Other Big Ten picks for Week #3
CENTRAL MICHIGAN at MICHIGAN (-27.5)
The Michigan offense is still a work in progress. Underwood was fine against New Mexico, but completing passes against Oklahoma was like pulling teeth. This should be a balanced day from the Wolverine attack, but it’s more about efficiency and effectiveness than explosion. The Chippewas won’t be able to respond after a decent few early drives. Just the fourth meeting between the two, Michigan is 3-0 by a total score of 145-33. It won’t be that bad, but there won’t be any drama. Michigan 37, Central Michigan 6
INDIANA STATE at INDIANA (-45.5)
This is it. Up next is Illinois, and then comes a trip to Cockeye, and then the date at Oregon. Any tuning up to do happens here, and it'll come in an explosive first 20 minutes. Curt Cignetti won’t necessarily call off the dogs - he’ll let the twos and threes get in some meaningful work - but he’ll get his main men out of there soon. They’ve looked good enough early on to be easy for the Illini. This is about taking the domination up a few notches. Indiana 48, Indiana State 0
MASSACHUSETTS at Cockeye (-35.5)
Cockeye lost to Cockeye State last year by a field goal, and the offense came back with its crispest passing game of the season in a 38-21 win over Troy. In 2022, Cockeye lost to Cockeye State by a field goal, went all Cockeye in a workmanlike 27-0 win over Nevada. The Cockeyes won't annihilate UMass, but they'll win easily and then get ready to play the field position battle against Rutgers. Cockeye 41, Massachusetts 3
MINNESOTA (-2.5) at CALIFORNIA
Can Cal start to get things moving on third downs? It had two warm-up games to figure out how to easily move the chains, and it wasn't bad against Texas Southern after struggling way too much against Oregon State. Minnesota's defense will take over on third downs, the offense will control the clock, and it'll be on to a two-week break before dealing with Rutgers. Minnesota 23, California 20
NEW MEXICO at UCLA (-15.5)
Yes, Tennessee is doing just fine without Iamaleava, but it also hasn’t played Georgia or anyone all that great, yet. This week, the controversial transfer will show off what all the fuss is about - at least when it comes to his skills and next-level upside. New Mexico will get a few points against the porous Bruin defense, but it won’t be able to keep up with an attack desperate to unleash the production. UCLA 40, New Mexico 24
NORFOLK STATE at RUTGERS
The team started to get up to speed with that better-than-it-seems win over Miami University. The final score was big, but Rutgers didn’t take over until the final ten minutes. Norfolk State will get some points on the board, but Rutgers will call its shot. The Scarlet Knight running game will take over in the second half. Rutgers 48, Norfolk State 3
OHIO at OHIO STATE (-31.5)
Ohio won’t be able to do much of anything against the Ohio State defense, but it’ll get one big break and will make the most of it. That will be about it. The Buckeyes will keep the fun going from last week with Sayin pushing his big shots deep, but he’ll also get the midrange throws moving to overcome an early interception. Don’t get into a twist over the final score. Ohio will be more competitive than that. Ohio State 44, Ohio 10
OREGON (-27.5) at NORTHWESTERN
And it’s not just because the offense will be performance art for a third straight week. The Ducks and Wildcats will be playing in the most beautiful - if temporary - setting in college football, the weather will be gorgeous, and even though Northwestern will be plucky for a quarter or so, this will start to get out of hand early in the second half. Oregon 41, Northwestern 13
TOWSON at MARYLAND
There’s no real worry about an upset, and there shouldn't be any sort of drama, but this is a sound Towson team that should capitalize on a few early stalled Terp drives. And then the big plays will come on the ground. Maryland has to run in this, just to show that it can get things moving. And then the passing game will connect. Maryland 37, Towson 7
USC (-21) at PURDUE
The Trojans will be too sharp, especially on third downs. Purdue will hit USC with a few good scoring drives, but a few timely Trojan sacks will take over late. Maiava will need a little while to get into a groove, but midway through the second half, the passing game will click, and the Trojans will get out with a better-than-it-seems win. USC 37, Purdue 17
VILLANOVA at PENN STATE (-48.5)
You’d have thought the Nittany Lions lost to FIU after a sleepy 10-0 halftime lead. The team is obviously building up, the talent is tremendous, and it’ll show off in a good first half. Villanova has FCS Playoff upside, but it’ll be a rough day dealing with a team with FBS National Championship ability. Penn State 49, Villanova 7
WESTERN MICHIGAN at ILLINOIS (-27.5)
Illinois, under head coach Bret Bielema, has a way of taking over once things start to go its way. It's one of the better positive momentum teams in college football - the avalanche against Duke was exactly how the team wants to play. It's getting national respect, the team is playing with confidence, and few quarterbacks are playing better than Luke Altmyer. Going into the showdown at Indiana and with USC to follow, the Illini will keep on dominating. Illinois 41, Western Michigan 10
WISCONSIN at ALABAMA (-20.5)
The Tide quarterback might have been off against Florida State, but he tuned everything up last week, hitting all 17 of his passes against ULM for 226 yards and three scores with a rushing touchdown. This week, the downfield throws will continue to be there, Bama will overcome a good Badger first quarter, and then comes the real fun with the trip to Georgia next. Alabama 37, Wisconsin 16
YOUNGSTOWN STATE at MICHIGAN STATE
Youngstown State will move the ball annoyingly well in the first half - at least annoying for Spartan fans - but drive after drive will stall. Michigan State will score on its first few drives, will be a bit off going into halftime, and then the lines will take over. There won't be any thought of an upset, but the Spartans will be just off enough to not put this away with ease. Michigan State 48, Youngstown State 13
