Big Ten Football: Predicting Every Big Ten Final Score In Week 8
Week 8 in the Big Ten will have six games and two of them are pretty big. In-state rivals Michigan and Michigan State will meet up for a prime-time clash and the winner will take home the coveted Paul Bunyan Trophy.
Arguably the biggest college football game to date will take place right away at noon on Fox: Penn State vs. Ohio State. Whoever wins the game on Saturday will be sitting pretty in the College Football Playoff, but the winner of PSU-OSU still has to face Michigan at some point. Either way, that huge game will be very telling of what's to come the rest of the season.
Here's what I think will happen on Saturday.
Trent's SU win/loss record through seven weeks: 58-8
Penn State vs. Ohio State -- Sat. Noon ET
The game of the week will take place in Columbus on Saturday between two of the top teams in the country. Ohio State already has a signature win, while James Franklin is still looking for one and he's hoping it will come on Saturday. I could see this game going either way. Penn State has looked dominant, and Ohio State has looked dominant at times, but the Buckeyes have had their flaws as well. At the end of the day, the game is being played in Columbus and it's hard to go into the 'Shoe and win. I have to guess the Buckeyes will win a close one thanks to a big performance by Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ohio State 31, Penn State 28
Rutgers vs. Indiana -- Sat. Noon ET
Rutgers (5-2) just got done winning a thriller at home against Michigan State last weekend. The Scarlet Knights came back when it looked like the Spartans were going to pick up a quality win. On the other side, Indiana is coming off a 52-7 defeat against Michigan and the Hoosiers just don't look very good. Rutgers may not be elite offensively, but the Scarlet Knights have a good defense that shouldn't let the Hoosiers score many points.
Rutgers 24, Indiana 14
Minnesota vs. Iowa -- Sat. 3:30 p.m. ET
Buckle up. Two of the worst offenses in the Big Ten will be squaring off on Saturday. The Hawkeyes are in control of the West division, but the Gophers would like a chance to take them off the top of the ladder. Iowa has lost Cade McNamara and both tight ends are done for the year -- the Iowa offense might be worse somehow. But at least Kirk Ferentz has his defense to win him close games.
Iowa 17, Minnesota 13
Wisconsin vs. Illinois -- Sat. 3:30 p.m. ET
The Badgers lost Tanner Mordecai to an injury he sustained last week and the Illini are coming off a huge win against the Terps. So Illinois should win this game at home, right? I don't think so. Credit to Illinois for beating a solid Maryland team, but Braelon Allen and a better Wisconsin defense might be too overpowering for a shockingly mediocre Illinois defense.
Wisconsin 24, Illinois 17
Northwestern vs. Nebraska -- Sat. 3:30 p.m. ET
A battle of the 3-3 teams, which is better than what most people were projecting Northwestern to be at through six games. Both teams are coming off of a bye week to get healthy and to get a game plan. Talent-wise, Nebraska is the much better team, but the Wildcats are playing with some grit and heart. If this game was in Evanston I would probably pick Northwestern, but Matt Rhule should have his team ready to play at home.
Nebraska 28, Northwestern 24
Michigan vs. Michigan State -- Sat. 7:30 p.m. ET
Well, Michigan is involved in more off-the-field issues that were announced on Thursday, which could affect the players on Saturday night. But I think this Wolverines team is extremely close and will play for one another and for Jim Harbaugh. This Michigan State team isn't all that good and that program is in more disarray with what Mel Tucker left behind. This game is personal to both programs, but when push comes to shove, the talent gap is going to be too much for Michigan State.
Michigan 45, Michigan State 13
