The B1G Preview: Wisconsin Watch

Wisconsin, the favorite to win the West division, has zero margin for error moving forward. As of right now, their game against Michigan has not been canceled, which means they may have contained their covid outbreak to the point where they can play. Having already canceled two games, the Badgers need to avoid any other cancellations if they want to have a shot at the championship game.

Making matters worse is the possibility of another team having their own issues and canceling a game against Wisconsin in the future. In that scenario, the Badgers would have played five regular season games, and would still be ineligible to play for a Big Ten Title. We’ll see how that goes moving forward.

Onto the games!

Iowa (1-2 Big Ten) at Minnesota (1-2 Big Ten)

7:00 PM Eastern (Friday), FS1
Iowa -3.5

The Hawkeyes exploded on offense last week against Michigan State, who may have used everything they had in the tank to beat their most heated rival. Likewise, Minnesota exploded on offense for their first win of the season. Is a regression to the mean in order?

Should You Watch? The Pig is always worth a watch.
Prediction: Minnesota 38, Iowa 31

No. 10 Indiana (3-0) at Michigan State (1-2)

Noon Eastern, ABC
Indiana -7.5

The Hoosiers are making history right before our eyes! They’ve now beaten both Penn State and Michigan in the same season, and are 3-0 in the Big Ten, with a top 10 ranking of their own to boot. How far can Indiana go this year?

Should You Watch? You have other obligations.
Prediction: Indiana 35, Michigan State 7

Illinois (0-3) at Rutgers (1-2)

Noon Eastern, BTN
Rutgers -6.5

Rutgers has already shown they’re not going to be the laughing stock of the Big Ten moving forward, and this matchup should provide more evidence of such.

Should You Watch? You have other obligations.
Prediction: Rutgers 31, Illinois 21

No. 3 Ohio State (3-0) at Maryland (2-1)

3:30 PM Eastern, BTN
Ohio State -25.5

Just kidding covid!

No. 13 Wisconsin (1-0) at Michigan (1-2)

7:30 PM Eastern, ABC
Wisconsin -4.5

The Badgers seem to be in the clear with their covid outbreak, so they play a Michigan team that’s looking pretty listless as of late. This could be advantageous for the Wolverines, however, since Wisconsin hasn’t played a game in two weeks. Was Wisconsin’s performance a byproduct of playing Illinois, or are they really this good? We’ll find out!

Should You Watch? I mean yes, misery loves company!
Prediction: Wisconsin 45, Michigan 10

No. 23 Northwestern (3-0) at Purdue (2-0)

7:30 PM Eastern, BTN
Northwestern -3

Either Northwestern doesn’t suck this year or the three teams Northwestern has played so far do. Hopefully it’s the latter, because a world where Northwestern is a good team is not a world worth living in.

Should You Watch? Watching Michigan lose is much more appealing.
Prediction: Purdue 27, Northwestern 20

...and of course, our very own.

Penn State (0-3) at Nebraska (0-2)

Noon Eastern, FS1
Penn State -3.5

Two of the three most outspoken coaches advocating for the return to football meet in a game where both are looking for their first win of the season. Yes, this was definitely all worth it.

Should You Watch? I won’t blame you if you don’t.
Prediction: Penn State 56, Nebraska 17