Around the Big Ten: Week 5

Story posted September 28, 2012 in CommRadio, Sports by Logan Godfrey

Indiana (2-1) at Northwestern (4-0)

This is best game on the Big Ten schedule nobody is talking about this week. Northwestern is riding high at 4-0, but the Hoosiers are looking to bounce back from their loss to Ball State. Former Northwestern offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is coaching the Hoosiers now and is looking to get his first Big Ten victory. The main concern for Indiana will be on the defensive side of the ball. The Wildcat offense is rolling as usual, and it seems to matter less and less each year who is playing quarterback. The Northwestern defense is shaky too, however, and Indiana should be able to put up points against their secondary. This could be a shootout, with both offenses putting up big numbers and the game coming down to who has the ball last.

Minnesota (4-0) at Iowa (2-2)

This is not the same Minnesota Golden Gophers. They are fire up and winning games. Iowa is coming off of an embarrassing loss to Central Michigan and appear to be reeling right now. James Vandenberg is sputtering, and the Hawkeye offense is struggling because of it. Minnesota’s offense, while not particularly strong, has been doing enough to win so far this season. This game should be tight throughout, and turnovers could be the difference.

Marshall (2-2) at Purdue (2-1)

The Thundering Herd head to Purdue with the nation’s best passing offense, but one of the worst defenses. Purdue may have a chance to take the Leaders Division this season, so they will be looking to close out their out of conference schedule with a bang. Robert Marve returned to practice last week after missing time with a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament, so that should fire his team up. Either he or backup Caleb TerBush should be capable of taking down the Herd. Purdue head coach Danny Hope will have his team ready to play, and it should not be a close game.

No. 14 Ohio State (4-0) at No. 20 Michigan State (3-1)

After a closer game against UAB than they expected to play, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer and his spread offense are kicking off Big Ten play against Michigan State Saturday afternoon. While their records show a successful start to the season, they have not played up their respective capabilities. The Buckeyes have been playing like the 2011 team that lost seven games. The defense has been up and down, and only quarterback Braxton Miller has consistently produced for the offense. Michigan State has not been much better on offense, as their wide receivers have been dropping too many passes. Both teams have been playing sloppy football, and that may continue Saturday. Miller should do well on the ground, but the passing attack is the question for Ohio State. The Spartans may be able to use Andrew Maxwell and Le’Veon Bell to put up some big yardage against the Buckeye defense. This could be a barnburner.

Wisconsin (3-1) at No. 22 Nebraska (3-1)

When Nebraska and Wisconsin opened up Big Ten play last season, many wondered if Taylor Martinez and Russell Wilson could lead their teams to successful seasons. Martinez proved his doubters wrong and should have Nebraska ready for a big day in the air. While Wilson also played well, his successor, Maryland transferAround the Big Ten: Week 5
Danny O’Brien, has already been benched in favor of freshman Joel Stave. Possibly losing Montee Ball to a concussion only makes things worse for the Badgers. If Ball can’t go, this game could get ugly in a hurry.

Logan Godfrey is a junior majoring in Journalism. To contact him, email lmg5314@psu.edu.