Each week of the 2009 college football season, I will be examining all of the games that a Big Ten team plays in. All kickoff times are ET and all poll numbers are from the coaches poll as provided by ESPN. Week 4 is as follows:
Overview of Week 3
Last week, I obviously missed quite a few big games. I missed on some of my upset picks (Akron over Indiana and Minnesota over Cal, to name two), and missed other upsets. Basically, except for the easy and solid picks, I really sucked last week, going 6-4 for the overall wins. Overall, the entire Big Ten did average, going 6-4 against their opponents.
Indiana @ #22 Michigan
Ahhh Michigan, the team that went just 3-9, last year seems to be on a comeback. A win this week against conference foe Indiana will guarantee a better record than last year, which is what Rich Rod really needs. The Wolverines will be looking to use their freshman quarterback Tate Forcier to keep the defense on their toes, while using their running backs to rack up more yardage. Michigan got 380 yards on the ground last week, while Indiana, though holding the yards allowed down, looks very week in their defensive lines.
Look for a run-based offense from the Maize and Blue, with Forcier occasionally throwing to open up the field, to literally pound Indiana into the soil. Indiana 10, UM 31. This game will be televised on ESPN2 at 12 p.m. Saturday.
Michigan State University @ Wisconsin
Last week's loss to Notre Dame is the second loss of the year for the Spartans, and both were within a field goal. While they are looking forward to be a winning team again, the strong defense of undefeated Wisconsin, combined with the power of Camp Randall Stadium, should give MSU a pause. Though both teams have a potent offense, they both also have a very porous defense. 300+ yards allowed each game is a travesty, especially when you are up against tiny schools that are not even in the FBS. I expect a shootout, but also anticipate that the hometown crowd will help Wisconsin take the game. MSU 35, Wisconsin 42. This game will be televised on ESPN at 12 p.m. Saturday.
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