Previews and Predictions: Week 7

 All Conference games this week! Two upstart teams hold their own destiny and two struggling teams look to restart their engines and finish the second half strong. Let's get this Previews and Predictions rolling!

Illinois at Wisconsin, 12 PM

Illinois, (3-3, 0-2) last in the West standings, looks to turn it round against a shocked Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1) at Camp Randall. Wisconsin's four turnovers blew up any thought of a victory at Northwestern and the slow start doomed them. Illinois should not be much of a problem for Wisconsin unless Wisconsin starts slow on either side of the ball. Illinois's offense is capable of  scoring points but hasn't been consistent. The Illini defense is not strong and a slow start may be survivable for the Badgers. Wisconsin takes this one after another slow start. 

Prediction: Wisconsin 38, Illinois 24

Indiana at Iowa, 12 PM

The Hawkeyes welcome the Hoosiers to Kinnick for a noon kickoff. Neither teams have a defense that is overly strong. Indiana (3-2, 0-1) has a bipolar offense but I'm predicting the Hoosiers have a better week on offense. Iowa (4-1, 1-0) comes off a bye week looking to rock the house. An offense that can score points will against a weak Indiana defense. Possibly could be a shootout to start. It;s tough to play at Kinnick Stadium giving Iowa the advantage.

Prediction: Iowa 41, Indiana 27

Northwestern at Minnesota 12 PM

Two teams that have upset capabilities and hold their destiny in the West. The team that wins will be a favorite to capture the West title. Northwestern has to visit Minnesota giving Minnesota the edge this week. Both teams have offenses led by young leaders at QB who are prime choices t lead their teams to victory. Both feature hard-hitting defenses and the team with the least mistakes will take this one. Minnesota edges Northwestern at the end.

Prediction: Minnesota 24. Northwestern 20

#8 Michigan State at Purdue, 3:30 PM. Line: MSU -21.5 

Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) rolls into Purdue (4-1, 1-0) looking to tie the Boilermakers to the train tracks. Purdue comes off a great performance by QB Austin Appleby but the defense is suspect. Purdue has given up substantial points in losses and Michigan State's offense has exploited weak defenses. Michigan State will let the steam out of the boiler by halftime. No way Dantonio will let an almost collapse happen again. Statement will be made today. 

Prediction: Michigan State 42, Purdue 17

Penn State at Michigan, 7 PM. Line: Michigan -2.5

Penn State comes off a bye week looking to ruin Michigan's night game party. Michigan's two night games were wins against Notre Dame but weak Notre Dame teams. Therefore Michigan will either thrive under the lights or implode more. Penn State is weak. They have no depth and disagreement throughout. Michigan has a weak secondary so Penn State has to avoid running the ball and hit the pass to stay in this one. Devin Gardner will lead the Wolverines to a win. Barely.

Prediction: Michigan 28, Penn State 27

Game to Watch: Northwestern at Minnesota

Game to Disregard: Michigan State at Purdue

Dark Horse Game: Penn State at Michigan 

Outrageous Predictions:

Illinois 28, Wisconsin 14

Indiana 65, Iowa 63

Northwestern 35, Minnesota 17

Purdue 17, Michigan State 13

Michigan 35, Penn State 7