There is no USC Trojans football this weekend. Given last weekend’s performance at Illinois, it might be for the best. Save the fans for a weekend and save this team from itself for a weekend. There is still a slate of notable games in Big Ten football this week. Washington versus Maryland could be the game that ignites this slate and keeps college football fans strapped to their couches all game long. Meanwhile, the game between Wisconsin and Michigan could be over in the first quarter.
Here are my game-by-game predictions for Week 6 in the Big Ten:
Michigan over Wisconsin
This could be the game that sparks change for the Badgers. It will likely be another game of Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes running wild. The Wolverines are coming into this matchup with tons of confidence, and the Badgers are coming into this game wounded. The Badgers will struggle to put points on the board against Michigan’s defense, and their defense will also be unable to stop Michigan in any way. Michigan will cover the spread in this victory.
Illinois over Purdue
Illinois builds off of its statement win last week and wins convincingly over the Boilermakers. The Boilermakers are not Northwestern or UCLA, but this is a motivated Fighting Illini team that can oppose their will on good football teams.
Penn State over UCLA
The college football gods have given Penn State such a gift by placing UCLA on their schedule as a bounce-back game. UCLA is the worst team in college football. This margin is not set nearly enough to account for the final score. This could get the Indiana vs. Illinois game ugly. Maybe even worse.
Maryland over Washington
This will be the best Big Ten game of the weekend. I was wrong with my upset pick of Washington over Ohio State last week, but I’m convinced the Huskies are a great football team. Malik Washington dueling with Demond Williams Jr. will be must-see TV. I like the energy this Terps team is playing with, and this defense has impressed me. I like Maryland can secure another big victory.
Northwestern over LA Monroe
David Braun is gaining some momentum with this Wildcats team. Beating a UCLA team is something that every team can do. However, winning nonetheless can also have some power. The success of Caleb Komolafe should carry the Wildcats to victory again.
Michigan State over Nebraska
I am also excited to watch this game. This Michigan State team under Jonathan Smith has been frisky all year. I think the Spartans are due for a statement victory and an upset. Aidan Chiles will outplay Dylan Raiola (aka Patrick Mahomes Jr.) in this game. Give me the Spartans in a nail-biter.
Ohio State over Minnesota
This will be a better game than many expect. Young quarterback Drake Lindsay showed great promise in a win against Rutgers. The Gophers’ defense is a solid unit all across the board. Ohio State, still on its worst day, can be just about everybody in college football. I think with Julian Sayin still being a young quarterback he could struggle just a tad in this matchup. The Buckeyes will win, but this game will be a one-possession game.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah’s Week 6 game predictions for Big Ten football
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
