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Big Ten - Week 2 games, Week 1 wrap-up |
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Monday, 13 June 2005 |
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It was a good opening weekend for Big Ten teams
as a whole, with 9 of the 11 winning, and a vast majority covering the
spread. Both losses came on the road against respectable opponents.
This weekend, however, the conference faces a much tougher challenge
from better competition, with games against the likes of Oregon, Notre
Dame, UCLA, Arizona State, and Boston College. In order of intrigue,
here are this week's games...Game of the Week: Michigan at Notre Dame
Michigan - Last week:
Beat Miami (OH), 43-10
This week: at Notre Dame
Michigan's defense looked solid against a decent Miami (OH) offense,
especially with its run-stopping and pass coverage. Due to an injury to
QB Matt Gutierrez, true freshman Chad Henne got the start under center
and performed adequately. The offense left something to be desired, as
RB David Underwood didn't look nearly as good as Michigan fans had
hoped. The punt coverage was once again dismal, and needs to be
corrected before it costs the Wolverines a game or two, as it did last
year.
Michigan matches up well with Notre Dame, especially if Lloyd Carr is
gutsy enough to throw the ball deep a few times against ND's weakened
secondary. Notre Dame's defense was good against BYU, and their line
could stifle Michigan's anemic running game. However, it seems as if
Michigan has too much talent, especially on defense, to let this one
slip away. History, luck, and the intangibles will be on ND's side. But
Michigan should prevail. Whether it covers the ridiculous spread (which
is hovering around -13.5), is another story.
Prediction: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 14
Ohio State - Last week:
Beat Cincinnati, 27-6
This week: Marshall
The Justin Zwick era began on Saturday, and some Buckeye fans thought that it might be over sooner than we had all
expected. QB Zwick had some trouble hanging on to the ball, losing one
of three fumbles and throwing two interceptions. But after finishing
the day with over 200 yards on 14-26 passing, it was more likely a case
of first game jitters. The defense, as usual, looked strong, and should
have no problems with a Marshall team that struggled (and lost) against
Troy last weekend. While Zwick remains the #1 starter, Jim Tressel will
likely try to get backup Troy Smith more than just 3 pass attempts in
this game.
Prediction: OSU 34, Marshall 10
Iowa - Last week:
Beat Kent State, 39-7
This week: Iowa State
Defense was the name of the game last weekend, as Iowa completely shut down Kent State, holding them to 110 total
yards. This week, look for more of the same. New QB Drew Tate looked
decent, despite fighting a dehydration problem throughout most of the
second half. The running game was the key, though, gaining 231 yards.
Look for more of the same this weekend against an undermanned Iowa
State team in this rivalry game. The Hawkeyes still haven't forgotten
that loss to the Cyclones two years ago.
Prediction: Iowa 38, Iowa State 17
Purdue - Last week:
Beat Syracuse, 51-0
This week: Ball State
You can't get much better than the 51-0 drubbing of Syracuse. Or can you?
Prediction: Purdue 52, Ball State 0
Wisconsin - Last week:
Beat Central Florida, 34-6
This week: UNLV
Losing Anthony Davis to an eye injury will slow the offense a bit, but
the defense looked improved in last week's opener. UNLV already had a
shot at knocking off one of college football's big boys, and couldn't
do it at Tennessee. I don't expect much different here.
Prediction: Wisconsin 27, UNLV 12
Minnesota - Last week:
Beat Toledo, 63-21
This week: Illinois State
A chance to work out some more kinks in the passing game. We all know that the rushing attack is fine.
Prediction: Minnesota 52, Illinois State 10
Penn State - Last week:
Beat Akron, 48-10
This week: at Boston College
The Nittany Lions had a nice opener, and some fans are even excited
about the remainder of the season (even the ones who hate Zack Mills!).
I wish the run could continue, but remember that BC beat PSU by 13 in
Happy Valley last season. And this year, it's at Boston College, and at
night.
Prediction: Boston College 24, Penn State 17
Michigan State - Last week:
Lost at Rutgers, 19-14
This week: Central Michigan
QB Damon Dowdell had a decent game against Rutgers, and the offense
only put up 14 points. Not a good sign for the Spartans. Who is the
worst team in the state of Michigan? Not MSU.
Prediction: Michigan State 31, Central Michigan 10
Northwestern - Last week:
Lost at TCU, 48-45 (2OT)
This week: Arizona State
Let's just hope this one doesn't come down to a field goal (or an extra
point). If you think Oregon State's kicker had a rough week, just talk
to #99 on the Wildcats. After coming back from 14 points down to TCU
multiple times, it is clear that Northwestern has some firepower. Just
not enough.
Prediction: Arizona State 38, Northwestern 24
Illinois - Last week:
Beat Florida A&M, 52-13
This week: UCLA
In a warm-up game last weekend, Illinois did what it should have done -
win big. Now comes a real test, against a UCLA team that put up a
decent showing against Oklahoma State last week (at least compared to
recent years' teams). A win here would be a big confidence boost for
the Illini. Something just tells me that Illinois isn't ready to turn
that corner yet. Watch out, Ron Turner - this game will be seen by a
plurality of the country on ABC.
Prediction: UCLA 24, Illinois 21
Indiana - Last week:
Beat Central Michigan, 41-10
This week: at Oregon
A nice win for the Hoosiers after a terrible season last year.
Unfortunately, they are rewarded with a road trip to Oregon. Ask
Michigan how that went for them last year.
Prediction: Oregon 35, Indiana 14 |
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