.

Adam Rittenberg of ESPN writes that Wisconsin is still struggling with the flu

Rich Rodriguez posted on his twitter: "Just launched our new football website, check it out @ http://insidemichiganfootball.com/. Let me know what you think"

Brian McLaughlin of the Sporting News writes that Penn State landed the top fullback recruit in the country.

Star Hawkeye O-lineman out for Cy-Hawk game this weekend. Plus other Big Ten nuggets

Iowa offensive lineman Bryan Bulaga (right, #79) will miss this weekends game at Iowa State due to a mysterious ailment or illness.

Twitter and several message boards were buzzing yesterday with rumors of the ailment. The rumors ranged from an ailment that would keep him out this week to a condition that could possibly be career-threatening.

But hold the phone, here's what we know so far. ESPN blogger Adam Rittenberg reports that he will miss the Iowa State game.

"Bryan Bulaga was hospitalized with an illness this past week and will not be available to play [Saturday]," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. "Bryan is doing much better, has been released and will accompany the team this weekend. We expect Bryan to return to his normal activities soon."

The junior O-lineman earned second team All-Big Ten honors last season and was voted as a preseason second team all-american by Phil Steele's College Football. He is considered to be a legitimate NFL prospect and Sports Illustrated predicted Bulaga to be an All-American this season in their College Football Preview edition.

(Photo Credit: www.nationalchamps.net)


Other Big Ten nuggets...

-Mark Snyder of the Detroit Free press writes that Rich Rod and Jim Tressel will be rooting for each other this weekend
-Mike Carmin of the Indiapolis Star writes about the energy that new Boiler coach Danny Hope brings to Purdue.
-ESPN blogger Adam Rittenberg writes about the wild atmosphere the Hawkeyes will face in Ames, IA when they take on the Cyclones this weekend.
-Herb Gould of the Chicago Sun-Times writes about how Big Ten pride hangs on the shoulders of Ohio State this weekend.

Picks for the week 2 afternoon and evening games

Notre Dame (1-0) vs. Michigan (1-0)

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC

Who to watch for: Jimmy Claussen, look for the Irish QB to have a big day

Prediction: Notre Dame takes down Rich Rod (right) and the Wolverines at the Big House, 28-20

Photo credit: http://thedugoutsportsshow.com/?p=658

Illinois St. (0-1) vs. Illinois (0-1)

Game Time: 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network

Who to watch for: Illini stud receiver Arrelious Benn had a quiet game last weekend against Mizzou (1 catch for 9 yards), and he says he is "day to day" with an ankle injury. If he plays a significant amount, look for Rejus to have a big day against he Redbirds.

Prediction: Zook gets his team back on track with a big win. Illinois 38, Illinois State 7

Air Force (1-0) vs. Minnesota (1-0)

Game Time: 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network

Who to watch for: The Air Force rushing attack. The Falcons rushed the ball 68 times (thats right, 68 times!) and used 14 different rushers against Nicholls State last weekend in a 72-0 rout.

Prediction: This is going to be a close game for the Gophers as their kick of their home schedule at brand new TCF Bank Stadium. Minnesota will scratch and claw their way to another victory, possibly in overtime again. Minnesota wins a tight one, 20-17.

USC (1-0) vs. Ohio State (1-0)

Game Time: 7 p.m. on ESPN

Who to watch for: USC freshman QB Matt Barkley. Let's see how the kid handles playing at the 'Shoe. My guess is Pete Carroll will have him ready to go.

Prediction: The so-called "game of the week" is getting way too much hype. The fact of the matter is, Pete Carroll is the best big game coach in college football, and USC is a way better team. USC wins in a blowout, 38-14.

Purdue (1-0) vs. Oregon (0-1)

Game Time: 9:15 p.m. on FSN

Who to watch for: Purdue running back Ralph Bolden. Is he a one hit wonder or is this guy for real? We will find out Saturday night. Another thing to watch for is how Oregon responds to the loss of running back LaGarrette Blount.

Prediction: *UPSET ALERT* I like the Boilers in this one, don't ask me why, because I think the Ducks are the better team. But I think Purdue is playing these guys at the right time. Boilers win it 45-38.

Big Ten News and Notes: Top 25, QB's in Michigan, Flu Bug at Wisconsin, and another Blue Devil Baller at Quarterback?

-The week 1 polls are out, and only two Big Ten squads are in the USA Today Top 25. Penn State jumped up three spots to #5, and Ohio State dropped one spot down to #7. Iowa, who was previously ranked #21, fell out of the top 25 after nearly losing to FCS opponent Northern Iowa. Other Big Ten teams receiving votes included Michigan State (133 votes), Iowa (70), Northwestern (4), Michigan (4), and Minnesota (1)

-Rich Rod named freshman Tate Forcier his starting QB for Saturday's contest against the Fighting Irish. Forcier threw three touchdowns before halftime on Saturday.

-Also in the state of Michigan, Sparty head man Mark Dantonio has yet to decide whether Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol will start against Central Michigan. Both looked really good against Montana State

-The Wisconsin Badger football team has been hit with the flu-bug. According to numerous sources, including ESPN Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenberg and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, at least 10 members of the football team have come down with flu like symptoms. However, there is speculation that the number is much higher. There is no knowledge as to whether the players are suffering from the H1N1 virus (or swine flu). "We had a challenging tuesday with the flu bug hitting our team the last few days but they responded well," coach Brett Bielama said on his twitter page. "We are on road to recovery."

-ESPN.com's Pat Forde wrote an funny piece today about the "Thank You Notes" that Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany should send out this week.

-Lastly, I leave you with a tweet from the Big Ten Network's Mike Hall (@BTNMikeHall): "Actually just got breaking news, turns out Air Force is debating starting either Wojo or Chris Duhon at QB against The Gophers this week"

Personally, I'd like to see J.J. Redick get the nod at QB over Wojo or Duhon

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