Sizing up the Big Ten Bowl Games

It's that time of year again, time to go bowling. Seven Big Ten squads received bowl bids this year, and we're going to break down all seven of the match-ups - one by one. Lets start with the first Big Ten bowl.

Champs Sports Bowl

(#15) Miami vs. (#20) Wisconsin

When: Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. (central) on ESPN

Where: Orlando, Fla.

What to watch for: This one should be a really interesting game. The two squads haven't faced each other since 1989, and Miami is 2-1 in the all-time series against the Badgers.

Big Ten offensive player of the year John Clay will face a Miami rushing defense ranked third in the ACC. Clay racked up 1,396 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season.

One positive for the Hurricanes is they are playing in their home state. The Hurricanes ability to run the football will be key against the Badgers, who rank second in the Big Ten in rushing defense. Turnovers could be the key to this game. Miami QB Jacory Harris threw 17 interceptions this season, while Badger QB Scott Tolzien has thrown only 10 picks this season.

Prediction: I like Miami in this game. The Hurricanes will get just enough done running the football to set up the pass. Jacory Harris will have a big game and the 'Canes defense will limit John Clay's rushing yards. Miami wins this one, 27-17.

Vs.

Photo Credit: Athlonsports.com

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.

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)

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....

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.

The Second Installment of Tweets around the Big Ten

It's time for the more SWEEEET TWEEEETS. Our second installment is the postgame tweets from a couple of coaches and players...enjoy

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51): "CATS WIN! Glad to be 2-0!"

Penn State assistant coach Tom Bradley (@TomBradleyGOPSF): "Good win today.Sean Lee had another great game.Start on Temple tomorrow very early in am"

Indiana RB Bryan Payton (@bdpayton): "we earned an AWESOME WIN today! This win will make us even closer and pay off as the season goes on."

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema (@BretBielema): "Was a great enviroment in the Camp today. Was very proud of the way our guys battled through a tough week... Like the attitude of this team"

Penn State assistant Jay Paterno (@JayPaterno): "Happy to be 2-0...but not satisfied. Still some things to tighten up before next week"

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

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

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.