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Nov 21, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Clayton Thorson (18) throws a pass during the third quarter as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Vince Biegel (47) defends at Camp Randall Stadium. Northwestern won 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The key Big Ten football match-ups in week 10 are here.
Heading into week ten and the seventh week of conference play in Big Ten football, there are three interesting match-ups that we will examine. Following the games, we will follow-up with the scores and highlights.
Big Ten football Game #1:
November 5, 2016 – 12:00 PM
8 Wisconsin (6-2) @ Northwestern (4-4)
In another battle that has history in its wake, this match-up with the Wisconsin Badgers heading into Evanston, IL to take on the recently difficult to beat Northwestern Wildcats.
Northwestern and head coach Pat Fitzgerald has been a thorn in Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst’s side over the last few years.
The Badgers turned it over five times in last year’s 13-7 loss – despite vastly out playing the Wildcats – and turned it over four times in 2014 in another game they could have won.
But this year is different right?
Wrong. This year could theoretically be even tougher for the Badgers to get past the Wildcats, playing them on the road.
What makes the Wildcats so tough to beat? They have played very well over the last four weeks. They have played consistently through four quarters of every game, avoid disabling penalties and also have a defense that can stop the run.
If Wisconsin wants to get this win they must rely on a banged up defense to will them there. But with Clayton Thorson at quarterback and Justin Jackson at running back, the Wildcats offense has begun to flourish.
It will take every bit of Wisconsin’s mojo to keep this Wildcats team out of the end zone.
Prediction: Wisconsin 24 Northwestern 20
Big Ten football Game #2:
Nov 22, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Jarrett Ross (32) pressures Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) in the third quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2016 – 3:30 PM
Maryland (5-3) @ 3 Michigan (8-0)
The Michigan Wolverines have become the new “darlings” in the Big Ten this season. With an undefeated record and several shutouts to its credit, the team has appeared unbeatable. They have become the No.1 defense in the nation in total defense, scoring defense and passing defense.
Needless to say there pretty good. Head coach Jim Harbaugh will have no other way!
The Maryland Terrapins head into Ann Arbor, MI for an afternoon game against arguably the best team in the Big Ten, let alone the nation.
No one knows the Michigan defense better than Maryland head coach D.J. Durkin. He was the defensive coordinator for the Wolverines last season and helped to assemble this monster of a physical defense. His defensive prowess and recruiting skills led him to a head coaching job at Maryland.
While Maryland has been able to establish a good run game against lesser opponents, they will not have a chance against the Wolverines swarming front four.
Michigan will stop the run, get the run going offensively, and control the game throughout as it keeps the dream season going – and make the College Football Playoff committee think about putting the Wolverines into the No. 2 spot.
It will be a difficult game for the Terps, but Michigan will continue to roll, while it looks forward to that final game of the season – the game where the rivalry between Michigan and Ohio State is renewed.
Prediction: Michigan 38 Maryland 13
Big Ten football Game #3:
Oct 29, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Dontre Wilson (2) breaks a tackle attempted by Northwestern Wildcats linebacker Nate Hall (32) during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2016 – 8:00 PM
10 Nebraska (7-1) @ 6 Ohio State (7-1)
This is one of those elimination games for the ages. However, the Ohio State Buckeyes have more on the line if they lose. At least the Nebraska Cornhuskers could still have a chance at the Big Ten championship game IF Wisconsin loses again.
With the Buckeyes coming off of three hard to deal with performances – with the OT win against Wisconsin on the road, with a loss in Happy Valley against Penn State and a squeaker win against a pretty good Northwestern team – there is much concern for the offensive struggles of the Buckeyes.
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer is hoping to restore some early season magic – offensively – and the sooner the better.
They are arguably in the hardest stretch of games they will have to play in the last two seasons. Facing the Cornhuskers and their head coach Mike Riley in primetime at home should help calm some rattled nerves right? Not exactly
The Buckeyes are in the midst of a funk offensively, and frankly it seems offensive coordinator Ed Warinner and Meyer just can’t seem to find the balance to regain their offensive brilliance from earlier in the season. They need to get quarterback J.T. Barrett back where he began the season. In control and confident.
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If progress is not seen this week, we can assume the next two “marquee” match-ups will be even more difficult – as they take on Michigan State in week 12 and Michigan in week 13.
But lets not get ahead of ourselves. The Buckeyes need desperately to dominate the Huskers, giving them the confidence they need to take on the likes of an elite Michigan.
Unfortunately wide receiver Parris Campbell is still struggling to get back on the field (He says he will “give it a go”). With very few deep threats on the field, coach Meyer has been hinting at giving freshman wide receivers more action (can you say Binjimen Victor?).
Look for the Buckeyes defense to shut down Huskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong. Nebraska is tough, consistent and plays up to difficult opposition. They are a team that lacks the playmakers to make them truly great though.
Prediction: Ohio State 27 Nebraska 21
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