Week 5 Picks

Alright so the Big Ten season starts for 10 teams this weekend with Purdue facing Notre Dame. This weekend should be the best source as far as predicting the rest of the season because everyone will be able to see how the size up against their Big Ten foes after relatively easy scheduling for the beginning of the season. So who's going to make it out of this weekend? Look no further as I predict this weekends matchups.

-Lets start with Iowa vs Northwestern. Yes Northwestern is 4-0 and the Hawkeyes had a disappointing loss last weekend but I think they will be able to over power the Wildcats defense that looks much improved from a year ago. Of course this one will not be a blowout because the Hawkeyes always struggle against the spread offense. I think the game changer in this matchup will be Shonn Greene as he has another big day.
I'll say the Hawkeyes 38, Northwestern 27

- Next up is Michigan State vs Indiana. Last week Indiana struggled and were completely dominated by the Ball State offense. This week will be no different as running back Javon Ringer continues to put up Heisman like numbers.
Michigan State 42, Indiana 17.

- The third matchup is Ohio State vs Minnesota. Will the Buckeyes finally wake up and play like they are capable of? I believe so especially with the return of running back Chris "Beanie" Wells. Terrelle Pryor continues to grow as a quarterback and the Buckeyes will dominate the Gophers handing them their first loss.
Ohio State 48, Minnesota 21

- Next is Purdue vs Notre Dame. The only matchup this weekend that doesn't involve two Big Ten games should be interesting. Notre Dame looks improved and Purdue's defense hasn't really showed up this year. That is what I think makes this game such a difficult one to pick. Will Jimmy Clausen be able to expose the Boilermakers defense and give the Irish a victory? I'm going to say no although it will be close.
Purdue 32, Notre Dame 24.

- My next game is what I see as a trap game for Wisconsin. Sure they are playing a Michigan team that hasn't been able to get things going this season. Both teams had a bye week last week and I think this may help Michigan the most as they needed time to grow and tighten things up. The strength of the Wolverines is their defense which gives them a chance in this game. If Wisconsin looks ahead to their next two games against Ohio State and Penn State they could fall victim to the upset. I'm going to say with the week off Wisconsin had time to get more healthy and will be ready for this contest but it won't be a blowout.
Wisconsin 24, Michigan 20

- The last game I will look into is the biggest of the week and will reveal a lot about the Big Ten and who will step up to take over the conference when Penn State welcomes Illinois to Happy Valley. Juice Williams has proven he can step up to challenges as he did last year at Ohio State but Williams isn't my issue when it comes to Illinois. It's the defense that is going to have to come up huge against the spread HD offense of Penn State that has averaged 52.8 points per game. This will be the first true test to see where the Nittany Lions stand this year.
Penn State 42, Illinois 28.

Season Record(Started Week 3) 16-3