Fearless Predictions: Big Ten

Why to watch: Just how good is Iowa? Sure, the Hawkeyes are a nifty 3-0, but the record came against Maine, Florida International and Iowa State. Yet after finishing last year so meekly, the program has to feel good about the running game and the play of its defense. A trip to Pittsburgh, Iowa's first game away from Kinnick Stadium, will provide a much better idea of how far it can go in 2008. The Panthers are coming off a bye and a couple of harder-than-expected games with MAC opponents. While Pitt is getting battered in the court of public opinion, the goal of winning a Big East title hasn't changed. A win over an unbeaten Iowa team could be just what Dave Wannstedt's kids need to provide some much-needed momentum.

Why Iowa might win: Even after the competition is factored in, it's hard not to be impressed by a Hawkeye D that's yet to allow a touchdown in 12 quarters and is No. 3 nationally in pass efficiency defense. A front seven that's led by DE Adrian Clayborn, DT Mitch King and LB A.J. Edds has been a beast, controlling the line of scrimmage and consistently creating pressure. Iowa won't have a ton to worry about with QB Bill Stull, allowing it to focus on Pitt's best offensive weapon, RB LeSean McCoy.

Why Pitt might win: The Hawkeyes can pack a punch on defense, but can they score on a quality opponent? In last week's Iowa State game, the passing game was non-existent and the offense produced one touchdown and a mere 11 first downs. LB Scott McKillop will make sure that Shonn Greene has limited running room, forcing Iowa to pass on third-and-long more than it would like. Ricky Stanzi or Jake Christensen versus the Pitt secondary is a matchup the Panthers will usually take.

Who to watch: King may not be the biggest defensive tackle in the Big Ten, but he is one of the most disruptive. Quick off the snap and technically sound, he's going to be a four-quarter chore for a Panther offensive line that's struggling in transition. Pitt is 105th nationally in sacks allowed and 88th in rushing, and the numbers aren't likely to get much better against the Hawkeye front.

What will happen: In one of the toughest and most physical games of the weekend, neither team will get much done offensively. The Hawkeyes will clamp down on McCoy and pick off two Stull passes en route to a hard-fought victory on the road

Line: PICK

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 3

Fearless Prediction: Iowa 27 ... Pitt 23

Why to watch: It should be a positive sign that things are improving at Northwestern under head coach Pat Fitzgerald that the team is 3-0 and winning rather easily even though it's not playing well. The offense isn't quite clicking and the defense has been spotty, but 3-0 is 3-0, even if it's against Syracuse, Duke and Southern Illinois. With the Big Ten season kicking off next week at Iowa, the Wildcats need to sharpen the attack, but they can't look past an Ohio team that might be the MAC's hard-luck story of the 2008 season. The Bobcats should've won at Wyoming, could've won at Ohio State, and almost won against Central Michigan, but are 0-3 and in desperate need of a break. With three road games to follow a layup against VMI, Ohio needs this win to turn its season around.

Why Ohio might win: The Bobcat secondary should provide a few problems for the sputtering Wildcat passing game. Northwestern has been able to run the ball well, but the passing attack has been hit or miss. The offense changed things up this off-season with a more quick-timed passing game, and while there have been some nice runs, there hasn't been much in the way of consistency. Ohio has the corners to keep the outside passes to a minimum.

Why Northwestern might win: Turnovers. Northwestern has come up with only two takeaways and has lost the ball only twice, while Ohio has had major turnover issues, losing the ball nine times so far with four fumbles and five interceptions. Northwestern is getting good pressure from the defensive front, and if it's able to disrupt the Ohio offense and force QB Boo Jackson to rush, the mistakes will come.

Who to watch: It has taken a few years, but Northwestern DE Corey Wootton is starting to play like the killer all-around playmaker many expected him to be as a true freshman. With NFL prototype size and excellent quickness to go along with his experience, he has come up with four sacks and 12 tackles in three games. He's growing into a dominant playmaker.

What will happen: The Northwestern running game will control one side of the field while the pass rush will control the other. Ohio will outgain the Wildcats through the air, but two key turnovers will allow NU to pull away in the second half.

Line: Northwestern -10.5

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: Northwestern 24 ... Ohio 17

Why to watch: How far has Minnesota come in a year? Last year the Gophers suffered a 42-39 loss at Florida Atlantic that was a stunner at the time, but turned out to kick off a 10-game losing streak. The 2008 team has tripled the win total from last year and can even start thinking about a possible bowl bid if it can get by the Owls. With a date at Ohio State up next to start a run of three road trips in four games, this is a must win. FAU might be the defending Sun Belt champions, but they haven't produced so far against the two BCS foes they have faced, Texas and Michigan State, losing by a combined score of 69-10. The Sun Belt season starts up next week for the Owls at Middle Tennessee.

