Big Ten week six: Preview
The Big Ten will see nothing but conference play this weekend, in a very important week. Penn State will look to try and force their way back into the AP Top 25, while an intense rivalry game between Michigan State and Michigan is ready to take place.
Indiana @ #2 Ohio State
Indiana lost their first game of the season last week to #19 Michigan. Nevertheless, the Hoosiers still managed to show their skill on offence, posting 35 points in the loss. However, they will have to be much stronger on defence if they hope to compete
with an incredibly skilled Ohio State side.
Ohio State has looked unstoppable this season, posting incredible numbers on the offensive side of the ball, while backing it up with stellar defence. The Buckeyes should be able to cruise past the Hoosiers in preparation for their match-up with #20 Wisconsin
in week seven.
Illinois @ Penn State
Illinois is coming off their second loss of the season last week to #2 Ohio State. The Illini have struggled against stronger sides, which is likely due to their inability to pass the ball on offence. Unfortunately, they will be in tough against a desperate
Penn State side.
The Nittany Lions have been unable to compete against ranked sides this season, putting up only three points in their meetings with Alabama and Iowa. Penn State is still a strong defensive side, ranking 15th in nation in points-against. That attention
to detail at the defensive end should work in their favour against the Illini this week.
Minnesota @ # 20 Wisconsin
Minnesota has been unable to find their game this season and currently sit at 1-4. The Golden Gophers will need to put together a tremendous game if they hope to compete with a desperate Wisconsin side this weekend.
Wisconsin suffered their first loss of the season to #24 Michigan State last week and dropped to 20th in the rankings and 0-1 in conference play. The Badgers will be keen on getting back on track against a soft Minnesota side, before they have
to play #2 Ohio State in week seven.
#17 Michigan State @ #18 Michigan
Michigan State surprised the country with their 10 point win over Wisconsin last week and will have a chance to do it again against Michigan this weekend. The Spartans are strong in all categories across the board, but will have to be prepared on run defence,
as the Wolverines are relentless on the ground.
Michigan has been a powerhouse so far this season, surprising many with their offensive skill. The Wolverines have the leading Heisman candidate in Dernard Robinson and will be prepared to improve on their already impressive ranking of 3rd in
the nation in rushing yards.
Purdue @ Northwestern
Purdue has looked weak this season, suffering losses to Notre Dame and Toledo. The Boilermakers have yet to play a conference opponent and will not have an easy ride when they take on Northwestern this weekend.
Northwestern continues to make a case for themselves as an AP Top 25 team. Currently sitting at 5-0 and sitting first in the Big Ten, they still need to win against more impressive competition. Nevertheless, if they are able to handle their upcoming conference
play they will certainly be considered for the Top 25.
Tags: