Big Ten Week 6: Previews, Predictions, and Best Bets for the Biggest Games of the Week
Wisconsin fell out of the rankings after Week 2 and this week Michigan State was dropped after a poor showing at Washington. The three teams that remain in the top 25 are Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State. Nebraska's 49-14 loss to No. 6 Oklahoma wasn't as close as it sounds.
No. 4 Michigan plays at No. 3 Maryland on Saturday. Michigan has won its first three games by a combined score of 166-17. The team is ranked No 4 in the FBS. It is the first game of the Big Ten Conference season. Michigan won the conference last season and is defending its title. Maryland coach Mike Locksley says his team has nothing to lose. He also points out that Michigan is better on paper than his side. They are third-best in penalty yards given away this season (65).
No. 3 Ohio State (3-0) is hosting Wisconsin (2-1) in the Big Ten on Saturday. The Buckeyes are the best offensive team in America through three weeks. Wisconsin lost to Washington State in Week 2, but won against New Mexico State. It's the team's fourth straight home game. Wisconsin hasn't won since 2004. Ohio will wear black blackout uniforms.
Michigan State lost at Washington last week. The Spartans' secondary was badly beaten. Minnesota is 3-0 and the second-ranked team in the FBS. They are a slight road favorite. Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell suffered a season-ending leg injury against Colorado. Minnesota's offensive and defensive lines are strong. It's a big challenge for the Spartans. Michigan State is unranked for first time this season. Minnesota is second in FBC offensive yards per game (554.7) and second on defense (170.3).
Iowa and Rutgers are playing each other on Saturday night. Rutgers is looking to start the season 4-0 for the first time in a decade. Iowa is coming off an easy 27- 0 win over Nevada in Week 3. The game was delayed for almost seven hours due to weather. Rutgers coach Greg Schiano wants to fix some offensive issues and has injured quarterback Noah Vedral.