Why Florida Atlantic might win: Minnesota's defense has improved, but it's still not doing much against the pass. Northern Illinois came up with the home runs, Bowling Green was able to dink and dunk and Montana State came up with 218 yards. However, the Gophers have allowed four touchdown passes and picked off four. FAU has been terrific in pass protection, the line hasn't allowed a sack, and Minnesota isn't going to generate too much pressure, so expect QB Rusty Smith to throw for at least 300 yards without breathing hard.

Why Minnesota might win: The Gophers should be able to run the ball. Texas rolled for 232 yards and three touchdowns and Michigan State and Javon Ringer rolled last week. UAB QB Joe Webb ran for 66 yards. Minnesota lost its top runner, Duane Bennett, for the year, but it's getting production out of anyone who ended up toting the rock. DeLeon Eskridge ran for 114 yards and three touchdowns last week and QB Adam Weber is always a dangerous option whenever he's out of the pocket.

Who to watch: The Minnesota offensive line could become a major problem. On the same play that Duane Bennett was lost for the year, center Jeff Tow-Arnett suffered a knee injury of his own and missed last week's game. He practiced this week, but he's gimpy. Guard Ned Tavale will play through an ankle injury, while tackle Dom Alford has a leg problem and is out. That means Minnesota is going to a youth movement up front, and while that might not be a problem this week, it'll be a big issue once Big Ten play starts.

What will happen: Smith will get his passing yards but Minnesota will have too much offensive balance and will come up with the key turnovers needed to get the tough win.

Line: Minnesota -7

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: Minnesota 34 ... Florida Atlantic 31

Why to watch: Ohio State came up with yet another big-game clunker against an elite-of-the-elite team, and now it'll try to pick up the pieces against a Troy team good enough to capitalize on a downward trend. The Buckeyes need a great performance, not just a good one, to show that they really are worthy of being considered among the nation's better teams after getting rolled 35-3 by USC. While next week's Big Ten opener against Minnesota shouldn't be a problem, the trip to Wisconsin the week after will be a certain loss unless OSU gets far crisper on offense. Troy was supposed to play LSU two weeks ago but hurricanes had something to say about that (the game was moved to November 15th), but everything was razor-sharp in a 65-0 win over Alcorn State that could've been 165-0. Already 1-0 in Sun Belt play with a win over Middle Tennessee that looks a whole bunch better now than it did in September, the Trojans can make a major statement next week with a win at Florida Atlantic. Of course, beating Ohio State would look pretty good, too.

Why Troy might win: If you're ever going to catch Ohio State down, this should be the game. The team is saying all the right things about still shooting for the BCS and the Big Ten title, but it'll be next to impossible for there not to be a letdown after the fiasco in L.A. There's one other side to this: Troy really is good. The secondary is good enough to keep the OSU passing game in check, while the defensive front has 22 tackles for loss and five sacks in two games. This won't be the USC defense, but it should provide enough pressure to be annoying.

Why Ohio State might win: Welcome to the OSU pass rush. Much maligned after doing next to nothing last week, the Buckeye defensive front is way overdue for a big performance. Troy's offensive line is good, and it should be among the Sun Belt's best, but it's been mediocre in pass protection over the last two games. For all the problems OSU had last week, the defense is still among the best in America and it should keep a good Troy offense under wraps.

Who to watch: Beanie is out, Terrelle is in. If Chris Wells couldn't go against USC, he's sure as shoot not going to play against Troy with the Big Ten season coming up next week. Even though Beanie has been practicing, Jim Tressel said that his star back is definitely out for this week. Meanwhile, Terrelle Pryor will be in the quarterback rotation more after getting more work this week. Todd Boeckman will start, but Pryor will be a far bigger part of the offense.

What will happen: Ohio State will come out hot, struggle for a while as Troy's defense keeps the game close, and then Pryor will take over in the second half, leading the way to two good scoring drives to allow everyone to breathe easier.

