Week 11 Big Ten Preview

12:00 PM | #11 Ohio State @ #24 Northwestern (ESPN2)

Although Northwestern is coming into this game on a wave of momentum thanks to its win at Minnesota a week ago, the Buckeyes simply have too much talent to lose a game like this. Besides, Northwestern’s Omar Conteh, who was already filling in at running back for an injured Tyrell Sutton, isn’t going to play. The Wildcats likely will get their starting QB back, but C.J. Bacher can only do so much for Northwestern.

Prediction: Ohio State wins comfortably

12:00 PM | Purdue @ #18 Michigan State (BTN)

The Spartans came back and beat Wisconsin in the final seconds to avoid the dreaded letdown game last Saturday. This week will probably be much different, as I don’t think it will take a field goal for MSU to beat Purdue. Yes, the Boilermakers dropped 48 on Michigan with a third-string quarterback, but that really doesn’t say much. Michigan State’s defense is much better than Michigan’s, and if Brandon Minor ran as well as he did against the Boilermakers, imagine what Javon Ringer will do on senior day in East Lansing.

Prediction: Michigan State wins comfortably

12:00 PM | Wisconsin @ Indiana (BTN)

Wisconsin’s bowl hopes are potentially on the line in this game, so I expect the Badgers to leave it all on the field and beat Indiana.

Prediction: Wisconsin wins comfortably

12:00 PM | Illinois @ Western Michigan (ESPN360.com; At Ford Field)

Illinois’ bowl hopes are also on the line, and due to horrendous scheduling, they have to go to Ford Field to play 7-2 Western Michigan. I do think Illinois will win, but this game will be far from easy. The Broncos will put up a fight, and playing at Ford Field definitely doesn’t hurt their chances. Even so, I believe Illinois will win, though it will be by a very slim margin.

Prediction: Illinois wins a close one

3:30 PM | #3 Penn State @ Iowa (ABC)

If Penn State’s undefeated season is going to be ruined, Iowa will likely be the team to ruin it. Iowa has beaten Penn State five of the last six times they have played, and this game being on the road certainly makes things that much tougher for the Nittany Lions. I do believe Penn State will remain undefeated on Saturday, but it will take a big effort to defeat the Hawkeyes.

Prediction: Penn State wins a close one

Predictions Update:

Last week: 3-2

Overall: 55-16