Because Wildcats fans have no Northwestern game to watch this weekend, they will turn their attention to Ohio State’s matchup against Wisconsin, a heavyweight clash between the two best teams in the Leaders Division, to scout the Buckeyes before their trip to Evanston on Oct. 5. In lieu of our usual Northwestern game picks, Chris Johnson and Kevin Trahan choose winners, losers and scores for the OSU-UW game, as well as the rest of the Big Ten slate on tap.
Minnesota at Iowa
CJ: It’s hard not to be impressed by Iowa’s start to season – relatively speaking, at least – but am I impressed enough to pick the Hawkeyes to win a conference road game against an undefeated opponent? No.
Minnesota 20, Iowa 17
KT: I think this may finally be Minnesota's year (by that, I mean the Gophers will go 7-5/8-4 and beat a good conference opponent). The Gophers take back Floyd, the best trophy in major college football.
Minnesota 28, Iowa 24
Miami (OH) at Illinois
CJ: Two weeks after playing Washington tough at Soldier Field in a 10-point loss, the Illini get back off the mat and roll a woeful (0-3) Redhawks team.
Illinois 40, Miami (OH) 13
KT: This Illinois offense is no joke, and they'll show that against an overmatched Miami (OH) team.
Illinois 45, Miami (OH) 14
Northern Illinois at Purdue
CJ: The glimmer of hope provided by Purdue’s near-upset of Notre Dame two weeks ago was brutally squashed by Wisconsin’s 41-10 rout at Camp Randall Stadium one week later; the Boilermakers’ anguish will continue Saturday against dynamic quarterback Jordan Lynch and the Huskies.
Northern Illinois 30, Purdue 24
KT: Northern Illinois has struggled against Idaho and Eastern Illinois since picking up an impressive win at Iowa in the season opener, but they'll get back on track and become the first MAC team to win two Big Ten road games in a season.
Northern Illinois 31, Purdue 17
Wisconsin at Ohio State
CJ: The Heisman contender who deserves more national love? Wisconsin sophomore Melvin Gordon, who leads the nation in rushing (156.00 yards per game) and is averaging an insane 11.8 yards per carry. Gordon will go off against Ohio State’s young defensive line, but it won’t be enough against Ohio State QBs Braxton Miller and Kenny Guiton.
Ohio State 37, Wisconsin 34
KT: Melvin Gordon has been outstanding so far, and he even put up big numbers against a decent Arizona State defense. However, Wisconsin doesn't have the firepower to keep up with Ohio State.
Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 27