NCAA Football Big 10 Football

Big Ten Week 14 Game Predictions

Big Ten Week 14 Game Predictions

Wisconsin
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten East wrapped up last week, as Ohio State has a game lead and the tiebreaker over Michigan State, but the Big Ten West will have a showdown for all the marbles between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Illinois and Northwestern will fight for bragging rights and a bowl appearance, Maryland and Rutgers will face each other as Big Ten “rivals” for the first time, and Michigan faces daunting arch-rival Ohio State in Columbus.

Nebraska @ Iowa: Friday, 12:00pm, ABC

Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska @ Iowa: Friday, 12:00pm, ABC

Iowa
Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Cornhuskers have been humbled in consecutive weeks -- first a blowout at the hands of Melvin Gordon’s historic performance, and next at home to a gritty Minnesota team. In a matchup of Big Ten West castoffs, Nebraska’s superior talent should prevail on Black Friday. Iowa’s live offense had a late breakthrough against Wisconsin, but won’t score enough to stick with a healthier Ameer Abdullah.

Nebraska 31, Iowa 27

Michigan @ Ohio State: Saturday, 12:00pm, ABC

Jalin Marshall
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan @ Ohio State: Saturday, 12:00pm, ABC

Jalin Marshall
Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

In what will almost definitely be Brady Hoke’s final game as Michigan head coach, the beleaguered Wolverines will seek to unseat the Buckeyes for just the second time since 2003. Urban Meyer won’t hold back, especially with his team looking for style points for College Football Playoff consideration. The Game is always special, but this year it won’t be competitive.

Ohio State 31, Michigan 13

Illinois @ Northwestern: Sunday, 12:00pm, ESPNU

Justin Jackson
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois @ Northwestern: Sunday, 12:00pm, ESPNU

Justin Jackson
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

Who is Chicago’s Big Ten team? The recent war of words and billboards will be settled on the field once again with the reward being a bowl game, likely in Detroit or Dallas. Pat Fitzgerald’s Wildcats have played inspired in recent wins at Notre Dame and Purdue. The Illini are coming off a surprising win over Penn State themselves, so this one should be competitive.

Northwestern 24, Illinois 23

Purdue @ Indiana: Saturday, 12:00pm, Big Ten Network

Purdue
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue @ Indiana: Saturday, 12:00pm, Big Ten Network

Purdue
Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports

The only cross-division rivalry on Big Ten closing weekend, the two Indiana programs have just one conference win (a Purdue victory over Illinois) and are on five and six game losing streaks. Somebody will win Saturday, but it won’t mean much. Hoosier RB Tevin Coleman is the best player in this game, but the road team will take advantage of a few Zander Diamont turnovers to win.

Purdue 31, Indiana 27

Michigan State @ Penn State: Saturday, 3:30pm, ABC/ESPN2

Tony Lippett
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State @ Penn State: Saturday, 3:30pm, ABC/ESPN2

Tony Lippett
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State’s defense is fourth nationally in scoring defense and will keep this close at home. The porous Nittany Lion offensive line will struggle against a stout Spartan front, and a barrage of sacks and turnovers should be the difference for Michigan State.

Michigan State 24, Penn State 13

Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Saturday, 3:30pm, Big Ten Network

David Cobb
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota @ Wisconsin: Saturday, 3:30pm, Big Ten Network

David Cobb
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota won a huge road game at Nebraska last week, but Wisconsin is a different animal. If RB David Cobb (currently questionable to play) can’t play effectively, the Golden Gophers will struggle offensively against a stellar Wisconsin defense. The Badgers are underrated and will play inspired on Senior Day with a spot in the Big Ten Championship on the line.

Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 20

Rutgers @ Maryland: Saturday, 3:30pm, ESPNU

Maryland
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Rutgers @ Maryland: Saturday, 3:30pm, ESPNU

Maryland
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Big Ten’s manufactured East Coast “rivalry” won’t get featured billing on Saturday, but the matchup does have Rutgers OC, and long-time Maryland HC, Ralph Friedgen facing his old team. On the field, the Terps have better talent on both sides of the ball, although overreliance on QB C.J. Brown is a concern. Playing at home, Maryland should take care of business and position themselves for a solid bowl game.

Maryland 34, Rutgers 23

Share Tweet