Line: Ohio State -21

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2.5

Fearless Prediction: Ohio State 31 ... Troy 13

Why to watch: This is a far different and far better Temple team than the one that lost to Penn State 31-0 last year, but this is also a far different and far better Penn State team. The Nittany Lions have come out roaring in dominant wins over Coastal Carolina, Oregon State and Syracuse, and while they're still waiting for their first decent test, they've done what they're supposed to do against inferior competition. With Illinois coming up next week, and no real week off in the Big Ten season, everything has to keep on rolling this week for an offense averaging 55 points and 536 yards per game. Temple could be 3-0 and the story of the college football season just as easily as it is 1-2. It took overtime for UConn to beat the Owls in a battle of field goals, and it took a Hail Mary from Buffalo to win last week's thriller. On game two of a rough stretch of four road trips in five games, a good performance here would be a plus going into a home game against Western Michigan next week.

Why Temple might win: Adam DiMichele. The veteran Temple quarterback deserved the win against Buffalo last week as he calmly and coolly led the offense to a late scoring drive that should've been enough to pull out the big road MAC win. Had the Hail Mary not been knocked down, it would be DiMichele getting all the MAC pub this week. He's a steady, tough leader who's doing a better job of keeping the chains moving this year. He won't be fazed by Penn State's speed and talent.

Why Penn State might win: The Nittany Lions will get off the bus and run for 200 yards. The offensive line has been more than just dominant so far and it should obliterate a Temple defensive front that's allowing 201 rushing yards per game and isn't getting any sort of a pass rush. The line has allowed one sack in three games.

Who to watch: Daryl Clark remains the starting quarterback after a hot start with five touchdown passes, no interceptions, and enough of a running game to keep defenses honest, but that doesn't mean Joe Paterno isn't interested in playing around with the situation. Pat Devlin, who was in the thick of the quarterback battle this off-season, got meaningful early work last week against Syracuse. Paterno seems to be doing this to keep Devlin in the mix, but it was enough to stir up a little bit of a controversy, even if there isn't one.

What will happen: Penn State will keep on rolling. Unlike last year, Temple will score, but the defense will allow 350 rushing yards and a big Derrick Williams kick return in the easy Nittany Lion win.

Line: Penn State -28

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 2

Fearless Prediction: Penn State 41 ... Temple 10

Why to watch: In case you didn't get enough of the two games these two played last season, here's the third installment of what should be an offensive shootout. Purdue won the regular-season game 45-22, and then survived a thriller of a Motor City Bowl with Curtis Painter throwing for 546 yards in a 51-48 win. CMU hasn't quite shown the same offensive pop so far this year, but it's 1-0 in conference play after beating Ohio last week. Purdue had a chance to make a huge statement but gave away (cough, choked, cough) a 32-26 overtime loss to Oregon despite taking a big early lead and having a chance to win it in regulation with a field goal. The Boilermakers go on the road three times in the next four games after this with a trip to Notre Dame next week and a date at Ohio State following a home game against Penn State. In other words, Purdue needs to win this game. CMU is CMU, so It'll likely get blasted this week, and then continue its hex on the MAC world during a three-game home stretch against Buffalo, Temple and Western Michigan.

Why Central Michigan might win: CMU has the offense to keep up the pace in a shootout, even if it hasn't quite been unleashed in full force yet this season, but it'll need something special to pull off the upset. Watch out for Antonio Brown and the punt-return game that leads the nation with a 34.75-yard average. Meanwhile, Purdue is struggling with its punting averaging, a miserable 25.92 net yards per boot.

Why Purdue might win: The Chippewa defense is a bit better than last year when it was among the worst in America in several areas, but it's not better by a whole bunch. The secondary, despite the help from a decent pass rush, is allowing 285 yards per game and is due to get torched by a Purdue passing game that has been fine, but nothing special so far. QB Curtis Painter is too good, and even with the new starters at receiver, the passing game is too strong to not blow past the 300-yard mark.

Who to watch: With Jaycen Taylor out, Purdue RB Kory Sheets has taken over the full-time rushing duties and has grown into a superstar. He ripped off a big early 80-yard touchdown run against Oregon and finished with 180 yards and two scores on the day, and while he has the hands to be a part of the passing game, he has yet to be a major part of the attack with just six catches for 35 yards. Purdue is still a passing team, but Sheets is changing all of that.

What will happen: Both offenses will get rolling. Dan LeFevour and the Central Michigan running game will rumble on the mediocre Purdue run defense, but it'll be the Purdue balance, mixed in with a big kickoff return or two from Sheets, that'll keep the Chippewas at arm's length.

