Hoge: Week 8 Big Ten Football Report
By Adam Hoge -
Week 8 Big Ten Football Report:
Podcast
Northwestern 28, Michigan State 24: It always seems like Northwestern comes up with a win when everyone least expects it. The Wildcats had a bad loss at home two weeks ago and are coming off a bye so you know Pat Fitzgerald is going to have his guys ready to play. I love what the Spartans have done so far but with their trip to Iowa looming next week, this is the definition of a trap game.
Illinois 23, Indiana 17: This really isn't a great matchup for the Hoosiers. Illinois defense is good enough to slow down IU quarterback Ben Chappell and Indiana's defense is bad enough for Nathan Scheelhasse to actually throw for a couple touchdowns.
Penn State 17, Minnesota 14: This is a tricky game. I could totally see the Gophers coming out to play for interim head coach Jeff Horton. We see that kind of thing happen all time in sports. But in this case, the Gophers are still bad and Penn State should get its first Big Ten win this weekend.
Ohio State 31, Purdue 14: Welcome to reality Boilermakers. I give Danny Hope all the credit in the world for getting off to a 2-0 Big Ten start with all the injuries his team has endured, but they won't go into the Horseshoe and steal a win. Buckeyes rebound with a pretty convincing win.
Iowa 24, Wisconsin 20: The Badgers managed three offensive touchdowns against Ohio State last week, but now they head on the road and will face an even tougher defense. I can't see the offense reaching the end zone more than twice. A defensive or special teams touchdown could swing this one in UW's favor, but I give the nod to the Hawkeyes at home. What a great matchup we will see between the Big Ten's best offensive line (Wisconsin) and the Big Ten's best defensive line (Iowa).
Bye: Michigan
Adam's Big Ten Football Report can be heard every Thursday night on The Laurence Holmes Show. For more college football coverage follow Adam Hoge on Twitter @AdamHoge670.
