Record to date: 38-8 (82.6 %)
Record last week: 9-1 (90.0%)
Week#5 Predictions
Conference play begins and what a opening slate of games!
Record last week: 9-1 (90.0%)
Week#5 Predictions
Conference play begins and what a opening slate of games!
Penn State @ Indiana (Penn State)
Penn State lost two of their best three defensive players last week against Eastern Michigan, Michael Mauti and D'Anton Lynn. Mauti is out for the year which is a shame because I predicted that Mauti would be the Big Ten DPOY and did feel he was on track for such a breakout year. Lynn likely will be out for a few weeks.
Even without Mauti, I think PSU has an exceptional defense and can overcome the injuries for now. Both PSU and Indiana lack offensive identities right now, but PSU has more offensive playmakers. On defense, PSU clearly outmatches the Hoosiers. And on the special teams side of the equation, the Lions may have found their kicker in Fera. Indiana's wideouts may be somewhat problematic for the Lions to contain, especially with Lynn's injury. However, this is the lone advantage I see for the Hoosiers in all of the matchups.
At a neutral site last season, a less talented Penn State team ended up getting the win. This 2011 version of Penn State is vastly improved, and I see them playing a very solid game. Penn State takes a much needed step in the right direction with a big win.
Minnesota @ Michigan (Michigan)
While I do not think the Golden Gophers are going to sit back and just get licked, I think Michigan is playing football better by about every aspect. Michigan's defense has played better, but they have not seen an elite offensive attack yet. The Gophers certainly are not among the offensive elite and their current QB quandary is problematic. I think the biggest discrepancy between the teams is Michigan's offense versus Minnesota's defense. Denard got off to a smoking start last week and I expect him to have a good game this week and Minnesota just does not have athletic enough defenders to contain him.
Michigan State @ Ohio State (Michigan State)
This game is a true litmus test for both teams. I think the winner of this game is going to have a decent season, but the loser of this game may be set to underachieve. While I think Ohio State has better talent, I like Michigan State's experience, especially behind center. Both teams had Week 3 matchups to forget, but also had good bounce backs last week. This one could go either way, but MSU's experience and my gut feeling at the beginning of the season tell me to go with Sparty.
Northwestern @ Illinois (Illinois)
If this was not Persa's first game back, I'd probably pick the Wildcats, however I think he will not be at 100 percent effectiveness this week. Northwestern is simply not ready to fulfill its offensive potential yet. Defensively, Northwestern is really lacking too. Illinois is a much more complete team, even though they had a scare last week. Being at home helps the Chief as well. I do believe that the Illini are a touch over-rated, but they still should outmatch the Wildcats.
Notre Dame @ Purdue (Notre Dame)
Penn State lost two of their best three defensive players last week against Eastern Michigan, Michael Mauti and D'Anton Lynn. Mauti is out for the year which is a shame because I predicted that Mauti would be the Big Ten DPOY and did feel he was on track for such a breakout year. Lynn likely will be out for a few weeks.
Even without Mauti, I think PSU has an exceptional defense and can overcome the injuries for now. Both PSU and Indiana lack offensive identities right now, but PSU has more offensive playmakers. On defense, PSU clearly outmatches the Hoosiers. And on the special teams side of the equation, the Lions may have found their kicker in Fera. Indiana's wideouts may be somewhat problematic for the Lions to contain, especially with Lynn's injury. However, this is the lone advantage I see for the Hoosiers in all of the matchups.
At a neutral site last season, a less talented Penn State team ended up getting the win. This 2011 version of Penn State is vastly improved, and I see them playing a very solid game. Penn State takes a much needed step in the right direction with a big win.
Minnesota @ Michigan (Michigan)
While I do not think the Golden Gophers are going to sit back and just get licked, I think Michigan is playing football better by about every aspect. Michigan's defense has played better, but they have not seen an elite offensive attack yet. The Gophers certainly are not among the offensive elite and their current QB quandary is problematic. I think the biggest discrepancy between the teams is Michigan's offense versus Minnesota's defense. Denard got off to a smoking start last week and I expect him to have a good game this week and Minnesota just does not have athletic enough defenders to contain him.
Michigan State @ Ohio State (Michigan State)
This game is a true litmus test for both teams. I think the winner of this game is going to have a decent season, but the loser of this game may be set to underachieve. While I think Ohio State has better talent, I like Michigan State's experience, especially behind center. Both teams had Week 3 matchups to forget, but also had good bounce backs last week. This one could go either way, but MSU's experience and my gut feeling at the beginning of the season tell me to go with Sparty.
Northwestern @ Illinois (Illinois)
If this was not Persa's first game back, I'd probably pick the Wildcats, however I think he will not be at 100 percent effectiveness this week. Northwestern is simply not ready to fulfill its offensive potential yet. Defensively, Northwestern is really lacking too. Illinois is a much more complete team, even though they had a scare last week. Being at home helps the Chief as well. I do believe that the Illini are a touch over-rated, but they still should outmatch the Wildcats.
Notre Dame @ Purdue (Notre Dame)
Though there victory against Pitt may seem to indicate otherwise, ND is rolling. Even though Purdue had an off-week, the Irish are starting to put things together Time can sometimes beat talent, but Danny Hope is no Urban Meyer. Boiler down.
Nebraska @ Wisconsin (Nebraska)
My wife and in-laws will hate me, but I think the Badgers have yet to be tested. To quote another blogger, "Nebraska has played no one, but Wisconsin has played NOBODY." I think that at least the Huskers had to play 4 quarters of football against Fresno State and Washington. Wisconsin has not had to play more than a half of real football this season. I think that 4th quarter endurance and mindset will hamper the Badgers.
Offensively, both teams are impressive, but Bucky is more balanced. Defensively is where I think the Cornhuskers will separate themselves. I think Camp Randall is more winnable than the media is making it out to be. I like Nebraska and their defense in this one.
Idle
Iowa
Nebraska @ Wisconsin (Nebraska)
My wife and in-laws will hate me, but I think the Badgers have yet to be tested. To quote another blogger, "Nebraska has played no one, but Wisconsin has played NOBODY." I think that at least the Huskers had to play 4 quarters of football against Fresno State and Washington. Wisconsin has not had to play more than a half of real football this season. I think that 4th quarter endurance and mindset will hamper the Badgers.
Offensively, both teams are impressive, but Bucky is more balanced. Defensively is where I think the Cornhuskers will separate themselves. I think Camp Randall is more winnable than the media is making it out to be. I like Nebraska and their defense in this one.
Idle
Iowa
U - Upset Alert (Game of the week that most likely could result in an upset)
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