The three best teams in the league are the same. Despite disparate results last weekend it is difficult to argue with order staying the same, too. After that, it gets more interesting:
1. Penn State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten)–Yeah, they totally whiffed in the fourth quarter against Iowa, but they remain no. 1 because they beat their closest competition on the road at night. Clark looked shockingly bad versus the Hawkeyes, throwing an interception at the moment when the Lions were about to put the game away. All of that makes you question whether he was fully recovered from the pounding he took against Ohio State. It is pretty clear they are not national title caliber, but they are the best the league can offer.
Final Games: v. Indiana, v. MSU
Predicted Losses & Record: none/11-1 (7-1)
Projected Bowl: Rose Bowl
2. Ohio State (8-2, 5-1)–I hesitate to say the Ohio State offense has finally figured it out, but Wells and Pryor each played great games together for the first time. The defense should get more credit than I give them. The Wildcats were one-dimensional because of the lack of a running back and Laurinaitis totally dominated Mike Kafka and NU. Last week, I thought the Illini would upend the Buckeyes but the stout Ohio State defense playing against Illinois’ haphazard offense is looking like a mismatch more each week.
If they win out, the sizable Buckeyes’ fan base and television ratings makes it likely that they will end up an at-large selection of a BCS Bowl (most likely the Sugar or Fiesta).
Final Games: @ Illinois, v. Michigan
Predicted Losses & Record: none/10-2 (6-1)
Projected Bowl: BCS Bowl TBD
3. Michigan State (9-2, 6-1)–Every time I think they are ready to remain improved, they play horribly. I know they beat Purdue, but Brian Hoyer and the passing attack still look poor. Hoyer played his worst game of the year and the offense turned it over four times. Ick. They will not come within 17 points of (any version) of the Nittany Lions in two weeks if they play like that. Javon Ringer will have to run for 200 yards for the Spartans to have a chance. Still, I just do not see PSU letting Joe Paterno go out on a losing note. So, the Spartans go from a bowl with a parade to one where 90% of its viewers are eating cereal at kickoff.
Final Game: @ Penn State
Predicted Losses & Record: Penn State/9-3 (6-2)
Projected Bowl: Capital One Bowl
4. Iowa (6-4, 3-3)–Do you realize that Iowa has lost four games by a total of 12 points? Two of those teams are currently ranked and tied for their conference lead (MSU and Pittsburgh). A few different bounces and we could have been talking about Iowa and the Rose Bowl. I can just as easily seen Iowa win or lose both its final two games. My guess is that they split, losing a letdown game against a reeling Boilermakers squad.
Final Games: v. Purdue, @ Minnesota
Predicted Losses & Record: Purdue/ 7-5 (4-4)
Projected Bowl: Breakfast Bowl
5. Northwestern (7-3, 3-3)–
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