CFB Saturday Gameday Outlook: Predicting Big Ten Games

As we put week three behind us, it is time to shift our focus to week four as conference play is starting to get underway. There are plenty of good Big Ten games this week while fans of college football get to witness an all-time game when Wisconsin faces Notre Dame in Chicago at Soldier Field. Every week, I pick my favorite Big Ten games and predict the outcome of each game. After three weeks, I am 9-3 so let's keep the ball rolling heading into week four. Here we go.

Rutgers at No. 19 Michigan

Both Rutgers and Michigan have had perfect starts to the season as both programs are sitting at 3-0. Michigan is not as much of a vertical threat compared to years past but they know who they are on offense. They love to run the football and shove it down the throat of opposing defenses in a type of bully-style football. The Wolverines had eight rushing touchdowns in week three. Rutgers is going to have to withstand the running game of the Wolverines to have a chance in this one. The Scarlet Knights are allowing 116-rushing yards per game so if they can hold Michigan to a similar number they could pull off the upset. Unfortunately, Rutgers is traveling into a hostile environment and Michigan has more talent.

Rutgers 21 Michigan 45

Illinois at Purdue

The Boilermakers are competitive here in 2021 as they are a difficult out, they should cause some potential upsets as conference play picks up. In week three, Purdue lost narrowly to Notre Dame 13-27 but it was a four-point game entering the fourth quarter. The offense is efficient as they are averaging 437-total yards per game. On the other hand, Illinois is struggling to compete and besides the opener when they beat Nebraska, the season looks to be bad for the Fighting Illini. They are giving up almost 500-total yards on defense which is no recipe for winning. Purdue should handle the Fighting Illini with some ease this weekend. 

Illinois 17 Purdue 35

Nebraska at No. 20 Michigan State

Michigan State has come out and shocked the Big Ten proving that they are a contender. The Spartans have had two impressive away wins when they dominated both Northwestern and Miami (FL). Michigan State’s offense is balanced, the rushing game is averaging 267-yards while the passing game is averaging 256-yards. The Spartans are playing to their strengths and not turning the ball over which is a formula of winning. The Cornhuskers are a decent team and they are coming off one of the most competitive losses to an elite Oklahoma team. The issue is the defense, they are giving up 156-rushing yards a game and the Spartans should take advantage of that. It is too much of a task for Nebraska to go into East Lansing and play four quarters of football which is why I like the Spartans in week four. 

Nebraska 28 Michigan State 38

No. 12 Notre Dame vs No. 18 Wisconsin

This is the game of the weekend and it features two very similar football teams. Both programs have a rich history and the game is being played at Soldier Field in Chicago to celebrate. Notre Dame has not looked necessarily impressive to start the year. The Irish have beaten Florida State and Toledo by a total of six points as they haven’t looked comfortable. Wisconsin is 1-1 and they are coming off a bye week where they have had extra time to prepare. Their one loss was the opener to Penn State in a game that was a dog fight. The defense for the Badgers is tough, they are holding opposing offenses to under 200-total yards a game. I think the crowd is going to be split in Chicago as both fan bases are passionate but the Wisconsin defense will hold this Notre Dame offense.

Notre Dame 21 Wisconsin 27

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

Writer

-By: Justin Howard