PFB Big Ten Preview: Week 2 provides the National Game of the Week 2
Is the Big Ten a two stallion race, or is a darkhorse looming in Ann Arbor?
After suffering years of setbacks, it appears on paper the Big Ten is in for another miserable year. After achieving only a single bowl win in the 2008 season, things aren’t looking much better for the boys from the Midwest. Following disappointing performances in Week One from three of the top teams, Ohio State, Iowa and Illinois, Week two doesn’t appear to be much better for the once strong conference.
The PFB National Game of the Week involves two historic schools that will once again square off looking to make a name for themselves in the national spotlight. No, I’m not talking about Ohio State and Southern California; I’m talking about the Michigan Wolverines and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Michigan is coming off of a strong showing against Western Michigan in which Coach Rich Rodriguez was able to hopefully put past controversy behind him. Michigan was carried by freshman QB Tate Forcier with 3 touchdowns and a 189 quarterback rating. Notre Dame will bring a strong defense in to the Big House that is sure to spell trouble for Forcier and Rodriguez, while also relying on the arm of – and surprise Heisman candidate – Jimmy Clausen. Clausen was lights out against a very talented Nevada team, going 15 for 18, passing for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns, the bulk of which was to Michael Floyd. In the end, I think Charlie’s goldtoppers will be too much for Rich Rod. Notre Dame 35, Michigan 21.
Oh yea, there is that other game going on this weekend when The Men of Troy invade the Horseshoe to take on The Ohio State University. Pete Carroll brings a true freshman quarterback in Matt Barkley into battle with what should be a well liquored and boisterous Buckeye Nation. If Terrelle Pryor is able to keep the mistakes to a minimum and move the ball down the field, Ohio State may stand a chance at a victory. However, if the normally conservative Buckeye play calling is business as usual, it could be a lot of 3 and outs and a long night for a young and inexperienced Ohio State defense. In the end, I think it could be the defining moment for one young quarterback, and that man is Terrelle Pryor. Ohio State pulls off the stunner at home, 28-24. Never under estimate the Horseshoe at night.
Other games from around the conference:
Illinois vs. Illinois State – Juice Williams rebounds from a disappointing performance against Mizzou and puts on a show. Zooker’s gang 39 – 10.
Wisconsin vs. Fresno State – Wisconsin is in for a long ride ahead this season, and it doesn’t get any better this week. Bulldogs over the Badgers 36-14.
Indiana vs. Western Michigan – Indiana could be a surprise team in the conference this year. Western Michigan will go 0-2 against Big Ten teams. Who ‘dem Hoosiers 24-3.
Iowa @ Iowa State – Iowa has a lot to prove after needing two blocked field goals to take out Northern Iowa. This is the game to do it. Hawkeyes by a pair, 28-14.
Michigan State vs. Central Michigan – The Spartans should pick up the victory here and head into battle the following week in South Bend. Spartans 36-10.
Minnesota vs. Air Force – Will another Big Ten team have a hard time with a service academy? Not in this one. Golden Gophers, in their new stadium, 42-9.
Northwestern vs. Eastern Michigan – The Wildcats are also a surprise team this year. The Journalism elite with the W, 24-7.
Penn State vs. Syracuse – Penn State has been looked down upon due to their non-conference schedule. Hey, at least The Orange are a BCS school. PSU big time, 49-21.
