The Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles will look to continue their climb up the BCS rankings when they take-on the UAB Blazers this Thursday night in this Conference-USA East Division matchup. Game time is set for 8 p.m. and it will be available on ESPN3.com.
The Miami Hurricanes tangle with the South Florida Bulls this upcoming Saturday in Tampa in what is becoming one of the better rivalries in the state. The kick-off is slated for 12 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ESPNU.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will look to derail the Virginia Tech Hokies’ ACC title chances when the two Coastal Division foes clash this Thursday night in Blacksburg. Kick-off is slated for 8 p.m. and the game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Ball State is back? The Cardinals are 6-4 and if they can sneak a win on Tuesday night they would be in the thick of the MAC West race.
Last time Penn State Nittany Lions played a football game, the game ended with everyone celebrating Joe Paterno’s record-setting 409th career victory.
This weekend Joe Paterno won’t be a part of the Penn State football program for the first time in 61 years.
Beaver Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Nebraska (-170) Penn State (+150)
College Football Spread: Nebraska -3.5 (-110) Penn State +3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 43
The last week has seen allegations of heinous crimes against children that has rocked an entire community. The last thing from most people’s minds right now is a football game. Even though it does seem so much smaller now than it did before, this weekend’s game against Nebraska is a crucial game in the Big Ten.
Penn State is the only team unbeaten in the Big Ten, and Nebraska is still fighting for the Big Ten Legends Division crown.
Bo Pellini and the Cornhuskers will look to rebound after a disappointing home loss at the hands of Northwestern last weekend. The Huskers were 17.5 point home favorites in that game, but they trailed all game and couldn’t quite pull out a comeback victory. Taylor Martinez had a great game throwing the football, but that really isn’t the team’s strength. Nebraska is at their best when they are running the football early and often. The Cornhuskers only picked up 122 yards on 35 carries last week. Rex Burkhead is a workhorse in the backfield, and it would be hard to find a runner who fights harder for every extra yard. Nebraska’s offense averages 35 points per contest.
The big disappointment this year has been the Nebraska defense. This unit was expected to be one of the best in the nation, but they haven’t been very good. Especially troubling is the fact that they are allowing 161 yards per game on the ground. The front seven will need to step up in this one. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The whirlwind that has gone on around Happy Valley over the last few days has to have affected the players in some way, but only time will tell how they will react. The Nittany Lions are 8-1 at this point in the season, and the defense is definitely the unit to thank for that impressive record. The defense ranks eighth in the nation in total defense. They are only giving up 12.4 points per game so far this year.
What about the Nittany Lions offense? Matt McGloin seems to have taken hold of the quarterback spot of late. McGloin is completing just 56% of his passes, but he has a nice touchdown/interception ratio of 7 to 3. Penn State relies heavily on the running game. Silas Redd has emerged as the team’s primary runner. Redd has already topped 1,000 yards on the season, and he is averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The offense should benefit from a healthy Derek Moye being ready to go for this one.
Emotions will be running high at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. I think both defenses will have the upper hand in this one. Look for a fairly low scoring contest.
Free College Football Pick: Under 43
Score Prediction: Nebraska 20 Penn State 17
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It has been a nice first season for the Brady Hoke crew in Ann Arbour. They beat Notre Dame and should qualify for a bowl game that will give them a respite from the Michigan winter cold.
For those of you who may have lost track, Houston is one of only 5 teams still undefeated in FBS this season. They are certainly not the most talented of that bunch but with the schedule they have they might actually be the most likely team to finish the season that way.
Wisconsin had higher hopes for this season, but they still have plenty to play for. The Badgers suffered two last minute losses in a row against Michigan State and Ohio State, but this is still a team capable of finishing in the top ten in the nation.
Wisconsin must now try to right the ship and win the Big Ten Leaders Division.
TCF Bank Stadium
Saturday November 12, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from 5Dimes
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Wisconsin -27 (-110) Minnesota +27 (-110)
Over/Under: 63.5
Minnesota has a solid new coach in Jerry Kill, but this team is a long ways from competing for a league title. The last couple weeks have been very positive steps for the Golden Gophers. These teams will meet Saturday afternoon in Minnesota.
Russell Wilson transferred to Wisconsin just weeks before the beginning of the season, and he has been terrific this year. Wilson is putting up Heisman Trophy type numbers for the Badgers. He has thrown 21 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He is also completing 72% of his passes. Even with Wilson under center, the strength of this team is the running game. The Badgers offensive line is dominating every single year, and this season is no different. Montee Ball is racking up huge numbers at the tailback spot. Ball is averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and he already has 24 touchdowns. This offense may be the most balanced in the nation. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
The Badgers defense has been good statistically this year, though they have allowed a couple of last minute touchdowns that cost the team dearly. This is a unit that wasn’t expected to be all that great this year, but they have done a nice job overall. The secondary has been terrific, while the front seven has struggled at times against the best running teams.
