Big Ten football features a lot of conference games this week, with some potential blowouts in the mix. This slate of games also has one of the first highly anticipated Big Ten matchups of the season: Illinois versus Indiana. The USC Trojans have yet another Big Ten clash to prove how good they are and hopefully move them up in the poll rankings.
Here are my game by game predictions for Week 4 in the Big Ten:
Friday: Iowa over Rutgers
Rutgers has new confidence with a high scoring offense under respected coach Greg Schiano. I think the better coached team and the more talented team gets the job done: That’s Iowa. The Hawkeyes’ defense is one of the better units in the Big Ten and will create problems all game for Rutgers. We don’t know whether the passing attack will show up, but if it doesn’t I’m sure the run game will be effective enough.
Maryland over Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a good defense, but we saw what a quarterback with some talent and weapons can do to this defense last week against Alabama. Maryland does not have the weapons the Crimson Tide has, but Malik Washington is a special talent. I believe Maryland has what it takes to outscore the Badgers’ abysmal offense.
Oregon over Oregon State
Dante Moore and this Oregon offense will have a field day Saturday against their rival. The Ducks will even outdo the wide margin set for this game (35.5-point spread).
Michigan over Nebraska
I do not trust Nebraska in any big games. Bryce Underwood struggled against Oklahoma, but I do not think Nebraska is in the same tier as Oklahoma. This offense was unlocked last week. I think Underwood wins this game with his legs.
Notre Dame over Purdue
Purdue is the perfect get right team for the Fighting Irish. C.J. Carr and Notre Dame’s offense looked a lot better last week, I think we will see them put together an even more complete performance against Purdue.
Illinois over Indiana
This will be the biggest game in the Big Ten, maybe even in college football, this week. This is a toss up game that can go either way. Indiana has a prolific offense, with Fernando Mendoza and Omar Cooper Jr., one of the best receivers in the country. Illinois wants to prove it is this year’s Indiana. I like Illinios in this one,
Washington over Washington State
Washington should have no problem handling business against its rival. We will see a big Desmond Williams game in this matchup. This is a tune-up game for UW right before Ohio State comes to Seattle.
USC over Michigan State
USC is the better team in this game and should come out on top in the end. Michigan State has enough talent to make this a tough game for USC. Aidan Chiles is a threat at the quarterback position; he is finally looking like the player he was expected to be. The Spartans’ defense gave up way too many points to two lesser opponents’. A weak defense will have a long day against this explosive Trojan offense. I like the Trojans to win by two scores.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah’s game by game predictions for Week 4 in the Big Ten
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
