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The final week of the non-conference schedule has arrived. Well, mostly.
Week 3 marks the only weekend on the 2018 schedule when there are no B1G matchups and all teams in action are stepping outside of league play. And for a majority of those teams, it’s the last game before the conference slate begins.
There aren’t many interesting matchups on Saturday outside of No. 4 Ohio State vs. No. 15 TCU — although you could make the case that Ball State vs. Indiana and Missouri vs. Purdue could be entertaining. Still, this is kind of that ho-hum weekend before a (nearly) full week of B1G action next Saturday.
Here are five bold predictions for a vanilla Saturday across the B1G.
Purdue’s defense shuts down Drew Lock
The Missouri quarterback has put up excellent numbers through the first two weeks, throwing for 687 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions while completing over 74 percent of his passes. But he’s done that against Tennessee-Martin and Wyoming. The Boilermakers shut down Lock a season ago and will be able to do it again this Saturday.
Mike Weber, not Dwayne Haskins, will be the story for Ohio State
Haskins has been dominant in Ohio State’s first two victories and he’s surely captured the attention of TCU. The Horned Frogs have only allowed 106 yards per game through the air thus far and Gary Patterson will do everything he can to keep the Buckeyes quarterback from getting hot. That leaves a major opportunity for Weber. He could have a huge day for Ohio State. Like, over 200 yards huge.
Rutgers has no problem with Kansas
For whatever reason, Kansas wins one road game and suddenly it’s a favorite the following week? I’m sorry, but even against a team that’s endured its struggles like Rutgers, that just isn’t right. The Scarlet Knights didn’t put up much of a fight against Ohio State but this is a program that’s still improving. And it’s definitely better than Kansas. Give me the Scarlet Knights by a few touchdowns.
A.J. Epenesa becomes the B1G’s lone sack leader
This prediction is a bit of a cheat because Epenesa is already tied as the B1G’s sack leader entering Week 3. He shares the top spot with Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, both recording three sacks so far. But the Hawkeyes play FCS foe Northern Iowa while the Buckeyes battle No. 15 TCU. I have a feeling Epenesa might get to the UNI quarterback two or three times this weekend.
Nebraska drops 50+ on Troy
Everyone wants to point to Troy’s win at LSU last season and expects the Huskers to be in for a dog fight. I just don’t see it that way. In its first game against Colorado, Nebraska managed to score 28 points despite several penalties and turnovers. Boise State racked up 56 points on the Trojans two weeks ago. I’ll be surprised if the Huskers don’t hang half-a-hundy on Troy.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB