Five ranked games in the Big Ten, and a lot to break down.
After a multitude of results last weekend that shook up the conference, the slate looks primed to continue another weekend that leaves some fans bruised and some elated. With a jam-packed schedule of games, there’s a lot to watch, but don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my predictions.
Here’s my guide to the Big Ten slate ahead of this weekend.
What Should Fans Watch For in Big Ten Week 6?
No. 20 Iowa vs. Washington
No Hank Brown for Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes spells doom for their trek to the West Coast. I’m not sure the Huskies have performed up to par, as many tabbed them as a dark horse, but their roster is still good enough to shake up Jeremy Hecklinski in the pocket, who I don’t think is good enough for this matchup. Maybe I’m wrong, but I think we see the Iowa offense revert to the stalled attack we know and love.
My Prediction: Back-to-back losses for Ferentz see them fall out of the AP Poll.
No. 7 Indiana vs. Nebraska
Two undefeated squads, with similar competition to start the Big Ten slate. Sure, the defending National Champions have a forecasted -7.5 favorite on the spread, and it’ll likely be a win for Indiana. I do agree; I think Nebraska can hang in there. Northwestern looks solid this season, and it gave the Hoosiers a run for their money; a talented Cornhuskers squad should be able to do the same. Personally, I’d take Nebraska to cover.
My Prediction: Indiana wins in a shootout.
Northwestern vs. Ball State
No pun intended, but the Wildcats have the perfect opportunity to keep the ball rolling after a result against Penn State that caught the nation’s attention despite a disastrous Nittany Lions squad. I have full belief that this Northwestern squad will shake up the conference this year and continue to put up results, which starts with this matchup against the Cardinals.
My Prediction: Back the Cats — NU covers -35.5.
No. 21 UCLA vs. No. 13 Oregon
Dylan Raiola gets his first career start with the Ducks, and after impressing when Dante Moore went out, he’s destined for success. But I won’t lie: I love Bob Chesney and what his Bruins have shown this season, fueled by Wayne Knight, one of the best rushers in the nation. Oregon’s defense has flashed gaps; I think UCLA knows how to expose them. Last year UCLA ruined the season for a Penn State team buzzed for a title; now the Bruins do it again this year to the Ducks — who are one result away from implosion.
My Prediction: Chesney fraud checks Dan Lanning.
Illinois vs. Michigan State
This one is the hardest game of the week for me to forecast honestly; this feels like it could go either way. Both squads are riding disappointing skids and need a win now. Illinois had an ugly loss to Purdue, which tells you a lot about where this squad is at. Pat Fitzgerald hasn’t fared much better in his debut season, but this presents a chance to change things, which is entirely possible. I feel like picking this one based on a coin flip, and it comes down to which coach game plans better — give me Pat.
My Prediction: Illinois drops its third straight game.
Maryland vs. No. 5 Ohio State
Jeremiah Smith is that guy; good luck, Mike Locksley. This game is going to be a blowout; there’s practically no hope for the Terrapins to not be down even after the first Ohio State drive. Maryland is really on the brink of total collapse, or already in the midst of it, and it feels like any week could be the gust that brings down the whole house of cards. I know expectations are low for this one, but Maryland is going to eat another loss — putting all the chips into its next week’s game against Rutgers to potentially determine Locksley’s fate.
My Prediction: Jeremiah Smith gets another multi-hundred-yard game — because why not?
No. 19 USC vs. Penn State
The Trojans have a bad defense; the Nittany Lions have a tepid offense — with the White Out as the battleground for what may be an absolutely ugly game. I think the blue and white are hungry for a result; the coaching staff’s transparency at the weekly pressers showed it, while I think Lincoln Riley’s squad has hit a wall. Penn State wins this one, storms the field and locks up the individual talent that USC has.
My Prediction: The bulletin board material for Penn State propels it to a win and first marquee victory of Matt Campbell era.
Minnesota vs. Purdue
The Golden Gophers are fired up, especially coach P.J. Fleck. I’m drinking the Kool-Aid regarding this Minnesota squad, and I truly believe they shake up the Big Ten this year with this unit. I don’t understand how the spread of this one is within a field goal; I see a blowout looming — Purdue just isn’t good. Keep doubting the Golden Gophers; it’ll be your loss — buy stock now.
My Prediction: Fleck does something wild again after the win
Main Image: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
