Ohio State Football: Big Ten predictions for week 9

2 of 2

EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Brian Lewerke /

Minnesota at Iowa:

TS The Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale trophy. This is why I love the Big Ten. Games that traditionally have little impact on who wins the conference still have meaning by fighting for the annual inimitable trophy.

The Hawkeyes have owned this series over the last 20 years and there is little reason to believe they won’t keep Floyd for the third consecutive season. Iowa wins 24-10.

CL Iowa is the better team but funny things happen in these rivalry games. I think it will be a close one.

Iowa wins 20-16.

Michigan State at Northwestern:

TS The Wildcats took care of Iowa last week behind a strong defensive performance. The Spartans managed to hold off Indiana and keep their hopes of disrupting the Big Ten East alive.

Neither offense is looking efficient right now though and that leans toward a low scoring game. Turnovers and field position will determine the outcome. I think that favors Michigan State. Game is close, but Spartans win 24-17.

CL Tom and I are thinking alike here but I have it as a lower scoring game with a bunch of field goals and not many touchdowns.

Michigan State wins 19-13.

Indiana at Maryland:

TS Before last week, I would consider this game a battle to determine fourth place in the East. With Rutgers winning two in a row, I am inclined to think this might be for fifth place in the East.

The Hoosiers cannot find a way to win close games. The Terps are still suffering the consequences of lacking the depth that is needed to be really compete in the Big Ten.

The Hoosiers passing game is the difference. They win a high-scoring game 48-41.

CL I have the Hoosiers winning as well but not nearly as many points being scored. I don’t think the Terrapins can keep up with their quarterback issues.

Indiana defeats Maryland 38-20.

Rutgers at Michigan:

TS Michigan will win this game, but it won’t be easy. The Wolverines found out last week that they are not ready to compete in the East. They are young, but they have limited playmakers on offense. That will hinder them all season.

Chris Ash is resurrecting the Rutgers program. They ae competitive despite the talent.

Wolverines pull away in the second half and win 31-10.

CL I think the Wolverines will come out with their hair on fire after their devastating loss last week.

Michigan wins 41 -10.

Wisconsin at Illinois:

TS This game is simple to predict. Jonathan Taylor runs for 200 yards and four touchdowns. Badgers win 45-7.

CL I agree it will be an easy win for the Badgers but they will probably rest starters for much of the second half.

Wisconsin 38-10.

Nebraska at Purdue:

More from Scarlet and Game

TS The Boilermakers shocked me last week. I thought Jeff Brohm had this team ready to make a run at finishing second in the West and then they flop against Rutgers.

I still think Purdue is on the rise, but Nebraska is desperate for a win to get its season back on track.

The Cornhuskers had a week off to figure out how to navigate the back half of the season and they’ll get it going. Nebraska wins a shootout 52-45.

CL Here is where we disagree on the winner. I think Purdue will bounce back at home and get the win.

Both teams will put up points as neither defense is very good.

I have Purdue defeating Nebraska 38-27.

Next: Ohio State dangerous vs. Penn State if JT Barrett keeps new groove

Well, there are our Big Ten predictions for week 9. Do you tend to agree with Tom’s picks or mine?

Home/Ohio State Football