We predict the winners
 We're
back for another week of picking the winners of Big Ten games and a
big time game of national interest.
Last week, Doug Healey went 6-1 and Keith Thomas
went 5-2, which is why Thomas and his promise have been replaced this
week. Really, who picks Indiana to win?
Here's a look at the weekend ahead.
National game of the week:
No. 11 Kansas State (2-0) at No. 3 Oklahoma
(3-0)
The Wildcats tore up New Mexico 64-0 last week
while Oklahoma, the defending national champions didn't play.
Paul's Pick: Say what you want about Oklahoma
losing Heisman Trophy runner-up Josh Heupel. His replacement at quarterback,
Nate Hybl, hasn't done anything to show ineptitude. He has a 62 percent
completion rate to go with 633 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions
in the Sooners' three wins this season. Kansas State's running game
is tough (308 yards per game), but so is Oklahoma's defense. Kansas
State's defense is the best in the Big XII, but it won't be any longer
after the Sooners meet their first real challenge of the season and
win their 14th straight home game, 29-20.
Doug's Decision: Oklahoma has won 16 straight
games, dating back to last year's national championship run. Kansas
State has won 32 straight games in the month of September. Something
has to give. The Sooners have not been tested and have had three weeks
off, which means they won't be ready to play at Kansas State's tempo.
In the upset of the year so far, the Wildcats shock the Sooners, 17-14.
Big Ten:
No. 24 Purdue (2-0) at Minnesota (1-1)
The Boilermakers, after not playing for 20 days,
beat Akron 33-14 at home last week. The Golden Gophers will have gone
21 days without a game — they beat Louisiana-Lafayette 44-14 Sept.
8 — by the time they hit the field Saturday.
Paul's Pick: Joe Tiller has talked about
defensive touchdowns and how Purdue hasn't had many in recent years.
Count on one or two by defensive coordinator Brock Spack's players Saturday
as Purdue wins 20-12.
Doug's Decision: The Gophers will be rusty,
so look for the Boilers to jump on top with an early score and let their
tenacious defense take over. Brandon Hance and the offense are starting
to come together, which spells trouble for the Gophers. The Boilers
remain unbeaten with a 24-14 win.
No. 23 Michigan State (2-0) at No. 16 Northwestern
(2-0)
The Spartans edged Notre Dame 17-10 last week in
South Bend, Ind.; the Wildcats beat Duke 44-7 on the road.
Paul's Pick: I would give this game to Northwestern
because the 'Cats are at home; however, having been to a Northwestern
home game, I know that means nothing. Michigan State can defend the
pass — the Spartans are eighth in the nation in pass defense, allowing
just 123 yards per game — and should do so Saturday, thereby diminishing
the effectiveness of Northwestern's powerful spread offense. Spartans
win 30-23.
Doug's Decision: This is a battle of two
powerful offenses. Both teams throw and run the ball exceptionally well.
Look for Damien Anderson to have a big day and for the Wildcats to play
inspired football in their home opener. Northwestern will show why it's
the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten. Wildcats win 27-21.
No. 22 Illinois (3-0) at No. 17 Michigan (2-1)
The Fighting Illini beat Louisville 34-10 at home
last week; the Wolverines beat Western Michigan 38-21 in the Big House.
Paul's Pick: As long as the referees don't
foul this one up, Illinois should find ways to attack Michigan's defensive
secondary and continue its rise to the top tier of the conference. As
we can all recall, that rise took a detour last season when Illinois
got cheated on a late fumble call and lost to Michigan 35-31. The Illini,
devastated, went on to lose three of their next four and end the season
without a bowl bid. As long as Michigan's offensive blundering continues,
Illinois will upset Michigan in the Big House for the second time in
three years, 33-28.
Doug's Decision: Kurt Kittner and the Illini
have the best pass offense in the Big Ten, which is one reason why they've
started 3-0. Michigan has the Big Ten's best rush defense, so the Illini
will have to rely on their passing attack to win. Look for the Wolverines
to go to receiver Marquise Walker for big plays. The Wolverines will
squeak by, 24-21, only because they're playing at the Big House.
Penn State (0-2, 0-1 Big Ten) at Iowa (2-0)
The Nittany Lions lost their Big Ten opener 18-6
to Wisconsin at home; Iowa didn't play last week.
Paul's Pick: Iowa? Wait, let me rub my eyes.
Iowa? 2-0? The team that had reservations for last place in the conference
the last three years is suddenly first in the league in scoring offense
(47.5 ppg) and scoring defense (allowing 9.5 ppg). It doesn't matter
who Penn State puts at quarterback, its offense still can't produce.
That trend should continue, at least for one more week, as Iowa wins
47.5-9.5.
Doug's Decision: Penn State just can't get
it together. The Nittany Lions are worst in the Big Ten in total offense
and defense. Iowa averages 47.5 points per game this season, more than
anyone else in the conference. There's no reason the Hawkeyes can't
match that number against Penn State's poor defense. Iowa wins at home
for the third time in three tries, 34-10.
Ohio State (1-1) at Indiana (0-2)
Ohio State lost 13-6 to UCLA in Los Angeles last
week while Indiana lost to Utah 28-26 in the Beehive State.
Paul's Pick: Ohio State has the nation's
25th-best defense, allowing 285.5 yards per game, and a shoddy offense.
The Hoosiers have one good player, Antwaan Randle El, who they abuse
on offense, to go along with a doormat defense. In a boring game, Ohio
State wins 16-7.
Doug's Decision: The Cam Cameron farewell
tour remains in Bloomington this week. It's too bad the university won't
adopt a "zero tolerance" policy for Cameron. The Hoosiers are winless
in non-conference play, and their Big Ten schedule consists of teams
much tougher than N.C. State and Utah. Ohio State coach Jim Tressel
gets his first Big Ten victory as the Buckeyes' coach, 28-17.
Western Kentucky (2-1, 1-0 Gateway Conference)
at Wisconsin (2-2, 1-0 Big Ten)
The Badgers beat Penn State 18-6 last week while
the Hilltoppers beat Southwest Missouri State 23-7.
Paul's Pick: Finally, a laugher. Wisconsin
isn't having the best season, but it's games such as these that have
always helped the Badgers get to a bowl in rebuilding seasons. I don't
know much about Western Kentucky, nor do I care; I reckon most students
at that school feel the same way. No Hilltopper has recorded a sack
this season, which is good for Wisconsin quarterback Jim Sorgi, who
should improve on his 45 percent completion rate and lead the Badgers
to a 56-17 win.
Doug's Decision: Wisconsin has one of the
most potent offenses in the Big Ten. Sorgi, running back Anthony Davis
and receiver Lee Evans will dominate Western Kentucky. Wisconsin will
get back above .500 with an easy win, 38-10.
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