Spartans and Buckeyes Can Make Case for Big Ten
- SpartyOnline Writer
- Sep 16, 2016
- 3 min read
This is without a doubt the biggest weekend of the regular season for the Big Ten conference. Three headline games will ingrain national perceptions of the conference more than any events from now until the College Football Playoff. Much is at stake. The Dantonio and Meyer eras at Michigan State and Ohio State respectively have vaulted the Big Ten back into national prominence, after being relegated to a second tier conference by the success of the SEC. Last season the success of Iowa and the hubbub surrounding Jim Harbaugh at Michigan have only fueled the perception. Wins by both Michigan State and Ohio State this weekend will go a long way to solidify that perception.
The Sooners were picked preseason as one of the top national title contenders, but Oklahoma gave up 321 yards through the air to a pass-happy Houston team, losing 33-23 in their first game of the season. Curtis Samuel (239 yards and two TD’s on 14 receptions) will need to have a good game, if J.T. Barrett is to direct this young Buckeye team to a victory. Although this game will be played through the air, time of possession is key to the win. Houston held the ball 35 minutes versus 25 for the Sooners. Don’t be surprised to see Barrett run, to keep the Sooners off guard. Mike Weber (228 yards, 1 TD) must grind out the yards with the help of Barrett to burn clock and keep the Oklahoma offense off the field. Barrett is the difference. Buckeyes by 14.
Michigan State has lost the last three games in South Bend. After the effort we saw in the Spartans’ opener, don’t be surprised if this is one of the most physical games you will see all season. Michigan State’s defensive front will need to be dominating, if the Spartans want to return to E. Lansing with a win. The Irish are solid across the board with one exception. Starting free safety Max Redfield was released from the team last month. In addition starting sophomore cornerback Shaun Crawford is out for the season with a torn Achilles. If Tyler O’Conner and his receiving corps can build on the success they had in their first game, they can attack this weakened Notre Dame secondary just enough to open up the lanes for LJ Scott and crew. In the end the team that can pound the ball will win. I like MSU to pull out the win by 4 in the 4th against a tired Irish defense.
Nebraska [2-0] (-3) vs #22 Oregon [2-0]
This is a must see game if you like offense. Each of these teams has put up at least 95 points in their last two games. Oregon struggled on the road last season, and Memorial Stadium can be intimidating. Also there have been signs of a “black shirt” revival in Lincoln; the win over MSU last season was no fluke. The Huskers will generate enough defense to give Oregon problems. Nebraska by 6.
Penn State [1-1] (-8.5) vs Temple [1-1]
Dennis Franklin gave one away to a very good Pitt team last week, making this game almost a must win if Penn State wants to go bowling at the end of the season. Although Penn State is favored by over a touchdown, the Nittany Lions lost to the Owls 27-10 last season and enter this game with four starters on defense out with injuries. Temple will be hard pressed to match the intensity of Pitt last Saturday. I like PSU to get back on track in another close one.
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