Standings:
1.) Hoying 36-16 (3-8 upset)
1.) Draper 36-16 (1-10 upset)
1.) Draper 36-16 (1-10 upset)
3.) Seeberg 35-17 (0-11 upset)
4.) Schweinfurth 34-18 (4-7 upset)
The SEC and ACC title games are set, and the Big Ten East isn't too hard to puzzle out either. But in a few conferences and divisions across the land, the picture grows fuzzier every week instead of gaining clarity as the end of the season approaches. This week's slate of games should go a long way to determining who will be playing for the Pac-12 and Big Ten crowns this December (you're on your own, though, Big 12, especially if Kansas State loses to West Virginia).
Iowa Hawkeyes @ Minnesota Golden Gophers
Editor's note: Two weeks ago it was a near certainty that we would be picking Illinois @ Michigan as it looked like the road team (a) had a pulse and (b) would be a serious player in the Big Ten West hunt. But as the last two weeks have sent the Illini tumbling down the standings with little hope of derailing Footballmageddon in Columbus, our search for a game relevant to placing a team in Indianapolis on December 3 leads us to this Sickos-fest.
Draper: What to do with any of these B1G West...teams? Honestly, this is a 'spin the wheel game'. I've been really big on the home teams this year, but I could see Iowa stealing one on the road. Minnesota fell from grace after early season success and Iowa actually scored offensive TDs last week! Don't go expecting offensive fireworks here, but Minnesota leans on Ibrahim, and Iowa stops the run. Iowa: 17--Minn: 10
Hoying: It's all at your fingertips, Iowa. With Illinois a virtual lock to go down in flames in Ann Arbor, all you have to do to return to the Big Ten Championship for the second year in a row is knock out the last two teams ahead of you. Of course, to do that, you'll have to actually mount some offense, right? Right? Wait a minute, I'm getting a report that Iowa put up 146 yards on Wisconsin last week? And beat them by 2 scores?!? On second thought, you just keep being you, Iowa. On the other side of the ball, Minnesota was the advanced stats darling through the first four weeks of the year, culminating with a blowout win over Michigan State to announce the Gophers' ascension to the elite...until we realized that Michigan State was trash. Mo Ibrahim is still the man but steady hand Tanner Morgan is likely out for the Gophers this week. That's not great news against a ball-hawking, opportunistic Iowa defense. Make sure to tune into this one after the Buckeyes take care of business in College Park (or if the second half is getting out of hand) as a palate cleanser before the Pac-12 feasts to follow. Iowa: 16--Minn: 13
Schweinfurth: Hurray for a B1G West rock fight! Both teams have struggled on offense and both have at least competent defenses (very good in the case of Iowa). Let's be honest here, the team that wins this one may only cross the 50 yard line once. I may watch for a good laugh. Iowa: 7--Minn: 6
Seeberg: Wow, we're really picking this one huh? OK then. Editor's note aside, this game will likely not be for the faint of heart. With temps in the teens and not much semblance of offense for either squad under the best of conditions anyways. Iowa has, by their standards, righted the ship lately where as the Gophers have just muddied about for a while with scrapes and bruises to both Tanner Morgan and Mo likely costing them a game or two through the B1G schedule. This one is no different. Enjoy the punt fest! Iowa: 17--Minn: 9
Hoying: It's all at your fingertips, Iowa. With Illinois a virtual lock to go down in flames in Ann Arbor, all you have to do to return to the Big Ten Championship for the second year in a row is knock out the last two teams ahead of you. Of course, to do that, you'll have to actually mount some offense, right? Right? Wait a minute, I'm getting a report that Iowa put up 146 yards on Wisconsin last week? And beat them by 2 scores?!? On second thought, you just keep being you, Iowa. On the other side of the ball, Minnesota was the advanced stats darling through the first four weeks of the year, culminating with a blowout win over Michigan State to announce the Gophers' ascension to the elite...until we realized that Michigan State was trash. Mo Ibrahim is still the man but steady hand Tanner Morgan is likely out for the Gophers this week. That's not great news against a ball-hawking, opportunistic Iowa defense. Make sure to tune into this one after the Buckeyes take care of business in College Park (or if the second half is getting out of hand) as a palate cleanser before the Pac-12 feasts to follow. Iowa: 16--Minn: 13
Schweinfurth: Hurray for a B1G West rock fight! Both teams have struggled on offense and both have at least competent defenses (very good in the case of Iowa). Let's be honest here, the team that wins this one may only cross the 50 yard line once. I may watch for a good laugh. Iowa: 7--Minn: 6
