Big Ten Week 12: One Domino Will Fall in the East

In week 12 of the Big Ten, we will find out who is going to take control of the Big Ten East when Michigan State travels to Columbus to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Big Ten doesn’t have many other games that have crazy implications as most of the favorites do not face each other in week 12. Let’s go through the best games in week 12 and make predictions. Here we go.

Michigan State at Ohio State

This is the best game of college football this weekend and it has a massive impact on the college football playoff. A win for both teams put them in the driver’s seat in the Big Ten East. The offenses for both teams are at the top of the conference as there will be dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball. The Buckeye’s run defense has improved greatly since the start of the season, Ohio State is only giving up 107.3-yards per game. Expect Michigan State’s running back Kenneth Walker III to be heavily involved like he has all year but the Buckeyes will be focused on Walker. I am expecting a bit of a shootout in Columbus on Saturday as both offenses are explosive. The Buckeyes will separate themselves in this game through their passing attack led by quarterback C.J. Stroud. Michigan State is giving up 329.4-yards through the air, Ohio State trio at wide receiver will have a huge game. Expect wide receivers Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba to all have great games. The Buckeyes will win this football game sending the Spartans out of contention in the Big Ten. 

Michigan State 28 Ohio State 42

Nebraska at Wisconsin

This game should be interesting as Nebraska is coming off a bye week where they have had an extra week to prepare for and hot Wisconsin team. Nebraska has had a frustrating season, they have lost a couple of games that they shouldn’t have, and they have almost upset four teams including Ohio State, Oklahoma, Michigan, and Michigan State. The Cornhuskers have another shot to take down a ranked opponent as they face the streaking Badgers. Wisconsin has figured things out late in the season and suddenly they are the favorite in the Big Ten West. I think they continue to play good football this weekend. The success has come from the rushing attack led by running backs Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi. In recent times, the run game has received assistance from quarterback Graham Mertz who is starting to play decent football. Mertz has six out of his eight touchdowns thrown in the past three weeks. I expect this game to be tight but the Badgers eventually come out on top. 

Nebraska 17 Wisconsin 24 

Purdue vs Northwestern

The Northwestern Wildcats have played bad football all year and I do not expect that to change against a decent Purdue football team. Northwestern hasn’t figured out who their quarterback is as every person has blown their opportunity. The defense of the Wildcats that is normally so lockdown and physical is giving up 230.4-yards per game along with allowing opponents to score 27 points per game. Purdue is coming off a blow-out loss to Ohio State and all decent teams find ways to respond after embarrassing losses. The passing attack for the Boilermakers has been incredible in 2021, they are averaging 338.3-yards per game through the air as Aidan O’Connell is having a great year. Expect this to be a blowout even though this game is being played at Wrigley Field. 

Purdue 24 Northwestern 14

References: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/ 

Writer

-By:Justin Howard