Buckeyes favored by 19 over Purdue and a few other games of note

As of Wednesday morning, the Buckeyes are favored by 19 over the struggling Boilermakers. Considering the fact that Purdue couldn’t even slow the Notre Dame running attack, I’d say that’s a pretty good bet.

Face it, this is going to be a practice game for the Buckeyes and I don’t think there is any need to be concerned about the Buckeyes looking past this game. Offensively, the Buckeyes need to use this game to solidify the run and continue to build Pryor’s passing skills. Use the Pryor/Wells attack to get an early lead, give Wells a chance to rest the foot and let Pryor throw the ball.

Purdue also gives the defense a good chance to play the aggressive style we’ve all been looking for. Purdue likes the pass but they don’t have the power to stop the Buckeye defense — unless of course the Buckeyes fall into the typical conservative defense they have been playing as of late.

Other games of note

Michigan vs. Toledo (Michigan by 16)

I like the upset potential of this game. Toledo is coming off a double overtime loss to Fresno State — a loss that might have been saved if not for the two-point attempt to put the game away. The Rockets can put up some defense from time to time and we all know what a stand out Michigan has bee non offense.

The Toledo offense however, leaves something to be desired. This could be a low scoring game and wouldn’t we all love to see the upset.

Michigan State vs. Northwestern (MSU by 1.5)

Every year I keep thinking Michigan State is going to be the sleeper in the Big Ten and every year they keep proving me wrong. This year, they lost the opener to Cal but comfortably beat Notre Dame, and Indiania. They also won a close one against Iowa last weekend.

Northwestern comes into this game 5-0, including a win over Iowa. Other than Iowa though, they haven’t really been tested (and is Iowa a test these days?). Northwestern has won four of their last six against MSU. If they can come out of this weekend 6-0, it will be their best opening record since 1963.

Oklahoma vs. Texas (OU favored by 6.5)

Although nobody really expected it, Oklahoma has suddenly found themselves at the top of the rankings. Texas is no pushover as both teams come into this match up at 5-0.

Texas quarterback Colt McCoy needs to win a big one to secure his position on the national radar and knocking Oklahoma out of the number 1 spot may be just what he needs. McCoy is running well and his passing game is on the mark. A strong performance here and suddenly, McCoy and Texas will be in the national spotlight.

Texas can win this game if they can put some solid pressure on OU quarterback Sam Bradford. If they can get him off his rythm, they have a shot. Personally, I like Texas on this one but I’m not going to call it. If nothing else, I’d love to see Texas knock OU out of the number 1 spot.

Penn State vs. Wisconsin (Penn by 6)

As much as I’d like the Buckeyes to be the ones to spoil Penn State’s BCS dreams, this could be the game that ends it for the Lions. Wisconsin is not about to give up two home games without a serious fight — especially at night.

Face it, without their beloved white out, Penn State is at a big disadvantage. And don’t think for a minute that the Wisconsin fans aren’t going to be looking for someone to take their frutstrations out on. Penn State has struggled against the run and lets face it, that’s about all Wisconsin has.

If Wisconsin can play as physically as they did against the Buckeyes, I don’t think Penn will be able to take it. I’m taking the Badgers by a touchdown.