Minnesota looked lost when MarQueis Gray was out of the lineup, but with him back and healthy under center the team has looked much better in their last couple games. Gray isn’t a very efficient passer at this point in his career, but he is definitely a play maker. Despite injury trouble, Gray is easily the Golden Gophers leading rusher. The team has one elite receiver in Da’Jon McKnight, but they are lacking a solid second option. This offense is averaging just 18.7 points per game.
The Golden Gophers defense has been terrible the last few years, and this season is no different. To be fair, this is a defense that has been decimated by injuries this season. Troy Stoudemire is the team’s best cover corner, but he has missed the last five games with a wrist injury. He is listed as questionable for this contest. The rushing defense is allowing opponents to run for 191 yards per game this year. The run defense will be tested in a big way this weekend.
I expect Wisconsin to move the football at will on Saturday afternoon. I don’t like laying this many points, but Wisconsin is so much better than Minnesota at this point that I feel like this is still a solid value.
Free College Football Pick: Wisconsin -27
Score Prediction: Wisconsin 48 Minnesota 17
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Last time Ohio State came to Purdue, they lost despite being 12 point favorites. The Buckeyes enter this one with a young team, but they are playing pretty well after a slow start to the season. Purdue is 0-4 on the road this year, but they are 4-1 at home.
The Boilers will look to get back on track with the help of their home crowd in this one.
Ross-Ade Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from TopBet
Moneyline: Ohio State (-285) Purdue (+245)
College Football Spread: Ohio State -7.5 (-110) Purdue +7.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 45
Ohio State lost three out of four games earlier this year, and it appeared the season was going to fall apart in no time. Coach Luke Fickell turned to Braxton Miller as the starting quarterback, and the team re-dedicated itself to the running game. The Buckeyes pulled a couple upsets over Illinois and Wisconsin, and then defeated Indiana at home last week. Ohio State hasn’t been throwing the football much at all, but they really haven’t needed to throw the ball. The offensive line is healthy and they are blocking very well. Dan Herron has been extremely impressive since returning from his suspension. Herron has 415 yards in just three games.
The Ohio State defense isn’t quite as dominating as they have been in the last couple years, but they are still very good. The Buckeyes come into this game ranked 16th in the nation in total defense. John Simon has emerged as a star on the defensive front, and Bradley Roby has stepped up in the secondary. Expect Ohio State to key in on the run this week.
Purdue was absolutely blasted in their last two games at Michigan and at Wisconsin. The Boilermakers offense has never really gotten going very well this year. The running game is pretty good, but the passing game has been very inconsistent. Caleb TerBush has seen most of the playing time at quarterback this year. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Antavian Edison, Justin Siller, and OJ Ross are all solid receivers, but Purdue is lacking a deep threat. The Boilermakers rely heavily on Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers in the running game. If Purdue is going to be successful this weekend, they’ll need to be able to run the football on Ohio State.
The Boilermakers defense lost its star from last year when Ryan Kerrigan graduated. Ricardo Allen leads a very talented Purdue secondary, but the front seven has struggled in the last few weeks. Purdue is giving up 191 yards per on the ground. Ohio State will test the Boilermakers run defense in this one. Purdue will have to load the box and attempt to make Braxton Miller beat them with his arm.
Ohio State is very happy to control the football and run it every single time right now. Purdue will also look to run the football almost every time. The clock should be rolling along quickly in this one. I think this game stays low scoring.
Free College Football Pick: Under 45
Score Prediction: Ohio State 21 Purdue 13
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After a horrendous 0-4 start Miami has won 4 of 5 and is currently tied for first in the MAC East. Win and they control their own destiny, setting up a showdown with Ohio the last week of the season.
Michigan State went into Kinnick Stadium with a lot on the line last year, and they were absolutely humiliated. Iowa led 30-0 at halftime, and they went on to win 37-6.
Michigan State is now in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten Legends Division, but they must come out ready to play this Saturday against a tough Iowa squad.
Michigan State vs. Iowa
Kinnick Stadium
Saturday November 12, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Michigan State -3 (-110) Iowa +3 (-110)
Over/Under: 46.5
Michigan State wasn’t impressive in a 31-24 win over Minnesota last weekend, but they benefited in a big way from Nebraska’s upset loss at the hands of Northwestern. The Spartans now control their own destiny, and this may well be the most difficult game on the rest of their regular season schedule. Kirk Cousins is the senior leader at quarterback for Michigan State. He gives the team a virtual coach on the field because he knows the offense so well. The Spartans are at their best when they are running the football well. Le’Veon Bell and Edwin Baker are a great one-two punch in the backfield. The offensive line has struggled with injuries this year, but they’ll need to come up big this weekend.
