Big Ten Football Week 4 Breakdown
The Big 10 had some exciting games this weekend, and now we are just one short week away from hitting the conference opener! That will feature exciting football games from top to bottom each week! This week is mostly the final tune up week for when the real games start, so expect a lot of W’s from Big Ten teams.
Lock of the Week: Colorado at Ohio State
Head coach Luke Fickell failed his first true test, losing to Miami in his first big game. This week Ohio State will be energized and determined to win. Luke Fickell and Ohio State simply will not allow themselves to lose two straight games, especially to a far inferior Colorado team. Ohio State’s offense was miserable last week, only able to muster up six points, on two field goals. Quarterback Joe Bauserman needs to have a bounce back game, after only completing an embarrassing two of his 14 pass attempts a week ago. Running back Jordan Hall had a solid day rushing the ball against the Hurricanes, carrying the rock 14 times, while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Ohio State’s defense was also embarrassed, giving up 363 total yards, including an abysmal 240 yards on the ground. This will have to be corrected before they have to square off in conference play. Look for Ohio State to focus on stopping the run as well as throwing the ball more effectively this week.
Ohio State 38-Colorado 13
Upset Alert! Nebraska at Wyoming
The Cornhuskers are undefeated but this week they are one of the few teams on the road in the Big 10. This game has trap game written all over it. Wyoming is 3-0 this year, so they will be playing very confident football, which is always a key if an upset can occur. Playing at home should only help Wyoming be more inspired. Nebraska needs to be careful and not look past this team in attempts to play for their epic Big 10 opener, on the road against a powerful Wisconsin football team. Nebraska needs to commit to their running game, and really needs to make strides on offense in their final non-conference game. Taylor Martinez needs to continue to be the catalyst of this offense and the defense needs to continue to play solid. If Wyoming can force a couple of mistakes early, this game could be a dog fight for Nebraska.
Offensive Explosion: South Dakota at Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s tune up game is at home against a weak opponent compared to the daunting Big 10 schedule the Badgers will be playing from here on out. Wisconsin took care of business last week, beating down Northern Illinois 49-7. Their offense has proven that they are one of the premier attacks in the land. This week will be no different as the Badgers look to head into conference play on a high note. I expect the Badgers to score at will, so again look for running backs James White and Montee Ball to dominate. James White had the eye popping yards per carry last week with an 11.4 average. Montee Ball had a solid performance as well, pounding the rock 20 times, for 91 yards and two scores. Another key will be the passing game, as the Badgers might try to open it up a little to make sure that Russell Wilson is good to go. He is starting to create a little buzz, among Badger fans at the very least as a Heisman Trophy candidate, especially after last week’s insane performance, tossing three scores and 347 yards. He did however throw his first interception of the year. He will have another very dominate and efficient game, as the Badgers will roll over South Dakota in this contest.
Badgers 56 South Dakota 13
Game of the Week! San Diego State at Michigan
Brady Hoke and the Wolverines host his former team, San Diego State. Both teams come into this contest 3-0, but only one will leave with their record unscathed. The Wolverines are a strong team, who are looking worlds better than they did last year. The most important improvement to this point has been better play by their defense. However, they have yet to be truly tested. San Diego State is looking to show their former coach he made a mistake leaving their program. Denard Robinson did a significantly better job protecting the football, not fumbling at all, and throwing only one interception. He put up monster numbers, running for 198 yards and a score, while adding two more with his arm. Expect similar numbers from Robinson again, as Michigan cruises to another victory as they race out to a 4-0 start.
