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5 bold predictions for the B1G in Rivalry Week
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The final week of the college football season has arrived. I know, I needed a tissue to wipe away the tears, too.
But before we close the books on the regular season, let’s have one final weekend of fun in the B1G. It’s been a crazy year since Week 1, so why not end the season on the same note?
Here are five bold predictions as we enter Rivalry Week in the B1G:
Purdue wins the Old Oaken Bucket but loses its head coach
We’ll find out who the winner is on Saturday (obviously). But Jeff Brohm’s decision to stay in West Lafayette or leave for Louisville could come as soon as Sunday or as late as a week after the B1G Championship Game. Either way, the Boilermakers will make the postseason with a loss to Indiana. With the Cardinals calling, it’s hard to imagine Brohm stays at Purdue.
There are at least two upsets in the B1G
You can really take your pick here. Ohio State could upset Michigan. Nebraska could upset Iowa. Maryland could upset Penn State. Or maybe Minnesota finally beats Wisconsin and takes Paul Bunyan’s Axe back to Minneapolis. I’m not sure which favorites will topple, but the B1G has been so whacky this year, why not end the season with a little more chaos?
Jonathan Taylor goes over they 2,000-yard mark
Taylor has been held under the 100-yard mark just one time this season. Yes, Minnesota’s defense has looked much better over the last two weeks, but the sophomore should be able to record the 131 yards he needs to hit 2,000 for the season. It’s hard to believe the Badgers are just 7-4 with the monster year Taylor is having.
Ohio State has a better chance against Michigan than we think
Everyone seems to be counting out the Buckeyes. No, they haven’t played well for the last month or so, but there’s too much talent on the field and Urban Meyer is too good of a coach to disqualify them on Saturday. While Michigan probably has the advantage in terms of defense and momentum, look for Ohio State to be in this game from start to finish. A seventh-straight win in the series wouldn’t be all that surprising.
Nebraska-Iowa exceeds 90 total points
Let’s have a Black Friday shootout, shall we? Iowa’s defense has shown some holes recently and Nebraska’s offense is really powerful. On the flip side, the Hawkeyes are coming off an incredible offensive outing against Illinois and the Huskers’ defense has been suspect all season. This could be a 56-53 type of game in Iowa City.
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