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The first month of the season has come and gone. Now, we’re diving head-first into B1G play.
Not all nonconference contests are off the docket just yet, but a majority of those games are now behind us. We’re getting into the meat and potatoes of the B1G football season — sorry for stealing that phrase, Mel Tucker.
Eight total games will be played this week in the B1G, six of which are conference matchups. Illinois and Michigan State close out their nonconference slates on Saturday. Action begins on Friday night with undefeated teams Iowa and Maryland going head-to-head in “The Shell.”
It should be a really fun weekend in the B1G.
Before we get to kickoff on Friday night, here are some bold predictions for the weekend ahead:
Illinois snaps its losing streak
This is no cakewalk for Illinois. Charlotte rolls into Champaign with a 3-1 record and has already scored a Power 5 upset over Duke in Week 1. Bret Bielema’s team better bring a lunchbox to the fight on Saturday afternoon. But Illinois has been on the wrong side of three 1-possession games and does have a more talented roster. We need to see more consistent play under center, but Illinois has enough firepower to get that second win of the season.
Spencer Petras has a better night than Taulia Tagovailoa
Potentially the boldest of takes this week. This really isn’t a knock against Tagovailoa, but I do believe Iowa’s defense is a lot better than Maryland’s (and the Terps have improved drastically on that side of the ball). We saw what the Hawkeyes can do against a pass-heavy team in Week 1 against Indiana, and while I don’t think it’ll be quite that ugly for Mike Locksley’s team, I do believe Kirk Ferentz’s defense will put some pressure on that passing attack. Meanwhile, Petras will do his thing by taking advantage of a short-to-intermediate passing game and taking a shot here and there.
Minnesota bounces back against Purdue
Even though the Golden Gophers are coming off a terrible loss to Bowling Green, they’re capable of bouncing back in a big way in West Lafayette. Why? The rushing attack has been consistent and that big offensive line should be able to push around the Purdue defensive front. Tanner Morgan also struggled last week (all season really), but life might be easier with receiver Chris Autman-Bell back in the lineup. Plus, Purdue may be operating without top receiver David Bell, top tight end Payne Durham and top two running backs Zander Horvath and King Doerue.
Chris Olave gets back on track against Rutgers
What’s wrong with Olave? That’s been the question after the last two games, when the Ohio State receiver hauled in just 2 receptions for 12 yards against Tulsa and Akron. It’s not going to be a long-term thing for one of the nation’s top pass-catchers. Rutgers’ defense is playing at a high level, but Olave should pose a serious matchup problem for that secondary. Maybe the senior receiver doesn’t post one of those 100-yard outings, but he’ll prove to be a legitimate option again in the passing attack.
Nebraska holds Northwestern to 10 points or less
The Blackshirt defense may have returned to Lincoln. Even though the Huskers sit at 2-3 on the season, the defense isn’t the problem. When you look at Northwestern’s offense and inability to get consistent quarterback play, I seriously wonder how the Wildcats are going to be able to move the football. Nebraska’s defense should dominate this game and hold Northwestern to 10 points or less this Saturday, giving the Huskers a great opportunity to get back to .500.
Micahel Penix Jr. doesn’t end the game as Indiana’s QB
Indiana is 0-2 in its two games against ranked opponents — Iowa and Cincinnati. The commonality in those two contests? Michael Penix Jr. threw 3 interceptions in each game. Penn State’s defense is just as physical, aggressive and opportunistic as the other two teams the Hoosiers have faced. Factor in the night-game atmosphere at Beaver Stadium and the Nittany Lions’ wanting to get revenge for last year’s loss in Bloomington. Indiana is going to have to experiment with a new quarterback at some point in this game.
Chez Mellusi is the X-factor for Wisconsin
Because the Badgers sit at 1-2 on the season, Chez Mellusi’s production is being overshadowed. The transfer running back has still totaled 319 yards and 2 touchdowns on 69 carries this season and also has 4 catches for 47 yards. I think he’s going to be the X-factor in a game that is critical for both Wisconsin and Michigan on Saturday. Mellusi will get over 100 yards against the Wolverines defense and will help the Badgers finally cap some of those red zone visits with touchdowns.
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