How have the Spartans been able to be so successful despite a less than stellar offense? Michigan State’s defense has been amazing all season. This is a unit that ranks second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is an absolute beast along the defensive line, and he draws double-teams on a consistent basis. Isaiah Lewis leads the team with four interceptions. The Spartans are allowing just 16 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Two weeks ago Iowa suffered an extremely disappointing loss to Minnesota. Last weekend the team upset the Michigan Wolverines. Which Iowa team will show up this weekend? This Iowa team isn’t as talented as some of their recent squads, but Kirk Ferentz and this coaching staff do a very good job preparing them. James Vandenburg has quietly put up some terrific numbers this year at the quarterback spot. The first-year starter has thrown 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Marvin McNutt has already set a career high in receptions, and he has nine touchdown catches. The Iowa running game has been inconsistent this year. Marcus Coker is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, but he has struggled against the top defenses in the league.
The Hawkeyes defense has been mediocre this year. They are 72nd in the nation in total defense. The team has done a good job keeping the opponent out of the end zone, which has helped them allow only 22.3 points per game. The biggest disappointment in this unit has been the pass defense, which is giving up 234 yards per game through the air despite returning two veteran cover corners.
Michigan State’s offense has been hit or miss, but the defense is for real. Iowa should show up and give a great effort in front of their home crowd. Expect a hard fought defensive battle in this one.
Free College Football Pick: Under 46.5
Score Prediction: Michigan State 20 Iowa 17
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Northern Illinois struggled early this season including surprising losses at Kansas and Central Michigan.
The Big Ten Legends Division race is shaping up to be extremely competitive. The game of the year in this division comes this weekend when the red hot Spartans of Michigan State travel to Lincoln to take on the Big Ten’s newest member, the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Both teams have one loss, but Michigan State’s loss came out of conference. Nebraska looks to get the upper hand in the Legends Division, while Michigan State looks to build off their huge win at home over Wisconsin.
Michigan State vs. Nebraska
Memorial Stadium
Saturday October 29, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from Bookmaker
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Nebraska -4 (-110) Michigan State +4 (-110)
Over/Under: 49.5
This should be a great game.
Not many people expected Michigan State to knock off Wisconsin last weekend, myself included. Wisconsin certainly made some critical mistakes, but the Spartans deserve a ton of credit for showing up and beating a Wisconsin team that has looked like one of the nation’s best teams all year. Michigan State has now beaten Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin in three consecutive games. Mark Dantonio is trying to turn Michigan State into a perennial contender in the Big Ten.
Kirk Cousins had a magnificent game last week against Wisconsin. Cousins threw three touchdowns and no interceptions while leading his team to a huge win. Cousins is completing 66% of his passes so far this year. Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell form a nice tailback tandem for Michigan State. While the offense has been solid, it has been the Michigan State defense that has led the way this year. The Spartans rank second in the nation in total defense. Jerrell Worthy is the anchor in the middle of the defensive line, and the secondary is terrific as well. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Nebraska hasn’t looked like the national title contender that some thought they could be, but the Cornhuskers have only lost one game. The team is still right in the thick of the Big Ten race, and this is a great chance for them to pick up a big win at home against a top ten opponent. Taylor Martinez burst onto the scene as a star freshman quarterback last year, and he has had another solid season in 2011. Martinez still struggles with his consistency when throwing the football, but he is one of the best running quarterbacks in all of football. Rex Burkhead is a tough runner who really battles for every yard. He is averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry this season. The Cornhuskers have the seventh best rushing offense in the nation, but there passing attack is often non-existent.
The primary reason Nebraska has looked a little bit underwhelming this year has been the poor play of their defense. Jared Crick is out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. The front seven has been giving up far too many yards on the ground, and they will be tested in this game by a solid Michigan State running game. Nebraska’s defense must improve if this team is going to win a Big Ten title.
Michigan State is coming off a big win against Wisconsin, but this will be the best team they have played on the road this year. I expect Nebraska to bring their best effort on Saturday.
Free College Football Pick: Nebraska -4
Score Prediction: Nebraska 27 Michigan State 21
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The Rice Owls are in a tough spot on Thursday night. They have lost their last two games and are out of it in Conference USA. Last year they jumped up and bit the Cougars at home but the last time they visited Houston they gave up a whopping 73 points, losing by 59.
Joe Paterno can etch his name alone at the top of the list if Penn State wins this game. A win by the Nittany Lions would give Paterno 409 career wins, a mark which would top Eddie Robinson’s 408 career wins.
It seems every season Ron Zook is on the hot seat. The Fighting Illini’s 6-0 start really surprised the football world, but two straight losses have people questioning whether this team is for real.
Beaver Stadium
Saturday October 29, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Penn State (-205) Illinois (+175)
College Football Spread: Penn State -5 (-115) Illinois +5 (-105)
Over/Under: 40.5
Can Penn State give Paterno his record setting 409th win?
Nathan Scheelhaase and the Fighting Illini offense have been non-existent in the past couple weeks. The Fighting Illini were held to 7 points by Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend they were held to 14 points by a mediocre Purdue team. Illinois clearly needs to get the offense started far earlier in the game. The Fighting Illini haven’t scored a point in the first three quarters of their last two contests. A.J. Jenkins gives Illinois one of the best play makers in the Big Ten on the outside, but the team is lacking a second pass receiving option. If Illinois is going to be successful in this game, they must get their running game going.
The Illinois defense has been very good this year. Despite losing their top two players to the NFL Draft, this defense ranks tenth in the nation in total defense. Illinois has been solid against both the run and the pass this year. The Fighting Illini are allowing just 18.1 points per game in 2011. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Penn State’s offense hasn’t necessarily been great this year, but they have gotten the job done. The emergence of Silas Redd as a quality running back has really helped this team move forward. Redd is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and he already has six touchdowns this season. Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have been sharing time at the quarterback spot, but McGloin seems to be earning the primary share of the playing time at this point. McGloin has thrown seven touchdowns and just two interceptions this year. This offense has been without its star receiver, Derek Moye, for the last few weeks. Moye is listed as questionable for this game, and the offense will really get a nice boost when he gets back in the lineup.
Penn State’s defense is primarily responsible for the team’s 7-1 start. The Nittany Lions defense has been dominating so far this year. Opponents are scoring just 13.1 points per game on this unit so far this year. The Nittany Lions defensive line is led by Jack Crawford. Star corner D’Anton Lynn leads a secondary that is probably the best in the Big Ten.
The posted total on this game is set very low, but it is set low for good reason. These defenses are much better than the offenses in this matchup. I expect both offenses to struggle to get anything going in this one.
Free College Football Pick: Illinois/Penn State under 40.5
Score Prediction: Penn State 17 Illinois 10
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The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a bye week. Purdue is coming off a surprising win over the Fighting Illini of Illinois.
Michigan is looking to prove that its 6-0 start wasn’t a fluke this year, while Purdue is looking to pick up a couple more wins and become bowl eligible. These two will battle in the Big House this Saturday afternoon.
Purdue vs. Michigan
Michigan Stadium
Saturday October 29, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Michigan (-500) Purdue (+405)
College Football Spread: Michigan -13.5 (-115) Purdue +13.5 (-105)
Over/Under: 52.5
After the Boilermakers were beaten 38-10 at home by Notre Dame, it appeared the season may just fall apart. Purdue has shown some impressive resiliency since that difficult loss. Purdue throttled Minnesota, narrowly lost at Penn State, then surprised Illinois last week. Danny Hope’s team has a difficult schedule the rest of the way, so we will see just how much this team has improved.
Rob Henry was expected to be the starting quarterback for Purdue, but he tore his ACL just a few days before the beginning of the season. Caleb TerBush and Robert Marve have shared time under center this season. TerBush has established himself as the primary quarterback at this point.
TerBush is a mobile quarterback who can keep the play alive and keep the defense on its heels. Ralph Bolden and Akeem Shavers give the Boilermakers a solid tailback tandem. The team doesn’t really have a deep threat in the passing game. Purdue’s defense has done a nice job limiting the damage this year.
The Boilermakers are allowing just 20 points per game. The secondary has been very good all year long. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Michigan has had a couple weeks to ponder what went right in their loss against Michigan State. The time off has been great for Denard Robinson, who suffered a minor back injury in the game at East Lansing. Robinson has been as dynamic as ever on the ground this year. He has 762 yards and nine rushing touchdowns already in 2011.
Fitzgerald Touissant has also stepped up his game as Michigan’s top tailback this year. Touissant is averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and he takes some of the pressure off Robinson in the running game. The passing attack hasn’t been very successful this year.
Robinson has thrown 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He has only completed 53% of his passes. Roy Roundtree had 72 catches last year, but he has only 12 through seven games this season.
Michigan’s much improved defense is the primary reason this team is 6-1 so far this year. The defense was the worst in school history last year, but they are much better this season. This unit has forced more turnovers than any other defense in the country. Michigan ranks 28th in the nation in total defense, but they allow only 14.7 points per game. If this unit continues to play so well, Michigan should continue its resurgence.
Purdue has had some trouble stopping the run this year, and Michigan will be the best rushing attack they have faced. The Wolverines should be angry and ready to go in this coming off a bye week. I think Michigan rolls in this game.
Free College Football Pick: Michigan -13.5
Score Prediction: Michigan 34 Purdue 13
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