Seeberg: Wow, we're really picking this one huh? OK then. Editor's note aside, this game will likely not be for the faint of heart. With temps in the teens and not much semblance of offense for either squad under the best of conditions anyways. Iowa has, by their standards, righted the ship lately where as the Gophers have just muddied about for a while with scrapes and bruises to both Tanner Morgan and Mo likely costing them a game or two through the B1G schedule. This one is no different. Enjoy the punt fest! Iowa: 17--Minn: 9
Southern California Trojans @ California Los Angeles Bruins
Draper: Let's look at the awesome out of conference resumes of the Pac12....that's it. That's the joke. These teams have beat up on each other, but there has been nothing outside of the conference to excite. The Trojans have a dynamic offense and no defense. The Bruins are coming off a brutal loss to the Wildcats so the questions abound as to their viability of bouncing back. Another coin-flip game but this one has massive consequences for the conference and potentially the playoffs. I think I lean to the Trojans, but by the slimmest of margins (even with the loss of Travis Dye). A USC loss would be a boon to the OSU/UM loser, but I don't think it happens here. USC: 42--UCLA: 38
Hoying: Everyone has been super hyped on the Trojans season, and I have to tell you, I just don't get it. The Trojans have played exactly two teams in the top six of the Pac-12: one they barely escaped on a last-minute TD and the other nipped them in OT. Things are about to pick up in a real way with UCLA, Notre Dame, and potentially Oregon or Utah in the Pac-12 Championship coming up quickly. The new-look Trojans are the same as the old-look Sooners under Lincoln Riley: great offense and no defense. This is eerily similar to their crosstown opponents, except the Bruins have actually played Oregon and Washington in addition to the rest of the Pac-trash this season. UCLA is just a better version of USC, and this is especially true with USC's star running back and erstwhile Oregon Duck, Travis Dye, now sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Blue & Gold > Garnet & Gold this year. Hopefully some Bruin fans will be in attendance to enjoy it. USC: 41--UCLA: 48
Schweinfurth: This is the exact opposite of the Iowa/Minnesota game. Neither team believes in defense, but can put up points in bunches. Caleb Williams is still a dark horse Heisman candidate at this point. A big day here might boost his stock a bit more. USC has the ball last and wins. USC: 49--UCLA: 45
Seeberg: With 3 games all against ranked foes and just one loss thus far on their resume, the Trojans are now easily the Pac-12's best shot at the playoff after UCLA and Oregon both succumbed to the cannibalization in their conference last week. We know USC plays defense only because they're forced to, but now Travis Dye is gone for the year and the Trojans may struggle running the ball. Even with Caleb Williams a one-dimensional offense becomes a bit easier to stop. I'm guessing the Bruins get just enough of them to outscore their crosstown rivals. USC: 34--UCLA: 42
Hoying: Everyone has been super hyped on the Trojans season, and I have to tell you, I just don't get it. The Trojans have played exactly two teams in the top six of the Pac-12: one they barely escaped on a last-minute TD and the other nipped them in OT. Things are about to pick up in a real way with UCLA, Notre Dame, and potentially Oregon or Utah in the Pac-12 Championship coming up quickly. The new-look Trojans are the same as the old-look Sooners under Lincoln Riley: great offense and no defense. This is eerily similar to their crosstown opponents, except the Bruins have actually played Oregon and Washington in addition to the rest of the Pac-trash this season. UCLA is just a better version of USC, and this is especially true with USC's star running back and erstwhile Oregon Duck, Travis Dye, now sidelined for the season with a knee injury. Blue & Gold > Garnet & Gold this year. Hopefully some Bruin fans will be in attendance to enjoy it. USC: 41--UCLA: 48
Schweinfurth: This is the exact opposite of the Iowa/Minnesota game. Neither team believes in defense, but can put up points in bunches. Caleb Williams is still a dark horse Heisman candidate at this point. A big day here might boost his stock a bit more. USC has the ball last and wins. USC: 49--UCLA: 45
Seeberg: With 3 games all against ranked foes and just one loss thus far on their resume, the Trojans are now easily the Pac-12's best shot at the playoff after UCLA and Oregon both succumbed to the cannibalization in their conference last week. We know USC plays defense only because they're forced to, but now Travis Dye is gone for the year and the Trojans may struggle running the ball. Even with Caleb Williams a one-dimensional offense becomes a bit easier to stop. I'm guessing the Bruins get just enough of them to outscore their crosstown rivals. USC: 34--UCLA: 42
