Each week of the 2009 college football season, I will be examining all the games that a Big Ten team plays in. All kickoff times are ET and all poll numbers are from the BCS rankings as provided by ESPN. All records are for conference play only. Week Twelve is as follows:
Overview of Week Eleven
Last week, the Big Ten worked out several of its kinks. OSU won yet another conference title, as they defeated Iowa in overtime (closer than I expected) - I, along with thousands of my closest (and drunkest) friends, rushed the field after the game. While Penn State and Wisconsin won (as expected), Purdue decided to lose again, this time to Michigan State. All-in-all, it was a good week for the conference, as they kept four teams ranked, and still have 3 in the top 15 (with Wisconsin at #16).
#10 The Ohio State University (6-1)@ University of Michigan (1-6)
Well, we might as well start this week's preview out with the most important game of the week: The Game. While The Game is considered the greatest rivalry in all sports, it has been lackluster as of late. This week's version has a horrific Michigan team up against a strong Ohio State team, so it should be in a sad state. While OSU already has the Rose Bowl berth, they still could keep Michigan from being bowl eligible if they win. With no defense, and a stagnating offense, the Wolverines have absolutely no chance on Saturday, and the Buckeye players should be heading home with yet another charm. OSU 28, UM 10. This game will be televised on ABC at 12:00 p.m.
The Game has no trophy, but for each win, members of the Buckeyes get a gold pants charm
#13 Iowa (5-2) vs Minnesota (3-4)
Even though they lost the automatic BCS berth last week, the Hawkeyes still have a chance to make it to a BCS game this season. To do so, they must first get by a tough Minnesota team. Sure, the Golden Gophers have not shown up strongly on the scoreboard during their games, but they have a strong defense, and a decent offense. With Iowa's starting quarterback gone, Minnesota might have a chance to keep the game close. Even if it is close, however, Iowa still will be fielding a better team. If they can keep their turnovers to a minimum, the Hawkeyes should be going home with Floyd, and a probable BCS berth. Iowa 24, Minnesota 21. This game will be televised on ESPN at 12:00 p.m.
The trophy for this rivalry is a bronze pig named The Floyd of Rosedale.
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Article comments
1 - A Geek Girl
It's going to be an interesting week.
I was born in Ohio and that rivalry must be passed on at birth, or perhaps it's something in the water? I grew up with five uncles so I can't remember a time when a game against Michigan didn't involve violence, expletives and the possibility of some flying object going through the TV screen. Those were fun times.
I also get the added bonus of growing up a Skins fan. Another on the list of rivalries. Lucky me.
2 - Robert M. Barga
It is certainly an interesting rivalry. Everything about it is from birth. Either you are born into it or you are baptised in mirror lake
3 - Jay Skipworth
The Ohio State-Michigan rivalry is only so revered because of ESPN's never-ending devotion to that worn out, boring series and the Big 10(11).
4 - Robert M. Barga
We both know that ESPN doesn't think much of the Big Ten at this point. However, if you had rivalries that determined a BCS bowl bid, then they would be big too