While everyone is talking about the SEC and parroting the talking points of SEC approved homers like Clay Travis and Paul Finebaum, the Big Ten is not dead yet.
Like this?
Never mind that, you'll be stone dead in a moment.
I'm pretty sure that was Finebaum with the shovel. Look, I gotta rep the Big Ten. After all, we were the first conference, and we showed the SEC how to make money.
Oh, I think they knew.
Well, they are still a low-rent district in comparison. So now that we've established that, I am feeling the HYYYYYYYYPPEEEE!, and it is time to watch me work.
Beloved Wisconsin Badgers (-11) vs. Illinois Fighting Illini This football game is going to happen, and I'm honestly not sure how it will go. Both teams quite frankly have been highly questionable all year. Illinois has looked bad, and the Badgers have struggled. Before you give me the schedule argument, it doesn't matter. While the Badgers have lost to 3 teams ranked in the current AP poll, the Badgers haven't played well enough. Regardless of who plays at quarterback, the offense needs to improve and show some creativity. The defense hasn't been the problem, as they have gotten little help from the offense all year and the special teams has been garbage. The Badgers should win, but I'm not that confident. Badgers 21, Illini 7.
I'm not, either. Ol' Bret Bielema would dearly love to beat the Badgers, but I don't see it happening just yet. Badgers 20, Illinois 14.
Penn State Nittany Lions (+2) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes This is the Big Ten game of the year, and both these teams are shattering the notion that the Big Ten's fate rests with Ohio State alone. It's clear that last year was a one off for the Nittany Lions; they are a playoff contender. But it must be mentioned that Iowa has the best win by a conference team, as they rolled over a hyped Iowa State team in a true road game. Kinnick Stadium is the one venue that causes Big Ten rivals to freeze in fear, and the Iowans will have some extra time to get ready. Thanks Fox for finally having a big game that isn't starting at 11 -- 3 p.m. is a great time for some football. While this isn't the true "Kinnick at Night" experience, I think that Iowa will pull the upset. But this isn't an elimination game for both teams. Don't be surprised if this is only the first meeting between these two teams, despite Michigan having something to say about that. Iowa 31, Sad Valley 27.
Penn State is very good. I think Iowa is better. The Hawkeyes have a chance to do big things this season. Iowa 28, Penn State 19.
Detroit LOLions (+10) vs. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings have nobody to blame but themselves for being 1-3. The Vikings had their chances to beat the Browns, Bengals, and Cardinals, but they lost those games because of their own failings and the success of their opponents. The LOLions aren't good, but it's clear that Dan Campbell has a team that will play hard and is heading in the right direction. The late Bobby Bowden had a great quote about building a team. You lose big, lose close, win close, and win big. The LOLions are at the lose close stage, and they will figure out how to win close soon. The Vikings are in real danger of walking straight into a trapdoor this week. LOLions 35, Vikings 21.
Uh, no. Vikings 28, Lions 17.
Glorious Green Bay Packers (-3) vs. Cincinnati Bungles The Packers got a good win against the Steelers last week, and are sitting pretty. Going 2-1 against the Saints, Niners, and Yinzers is what I would have taken on the day the schedule came out. But the Bengals are a tough out. We've had some struggles against the Bengals over the years, and they always play us tough. With the success of both the Bengals and Bearcats, it's clear that Cincinnati is having a good year in sports. But you could say the same about Wisconsin. With the Bucks winning the NBA title, the Brewers up 1-0 in the NLDS against Atlanta, Steve Stricker winning the Ryder Cup in Wisconsin, and the success of the Packers, it's clear that Wisconsin should be renamed Winsconsin. Sorry, but Champa Bay is cringy. This game should be a shootout, but the Packers should make enough plays to win. Packers 42, Bengals 38.
The Packers are going to miss Jaire Alexander. A lot. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry is going have to earn it on Sunday. The Pack could catch a break since Joe Mixon is a game-time decision, which would likely render the Bengals one-dimensional. But either way it won't be easy. Packers 31, Bengals 24.
Enjoy your football this week, Ben out.
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