Utah Utes @ Oregon Ducks
Draper: Another big game in the Pac12 echo chamber. Both teams have conference title aspirations, but the Pac 12's hopes for the playoffs took a major hit with UW upsetting Oregon. BoNix is always the wildcard, but the Utes are quietly sneaking around the chicken coop. The Pac12 is a logjam at the top, but the winner here should have the inside track to face the winner of the game in LA. After being unimpressed seeing the Utes in person, I just don't feel that the Ducks are consistent enough. There's a Cameron Bad Moon Rising in Autzen as the Ducks get quacked. Utah: 35--Ore: 31
Hoying: Having seen both of these teams last year, you could be forgiven for thinking the Utes were going to blow away the Ducks as they did in both of last season's showdowns. But while these Utes seem to be carbon copies of last year's great-but-not-elite squad, Oregon decided to take the September 2021 Ducks and extend them for a whole season this year. Bo Nix is cooking now that he's in an offense tailored to his particular skills, and the rushing attack is among the best, if not the best, in the nation. Like the game above, don't expect to see much defense in this matchup, but the combination of home field advantage and the strides the Ducks have made on offense should be enough to push them back into the driver's seat in the Pac-12 race after last week's setback. Utah: 38--Ore: 44
Schweinfurth: Washington showed that Oregon can be stopped if you attempt to have a defense with a pulse last week. Also, Bo Nix is still BoNix. Utah loves the position they are in, written off early and an underdog. They are dangerous and should be able to slow the Ducks down juuuuuust enough. Utah: 42--Ore: 35
Seeberg: Well, the Ducks certainly surprised last week...in a bad way. Their 23-game home winning streak ended at the hands of a former Indiana QB. Utah proved Oregon's kryptonite last year and are certainly capable of beating them again, but it's almost unfathomable that the Ducks would lose two straight in Autzen. Bo Nix makes just enough throws- to his own team- to outlast a stubborn Utah squad. Utah: 31--Ore: 36
Hoying: Having seen both of these teams last year, you could be forgiven for thinking the Utes were going to blow away the Ducks as they did in both of last season's showdowns. But while these Utes seem to be carbon copies of last year's great-but-not-elite squad, Oregon decided to take the September 2021 Ducks and extend them for a whole season this year. Bo Nix is cooking now that he's in an offense tailored to his particular skills, and the rushing attack is among the best, if not the best, in the nation. Like the game above, don't expect to see much defense in this matchup, but the combination of home field advantage and the strides the Ducks have made on offense should be enough to push them back into the driver's seat in the Pac-12 race after last week's setback. Utah: 38--Ore: 44
Schweinfurth: Washington showed that Oregon can be stopped if you attempt to have a defense with a pulse last week. Also, Bo Nix is still BoNix. Utah loves the position they are in, written off early and an underdog. They are dangerous and should be able to slow the Ducks down juuuuuust enough. Utah: 42--Ore: 35
Seeberg: Well, the Ducks certainly surprised last week...in a bad way. Their 23-game home winning streak ended at the hands of a former Indiana QB. Utah proved Oregon's kryptonite last year and are certainly capable of beating them again, but it's almost unfathomable that the Ducks would lose two straight in Autzen. Bo Nix makes just enough throws- to his own team- to outlast a stubborn Utah squad. Utah: 31--Ore: 36
THE Ohio State University Buckeyes @ Maryland Terrapins
Draper: Baby Tua led the Terps to early season hopes, but I just don't think it will be enough to take down the juggernaut unless the Bucks choose to rest their starters (which could happen....but won't). Stroud is still in the thick of the Heisman race so the TDs need to flow like wine. Honestly, all that matters is getting back to Columbus healthy and with a W. I expect Day to have a gameplan to shorten the game as the fewer hits we can take, the better. The last time the Buckeyes went to College Park, they escaped with a one point win 52-51. This time, I don't see the numbers that high, but the Bucks need to shut the door early. There's no reason for Stroud, Harrison, any RB, etc. to be in the game in the 4th. Get in, get the win, stay healthy, and turn your attention fully to TTUN. OSU: 48--Mary: 13
