Big Ten Forecast

Big Ten play gets a whole lot more interesting this weekend.  Here's how we have the big ticket games panning out.

• Illinois at Michigan State - The Ron Zook era at Illinois has had a remarkable resemblance to the Ron Zook era at Florida: great recruiting classes, not so great on the field products.  Last week's win in Happy Valley was impressive though.  The defense constantly pressured Robert Bolden, and the offense finally seemed to be able to put together four good quarters.  On paper they should be able to hang with the Spartans, but Michigan State looks primed to throw a wrench in the Big Ten picture if they continue to play at their current level.  I like Michigan State, 35-20.
• Iowa at Michigan - Michigan State showed that Denard Robinson does not wear an "S" under his jersey, but Iowa has struggled against play making quarterbacks all year. Plus, Rich Rodriguez could sure use a defining Big Ten win in to keep his critics from taking center stage again.  I'm going with the Wolverines, 27-21.
• Ohio State at Wisconsin - I'm still not sold on the Badgers.  They most certainly can run the ball, but to beat the Buckeyes they'll need to let Scott Tolzien stretch the field and protect the football.  On the defensive side of the ball, it's all about forcing turnovers.  Terrelle Pryor has been superb, but he still has a tendency to force the issue in tight spots.  If Wisconsin can take advantage of that, they've got a good shot.  I don't see it happening though.  31-17 Buckeyes.