Big Ten Football Week 12 Wrap-up
I think I did a better job this week than I did last week at predicting the outcome of most of the games. There were a couple that didn't go exactly the way I expected or wanted...
I am just going to dig right into it for you.
Wisconsin v. Nebraska
This wasn't quite the tight game that I thought it was going to be, but it was still a good match-up. The Cornhuskers were able to put up twenty one points on Wisconsin, which I think is pretty admirable. If you would have asked me I would have guessed the score to be much lower in this game and much tighter.
Wisconsin holds with Michigan having only two losses in the Big Ten
Michigan State v. Michigan
I didn't have a lot of hope for this game, but when the Spartans put up ten quick points I thought things might go better than planned. Sadly, after about the first ten minutes Michigan State slipped back into their sloppy play. My brother in law kept commenting about how horrible Lewerke looked and he wondered if he wasn't injured again.
I would not be surprised if it came out at a later date that the MSU quarterback had been playing with a bad shoulder or something. The truth is, the whole team played horrible and they have been for quite a while now. This loss is just another reason why I am thankful it is basketball season.
The Spartans have what should be some easy match-ups for their last two games. Again, my brother in law would rather they lost both those games than win both of them and make it to some crap bowl game that no one cares about.
Massachusetts v. Northwestern
I wouldn't have been able to predict the score of this game, but I was right in assuming that the Wildcats were going to come out on top. I am not even sure this game was broadcast. I certainly didn't watch it. Heck, I didn't even search for it in the listings.
Indiana v. Penn State
Indiana definitely has one of the best teams in their recent history right now. Sadly, they came up just a little short against a very good Penn State team. With only one loss on the season, they are definitely in contention for a decent bowl bid. The sad fact is having lost to Minnesota, they may have no chance at playing in the Big Ten Championship.
Ohio State still has to face off against Penn State and Michigan. Right now those are probably two of the best teams to have a chance at handing them their first loss of the season.
Ohio State v. Rutgers
This one went about how I expected minus the fact that Rutgers was actually able to score many more points than I had anticipated. I was actually in Ohio this past weekend and despite the win, many of the fans were upset at how horrible the team played. The 21 points from Rutgers is probably going to be what gets talked about more this week than the actual win.
Minnesota v. Iowa
I knew this was going to be a good and close game, but I wouldn't have guess that Iowa would be able to come away with the win. My money would have been on Minnesota. The Golden Gophers are still in the top spot of the Big Ten West and assuming things go the way everyone expects, they will face off against Ohio State for the championship.
Wisconsin, Michigan, and Penn State could have something to say about that though as each of those three have the potential to throw a monkey wrench into the championship pairing.
Check back later this week for my preview of Week 13!