Hoying: Say hello to November Maryland. Since joining the Big Ten, November Maryland's crowning achievement was either euthanizing the Brady Hoke era the week before the Buckeyes desecrated its corpse back in 2014, or putting up 51 points to fall just short of Dwayne Haskins's all-time great performance back in 2018. The passing attack, expected to be the backbone of this team, no longer works, and no other aspect of the team has stepped up to make the Terps competitive. Yes, Maryland is bowl eligible, but those six wins came against Buffalo, Charlotte, SMU, Michigan State, Indiana, and Northwestern. I suspect their truer colors shone through last week in Happy Valley in a 30-0 dismantling at the hands of the Big Ten's perennial B-tier representative. The Terrapins put up fewer total yards in their whole game against Penn State than the Buckeyes did in the fourth quarter of the Jaylahn Tuimoloau game. Play this one close to the vest, keep everyone healthy, and the second the clock hits 0:00, it's on to Rivalry Week. OSU: 45--Mary: 6
Schweinfurth: Oh the running back room. I'm just gonna say it, you should not need Miyan or TreVeyon this week to beat Maryland. Dallan Hayden, Chip Trayanum, and Xavier Johnson are more than capable of toting the rock of decent yards in this game. Defensively, just keep building. Taulia hasn't been the same since spraining this MCL. Get the running back room somewhat healthy, get this one over with, and let's get on to my favorite/least favorite week of the year. OSU: 49--Mary: 20
Seeberg: A couple weeks ago this game looked like it might have a bit of intrigue as the Terrapins were 6-2. Since then, however, they've mustered 10 points combined in two weeks including an awful shutout loss at Penn State. Granted, Ohio State didn't arrive in State College until the 4th quarter, but the turtle never made it. It feels like Mike Locksley is a solid recruiter but the development portion of his staff is an issue as the reasonably talented roster has stagnated. Bad news when a supremely talented and developed team rolls into College Park. Back home Maryland may score a time or two, and the Buckeyes still have lots of injury questions that need answering in advance of The Game, but we could likely roll our 2s out and still win this one by multiple scores. Keep rolling, PLEASE get healthier, and we'll see you next week in the 'Shoe. OSU: 52--Mary: 17
Hoying: Say hello to November Maryland. Since joining the Big Ten, November Maryland's crowning achievement was either euthanizing the Brady Hoke era the week before the Buckeyes desecrated its corpse back in 2014, or putting up 51 points to fall just short of Dwayne Haskins's all-time great performance back in 2018. The passing attack, expected to be the backbone of this team, no longer works, and no other aspect of the team has stepped up to make the Terps competitive. Yes, Maryland is bowl eligible, but those six wins came against Buffalo, Charlotte, SMU, Michigan State, Indiana, and Northwestern. I suspect their truer colors shone through last week in Happy Valley in a 30-0 dismantling at the hands of the Big Ten's perennial B-tier representative. The Terrapins put up fewer total yards in their whole game against Penn State than the Buckeyes did in the fourth quarter of the Jaylahn Tuimoloau game. Play this one close to the vest, keep everyone healthy, and the second the clock hits 0:00, it's on to Rivalry Week. OSU: 45--Mary: 6
Schweinfurth: Oh the running back room. I'm just gonna say it, you should not need Miyan or TreVeyon this week to beat Maryland. Dallan Hayden, Chip Trayanum, and Xavier Johnson are more than capable of toting the rock of decent yards in this game. Defensively, just keep building. Taulia hasn't been the same since spraining this MCL. Get the running back room somewhat healthy, get this one over with, and let's get on to my favorite/least favorite week of the year. OSU: 49--Mary: 20
Seeberg: A couple weeks ago this game looked like it might have a bit of intrigue as the Terrapins were 6-2. Since then, however, they've mustered 10 points combined in two weeks including an awful shutout loss at Penn State. Granted, Ohio State didn't arrive in State College until the 4th quarter, but the turtle never made it. It feels like Mike Locksley is a solid recruiter but the development portion of his staff is an issue as the reasonably talented roster has stagnated. Bad news when a supremely talented and developed team rolls into College Park. Back home Maryland may score a time or two, and the Buckeyes still have lots of injury questions that need answering in advance of The Game, but we could likely roll our 2s out and still win this one by multiple scores. Keep rolling, PLEASE get healthier, and we'll see you next week in the 'Shoe. OSU: 52--Mary: 17
Upset Special
Draper: Miami over Clemson
Hoying: West Virginia over Kansas State
Schweinfurth: Navy over UCF
Seeberg: Kentucky over Georgia
