Big 10 week four: Preview
The surprisingly impressive Big 10 enters its fourth week this weekend and will give fans another week of inter-conference play as the conference tests their mettle against the rest of the nation.
Preview
Central Michigan vs. Northwestern
Central Michigan currently sits at 2-1 with a 1-1 conference record in MAC. The Chippewas will be facing their toughest match-up to this point against Northwestern on the weekend.
Northwestern has been a surprise in the Big 10 early in the season. The Wildcats completed an upset over Vanderbilt in week one and built on it with wins over Illinois State and Rice. Expect their strong
defence to be a force against Central Michigan.
Northern Colorado vs. #25 Michigan State
Northern Colorado will be overmatched when they visit Michigan State this weekend. The Bears will have to have an inspired performance if they simply hope to compete.
Michigan State forced their way into the Top 25 with a win over Notre Dame last week. The Spartans are likely to treat Saturday as a warm up for their meetings with #11 Wisconsin and #21 Michigan in the coming
weeks.
Bowling Green vs. #21 Michigan
Bowling Green are unlikely to make much noise in their visit to Michigan Stadium on the weekend. The 1-2 Falcons will have their hands full with a continually improving Michigan side.
Michigan should cruise past Bowling Green, focusing on a difficult October, which sees them take on Indiana, #25 Michigan State, #18 Iowa and #23 Penn State.
Austin Peay vs. #11 Wisconsin
Austin Peay will struggle to stay in the game against a much better Wisconsin side. The Governors will hope to take something away from their one Division 1-A match-up this season.
Wisconsin is coming off a tight victory over Arizona State and will be looking to improve their game before they take on #25 Spartans in week five.
Ball State vs. #18 Iowa
Ball State will be looking to bounce back after suffering their second loss of the season to Purdue last week. However, they will be competing against a more skilled and desperate Iowa side.
Iowa were dropped in the rankings after losing to Arizona last week and will be interested in making the most out of the match-up against Ball State.
Toledo vs. Purdue
Toledo will be in tough against Purdue this weekend, but will hope to build off their wins over Ohio and Western Michigan.
After suffering a loss to Notre Dame in their first week Purdue has had an easy schedule. The Boilermakers will need to run the table on their easy opponents before their reach tough conference play at the
end of October.
Eastern Michigan vs. #2 Ohio State
Eastern Michigan sits at 0-3 and head into a game against the second best team in the nation. Needless-to-say the Eagles stand little chance of competing with Ohio on Saturday.
Ohio State should cruise past Eastern Michigan on their way to the beginning of conference play in week five.
Temple vs. #23 Penn State
Temple has had a strong season so far, sitting at 3-0. However, the Owls will have a difficult time keeping up with a ranked Penn State side on the weekend.
Penn State will need to maintain their winning ways if they hope to remain in the Top 25. With a game against #18 Iowa next week the Nittany Lions will hope to develop their game against a weaker Temple side.
Akron vs. Indiana
Akron has struggled in 2010, having not earned a win in three games. The Zips will not be getting any relief against a much more skilled Indiana side.
Indiana sits at 2-0, but has yet to face a real challenge this season. However, the Hoosiers have #21 Michigan and #2 Ohio state coming in October.
Northern Illinois vs. Minnesota
Northern Illinois faltered against Illinois last week, but have a chance to get back on track against a weak Minnesota side this weekend.
Minnesota has had a forgettable beginning to their 2010 campaign and will be keen to get back to .500 with a win over Northern Illinois.
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