Michigan 38 San Diego State 13
Best of the Rest
Central Michigan at Michigan State
Michigan State is coming off a road loss to Notre Dame and will be seeking revenge. Central Michigan got pummeled by Western Michigan on the road last week and now faces a much tougher team in a much tougher venue. The Spartans seemed to get away from their usual style last week, probably a result of getting down early. They were not balanced offensively, as Kirk Cousins was forced to throw the ball a whooping 53 times. He still had a solid game by the numbers, completing 34 passes, for 329 yards and a score. He did make a mistake and threw one inception however. Senior WR B.J. Cunningham was Cousins favorite target once again, snagging 12 balls for 158 yards. Expect this deadly combination to hook up often in this matchup, as the Spartans get back on track heading into Big Ten Play. Also pay attention to how often they commit to the run, as Le’Veon Bell, (7 rushing attempts) and Edwin Baker (10 rushing attempts) to get a lot more work. They also only rushed for 29 yards as team, an area they will absolutely need to improve on to be successful in the Big 10.
Michigan State 49 Central Michigan 17
Eastern Michigan at Penn State
Penn State escaped with a victory on the road against Temple, 14-10 last week. This week they get to host an Eastern Michigan team that is 2-1. Penn State’s quarterback situation has yet to be resolved, as both Matthew McGloin and Rob Bolden saw ample action, but neither was impressive. McGloin may be starting to gain a slight edge, as he completed 13 of his 19 passes for 124 yards. Although he did not throw for a score he also did not throw an interception. Bolden completed only nine of his 17 passes and threw one interception. Penn State as a whole just looked stagnant offensively, something that will surely need to be corrected in their final tune up game. I wouldn’t expect a miracle turnaround, but certainly look for some improvement.
Penn State 24 Eastern Michigan 3
Louisiana-Monroe at Iowa
Iowa had an epic comeback win against one of the newest members of the ACC, Pittsburgh and needed a 21 point fourth quarter effort to overcome a 17 point fourth quarter deficit. The momteum from the win should propel the Hawkeyes to collect a landslide victory for their third win. Quarterback James Vandenberg had a monster game to carry Iowa, throwing for 399 yards, and tossing three scores. He will come through again as the Hawkeyes win. Junior WR Keenan Davis led the receiving attack, hauling in ten passes and amassing 120 yards as well as scoring a touchdown. He will be an integral part of this offense in this game and for the rest of the year. Look for Iowa to stay grounded in this game as well, as they prepare for the Big 10 conference schedule.
Iowa 35- Louisiana-Monroe 17
Western Michigan at Illinois
Illinois is coming off the signature win of the Big Ten, topping Arizona State 17-14. The defenses dominated…something most people did not expect. Illinois’ defense harassed ASU signal caller Brock Osweiler all night, forcing two interceptions and tallying an impressive six sacks. Offensively, Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase continues to carry this year, completing 11 of his 15 passes for 135 yards and a TD. He tacked on 67 yards with his legs on 18 carries. Illinois will race out to another victory, as they start the year 4-0.
Illinois 44 Western Michigan 17
North Dakota State at Minnesota
Minnesota is hosting an undefeated North Dakota State team, while the Gophers are looking to improve to .500, with their second straight W. Minnesota had an offensive outburst last week, scoring 29 points. Dual threat quarterback Marqueis Gray showcased his ability, completed 11 of his 21 passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. He had 25 carries for 171 yards. Look for him to put up similar stats as Minnesota rolls over North Dakota State in front of their home crowd.
Minnesota 35 North Dakota State 13
Indiana at North Texas
North Texas has gotten off to a rough start, collecting three losses in as many games. Indiana hasn’t fared much better, mustering up only one victory. The Hoosiers now have a tough challenge from this North Texas team. This game could be a dog fight, but ultimately the balanced attack of Indiana will prevail. In their last contest the Hoosiers pounded the ball 58 times, but balanced it with an efficient and effective aerial assault. Quarterback Edward Wright-Baker was a razor sharp 21-27 (77.8 percent). He threw for 273 yards along with two scores. Most importantly he did not throw an interception. Freshman scatback, D’Angelo Roberts went wild on South Carolina State, rushing the ball 19 times and going over 100 rushing yards (102) with a score. This combination will be key for Indiana in not only beating North Texas, but also staying competitive with the powerful teams in the Big 10.
Indiana 33 North Texas 28
Lock of the Week 3-0
Game of the Week 2-1
