Benster and D Pick Your Games -- Back from Galesburg, Baby! Edition

You might have noticed that the HYYYYYYPPPPPPPE! levels in Minnesota have increased in recent days. It seemed like a disturbance in the Force happened. Well, I'm the disturbance, baby!

The Benster's back and there's gonna be trouble. Hey la, hey la, the Benster's back!

Is it always necessary for you to break out into song every time I come back to town?

Ben, the two of us need look no more,
We both found what we were looking for

C'mon, old dude -- that song is an ode to a cinematic rat! You really need to do better than that!

Hey kids, plug into the faithless
Maybe they're blinded
But Bennie makes them ageless

That's a little better, but you're still 40 years in the rear view mirror, Geritol Fan! And let's face it, no one is here to see you quote ancient song lyrics! They're here to see my brilliance. So watch me work!

Illinois Cheating Illini (+5) vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Gophers can still get a bowl bid if they win out. It has to start tomorrow and, thankfully, Illinois is a beatable opponent. They have some talent, but they invariably fail to utilize it. Thankfully, the Gophers have talent and have an experienced staff. It's time for the Gophers to make sure they take care of business, because next week is going to be a challenge. But for now, I like the Gophers. Gophers 38, Illinois 10.

I agree -- if the Gophers are going to make their push for the Tidy Bowl, or whatever silly lower-tier bowl they might get for a 6-6 record, the push had better come right now. They've been close against superior competition, so playing the undermanned Illini will seem like a relief. Time for Tracy Claes to get off the schneid. Gophers 31, Illinois 22.

Northwestern Wildcats (+10) vs. Beloved Wisconsin Badgers. So, old dude, have you checked the rankings? It seems that Northwestern is ranked higher than Wisconsin. So, why are the Badgers a 10 point favorite? Well, let me explain it to you. You might have noticed that tomorrow is November 21. That date has significance to me. And I'm putting Paul Chryst on notice -- you better win this one, pal. I could use a good birthday present! I think Northwestern is starting to fall to earth a little, but they still will give Wisconsin all they want. This time, I don't expect there to be a lot of purple in Madison. Once again, Wisconsin, you'd better win. Badgers 67, Wildcats 0.

Wait, tomorrow is your birthday? You mean, 20 years ago you looked like this?

Just born and already bringing the HYYYYYPPPPPPE!

That was a long time ago and many things have changed over the years. One thing hasn't, though -- Northwestern remains a tough out, especially for the Badgers. However, the last few times the Cats have come to Madison it's gotten pretty ugly for them. I think this one will be closer, but I like the Badgers to win a close defensive struggle. Badgers 21, Northwestern 16.

Michigan State Sparty the Spartan (+14) vs. The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Lots of folks have questioned how good Ohio State is this year, but they keep on rolling. Now comes a test. The Spartans should be undefeated, but they got hosed on a bizarre play in Lincoln a few weeks back and so they are looking to give Urban Meyer his first regular season Big Ten loss. One thing all the experts forget is that the senior class of Michigan State has beaten Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game two years ago. So, remind me again, why is Ohio State a two touchdown favorite? Michigan State 19, Ohio State 12.

Uh, no. Sparty did get hosed in Lincoln, but they also stole one against Big Brother Blue, so their karmic bank account is in balance. In the end, it comes down to talent and the home field. Ohio State has been improving of late and I suspect they are about to get into Playoff mode. Ohio State 34, Michigan State 26.

Denver Broncos (+1) vs. Bear Down Chicago da Bearz. So last weekend, Peyton Manning kinda, well, sucked. I realize that's not the nicest way to describe it, but his stat line was bad. Awful. Even unsightly. Perhaps, dare I say, atrocious? That is why you will not be seeing Peyton Manning playing against his old coach, John Fox. Instead, you will see Brock Osweiler, who is best known for being the tallest dude ever to appear on a milk carton, because he's been missing ever since he left Arizona State. The Bears would know something about quarterbacks on milk cartons, because they've been missing one for nearly 70 years now. Jay Cutler is, as always, smokin'. See for yourself:

I like Newports

There is no denying that da Bearz have improved, but this a little much. Denver 45, da Bearz 2.

Oy. Gino's not gonna like that one bit. And I think you're being a bit unfair to Peter Tom Willis, but I digress. This is going to be a low-scoring game, I suspect. Denver's defense is ferocious and the Bears are still having some trouble along the offensive line. Cutler has improved his happy feet problem this year, but he hasn't seen a pass rush like the one that's coming to Chicago on Sunday. That will be the difference. Broncos 20, Bears 14.

Glorious Green Bay Packers (+1) vs. Minnesota Vikings. Lots of people have been suggesting that the torch has been passed in the NFC North and that the Vikings are ready to take over. Well, they could be right. The Vikings have played very well this year, while the Packers have hit a very tough patch as of late. Losing to the Broncos and Panthers is one thing, but losing to the LOLions at home? That's quite another. So what happens this week? This is the first difficult game for the Vikings since they played at Denver several weeks ago. Give the Purple credit for hanging in there and winning the games they would expect to win. It gets harder the rest of the way, starting on Sunday in Minneapolis. As for the Packers, the sky may be falling, but inside, they're just fine. Packers 27, Vikings 20.

I dunno. The Vikings are pretty good and I wonder who is going to play for the Packers. The good news is that Eddie Lacy apparently will be available, but the Packers are down several receivers now, as it appears that both Ty Montgomery and Jared Abbrederis are unavailable. Mind you, these were guys the Packers never expected to need this season, but here we are. The secret problem the Packers are having is that their offensive line is not playing well and that has caused Aaron Rodgers a lot of grief. The Vikings like to get up the field on defense, so the Packers need to find a way to get them back on their heels a bit. Watch the battle between Linval Joseph of the Vikings and Corey Linsley of the Packers. The winner of that matchup will likely indicate the winner of the game. Packers 23, Vikings 21.

Any last words, Geritol Fan?

Glad to have you back, young fella! It's a lot easier to keep the house warm when you have HYYYYYYPPPPE! to burn.

Always glad to be of service. Ben out!