Line: Purdue -10.5

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 3

Fearless Prediction: Purdue 45 ... Central Michigan 27

Why to watch: Notre Dame stunk it up against San Diego State, but San Diego State stunk worse in a 21-13 Irish win. Notre Dame stunk it up against Michigan, but Michigan stunk it up worse, way worse, with two early fumbles on kickoffs leading to 14 Irish points and a 35-17 Irish win. If Notre Dame can go into East Lansing and pull off a win over the rock-solid Spartans, then it'll be time give all due credit to a team that just finds ways to get the job done. MSU bounced back from a tough 38-31 win at California by running over Eastern Michigan and Florida Atlantic by a combined score of 59-10. This ends a three-game homestand before starting out the Big Ten season at Indiana, but the home field hasn't been a plus in this series, with the visiting team winning the last seven years.

Why Notre Dame might win: The offensive line has started to play. While it's still not doing too much for the running game, the pass protection has been excellent so far as San Diego State and Michigan, which were second in the nation in sacks going into last week, failed to register a sack. Michigan State's pass rush has been a major disappointment so far while the secondary will give up the occasional big play. Yeah, Notre Dame hasn't been great, but it has been great when it desperately needs to be.

Why Michigan State might win: The Notre Dame run defense hasn't been pushed yet. San Diego State can't run, and Michigan doesn't seem to be able to figure it out, either. The Irish defensive front isn't going to generate any pressure on the quarterback, but it'll get into the backfield to make plays against the run. No problem. MSU will simply power the ball while allowing QB Brian Hoyer to operate on his short-to-midrange passing game. The Spartan receiving corps is banged up, but all the key playmakers are expected to play.

Who to watch: Notre Dame desperately needed a receiving weapon to give Jimmy Clausen some help, and it found one in sophomore Golden Tate. Little used last season outside of a few kick returns and a 104-yard day against Purdue, Tate has started out as the offense's main weapon with 10 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns in two games including a gorgeous scoring grab on a deep ball against Michigan. For Michigan State, it's been all about RB Javon Ringer. The senior followed up a 135-yard, five-touchdown day against Eastern Michigan with a 43-carry, 282-yard, two-touchdown performance in lousy weather against Florida Atlantic. A monster day against the Irish on national TV will jump-start the Heisman talk.

What will happen: While you never mess with a streak like seven straight wins by the road team, it'll take something special for the Irish to pull this off. It took something special last week, too, and Michigan provided the help with the two early fumbles. Michigan State is better and far more polished, even if the passing game hasn't hit its stride. As long as it doesn't get walloped in the turnover margin, MSU will win handily.

Line: Notre Dame -8.5

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 3

Fearless Prediction: Michigan State 27 ... Notre Dame 17

Why to watch: To the untrained eye, this looks like yet another cupcake game for the downtrodden Big Ten. Of course, Ball State isn't just some team to tune up against. The Cardinals have a loaded offense with the firepower to score on anyone, but they need a signature win. Beating Navy on national TV was nice, and starting off the MAC season with a win over Akron was a must, but a win over Indiana would jump-start the season to another level with the conference slate kicking in full-force starting the following week. While this is BSU's one chance to make a big statement, it's also the first real game for Indiana after playing Western Kentucky and Murray State. Predictably, the Hoosiers have been dominant so far, and they need to take advantage of the first half of the season with five home games in the first six with Michigan State coming to Bloomington next week.

Why Ball State might win: The biggest question mark on the IU defense coming into the season was the corner situation after losing two excellent playmakers in Tracy Porter and Leslie Majors. While the secondary was fine against the cupcakes, it'll be in for a major test against a Ball State passing game averaging 308 yards per game and is the fourth most efficient in America.

Why Indiana might win: Ball State has allowed only one sack in three games, but it hasn't faced anyone with any semblance of a pass rush. Indiana has one of the nation's best pass rushes, made better by the return of Greg Middleton from an early suspension. IU has seven sacks and 15 tackles for loss in two games, and while Ball State's O line is far better than Western Kentucky's or Murray State's, there should be steady pressure on Davis.

Who to watch: Oh yeah, Kellen Lewis. All the pro talk and most of the hype is around Davis and the high-octane Cardinal passing attack, but Lewis is a star, too. He has completed 67 percent of his passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns with an interception in the first two games, and he tore off 185 rushing yards and two scores on nine carries against WKU. Last year Lewis was brilliant against the Cardinals, throwing for a season-high 354 yards and four touchdowns, while rushing for 52 yards. Davis threw for 332 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions.

What will happen: Davis will get his yards, but he'll also be sacked four times. Indiana will hit a few home runs with its running game, with Lewis and Marcus Thigpen each tearing off big scoring runs, in what should be a fun offensive shootout.

Line: Indiana -3.5

Must See Rating: (5 Dr. 90210 - 1 Biggest Loser: Families) ... 3

Fearless Prediction: Indiana 38 ... Ball State 31