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.

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

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.

10 Big Things from week 2

It's time for the second installment of 10 big things from the Big Ten. This week was another extremely exciting week, full of close games, big plays, and even an upset. After going 10-1 in week one, the Big Ten struggled slightly this week going 8-3, but it could have been much worse. So without further ado, lets take a look at those 10 things...

10. Eric Decker: The Gopher wideout had 10 catches for 113 yards on Saturdays win against Air Force. The senior is second in the NCAA in receptions with 19 and third in the NCAA in receiving yards with 296.

9. Gophers christen new stadium with a win: Minnesota's first game in sold-out TCF Bank stadium was a victory over the Air Force Falcons, 20-13. The Gophers played outdoors and on the campus for the first time in 27 years.

8. USC vs. Big Ten teams: I feel like I'm beating a dead (trojan) horse when I say this, but just in case you've been living under a rock for the past couple of years, USC has absolutely dominated Big Ten opponents. The Trojans are 10-0 in their last 10 games against Big Ten teams, nine of those wins are by double-digits. Pete Carroll is a pretty good coach, enough said.

7. Iowa RB's: After a pretty dismal efford against FCS opponent Northern Iowa, the Hawkeye rushers came to play against the Cyclones of Iowa State. The Hawkeyes may have found a new starting running back in freshman Brandon Wegher, who ran for 101 yards and a touchdown. Adam Robinson added another 69 yards as the Hawks rushed for a total of 191 yards. Not great, but getting better.

6. Purdue's PAT struggles: Purdue had a PAT blocked at the beginning of the 4th quarter that would have tied the game at 31-31. That missed PAT came back to haunt them when they scored with one minute to play in the game. Forced to go for two, Kyle Adams caught quarterback Joey Elliott's pass, unfortunately he caught it out of bounds and the Boilers lost 38-36.

5. Michigan in the Top 25: The Wolverines are in the top 25 for the first time in Rich Rod's tenure at UM after knocking off the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame on Saturday.

4. Ralph Bolden (right): Purdue's new running back showed that he certainly wasn't a one-hit wonder after rushing for 234 yards against Toledo in week 1. The sophomore ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns against a much tougher Oregon team, and currently leads the NCAA in rushing yards with 357. The Sporting News Dave Curtis wrote a bio about Bolden earlier last week.

Photo credit: www.sportingnews.com

3. Tyler Sash: The Hawkeye safety had three picks and a forced fumble against in-state rial Iowa State, earning him Big Ten co-defensive player of the week. The sophomore has five interceptions in his last five games, dating back to last season, including a crucial interception against last year against Penn State.

2. Big Ten vs. MAC: For some reason, the Big Ten continues to struggle against the Mid-American Conference. Michigan State lost to Central Michigan, Northwestern and Indiana barely snuck by Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, respectively, and in week one Wisconsin nearly blew it at home against Northern Illinois. I don't know if the Big Ten teams overlook these squads or play down to their level or what, but they should be beating them by a lot more than three points and certainly should not be losing to these teams.

1. Tate Forcier (below): The freshman had an outstanding game for the Wolverines, leading them to victory over the 18th ranked Fighting Irish. The freshman signal caller threw for 240 yards and two touchdowns, earning him Big Ten co-offensive player of the week.

Photo Credit: www.mlive.com

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.

Week 1 Picks - Part Deux

Ok, here's the second exciting installment of my week one picks. All game times are in central time.

Minnesota vs. Syracuse
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
What to watch for: Definitely Orange quarterback Greg Paulus (right). The Duke point guard turned QB is definitely going to be interesting to watch this season. The good news is I don't think he can make Syracuse much worse...

Prediction: Golden Gophers win it 30-10

(Photo credit: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast)

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa
Game Time: 11 a.m.
What to watch for: The Iowa running backs. With Shonn Greene in the NFL and Jewel Hampton done for the season with a knee injury, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes will more than likely be looking to use a running back by committee. The only experienced back is Paki O'Meara, who has 62 rushing yards in his career.

Prediciton: Hawkeyes pummel Panthers, 31-9, and I will sing "In Heaven there is No Beer" with the other 70,000 screaming Hawk fans.

Akron vs. Penn State
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Joe Paterno, he will be back on the sidelines for the Nittany Lions for the first time in quite a while.

Prediction: Penn State might have the biggest cupcake non-conference schedule ever. Penn State wins REALLY REALLY BIG, 55-7

Toledo vs. Purdue
Game Time: 11 a.m.
What to watch for: Joey Elliot takes over at quarterback after Curtis Painter set almost every Big Ten passing record possible. That being said, its going to be a rough first season for new head coach Danny Hope.

Prediction: Joe Tiller is glad he is fishing back in Wyoming, because it's going to be a long year. Purdue will win this one though, 21-10

Western Michigan vs. Michigan
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: The Michigan quarterbacks. True freshman Tate Forcier will start the game but Nick Sheridan and Denard Robinson will also see action.

Prediction: Team Rich Rod wins this one 28-10

Missouri vs. Illinois
Game Time: 2:40 on ESPN
What to watch for: Illinois has a tough game right from the start. Let's see if Juice Williams can live up to being the preseason 1st team All-Big Ten Quarterback. I frankly don't see think he will.

Prediction: This game will be a back and forth shootout. Last team with the ball will probably win this one. Mizzou takes down the Fighting Zooks, 38-31

Northern Illinois vs. Wisconsin
Game Time: 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Once again, the quarterbacks. Scott Tolzien will get the start for the Badgers, a 4th year junior who hasn't seen much action, completing only five passes in his college career.

Prediction: Camp Randall crowd will be too much for the Huskies. Badgers win this one 27-9

Well that wraps up my week 1 picks. I'm done with class for the week and I'm ready to get up bright and early and head over to beautiful and historic Kinnick Stadium to kickoff the collge football season right. After that you can find me glued to my TV, watching as much college football as humanly possible. Stay tuned though, because although I probably won't do any homework until Monday night. I will be blogging a couple times during the weekend.