Nobody predicted that the wounded duck UCLA Bruins would beat a Penn State team that had championship expectations coming into the season. The Bruins’ offensive coordinator had three days to prepare for this game and still outcoached James Franklin. The rest of the Big Ten football slate was not as shocking as that matchup, but there were many interesting things to note.
Prior to Week 6 in Big Ten football, I gave my game-by-game predictions. Here is how my picks for each game played out:
Michigan over Wisconsin
“This could be the game that sparks change for the Badgers. It will likely be another game of Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes running wild. The Wolverines are coming into this matchup with tons of confidence, and the Badgers are coming into this game wounded. The Badgers will struggle to put points on the board against Michigan’s defense, and their defense will also be unable to stop Michigan in any way. Michigan will cover the spread in this victory.”
It was another game of Justice Haynes running wild and getting whatever he wanted against the Badgers’ defense. Underwood, on the other hand, was most successful through the air, and it was another good showing for his development. Also, as expected, the Badgers’ offense did not show up in this game and fought hard to move the ball down the field offensively.
Illinois over Purdue
“Illinois builds off of its statement win last week and wins convincingly over the Boilermakers. The Boilermakers are not Northwestern or UCLA, but this is a motivated Fighting Illini team that can oppose their will on good football teams.”
Illinois built off last week’s win and won convincingly. Luke Altmyer is really coming along as of late. He has now had back-to-back games with really efficient stat lines.
Penn State over UCLA
“The college football gods have given Penn State such a gift by placing UCLA on their schedule as a bounce-back game. UCLA is the worst team in college football. This margin is not set nearly enough to account for the final score. This could get the Indiana vs. Illinois game ugly. Maybe even worse.”
This prediction aged like milk. The college football gods thought the Bruins needed this victory more, I suppose. Or maybe they are trying to put the nail in the coffin on James Franklin.
Maryland over Washington
“This will be the best Big Ten game of the weekend. I was wrong with my upset pick of Washington over Ohio State last week, but I’m convinced the Huskies are a great football team. Malik Washington dueling with Demond Williams Jr. will be must-see TV. I like the energy this Terps team is playing with, and this defense has impressed me. I like Maryland can secure another big victory.”
This was, in fact, an excellent game, but not until the 4th quarter. Demond Williams has shown that he is a star in the making, and I look forward to seeing his further development. Both teams should be excited for their futures.
Northwestern over LA Monroe
“David Braun is gaining some momentum with this Wildcats team. Beating a UCLA team is something that every team can do. However, winning nonetheless can also have some power. The success of Caleb Komolafe should carry the Wildcats to victory again.”
Northwestern’s offense had their way and this as expected was a Big Ten team dominating their non-conference opponent. Good for Northwestern getting a nice confidence booster.
Michigan State over Nebraska
“I am also excited to watch this game. This Michigan State team under Jonathan Smith has been frisky all year. I think the Spartans are due for a statement victory and an upset. Aidan Chiles will outplay Dylan Raiola (aka Patrick Mahomes Jr.) in this game. Give me the Spartans in a nail-biter.”
Michigan State imploded once again. This game was a matchup to see not which team would win but which team would give the game away to their opponent. Nebraska got lucky, the Spartans are more fraudulent than them.
Ohio State over Minnesota
“This will be a better game than many expect. Young quarterback Drake Lindsay showed great promise in a win against Rutgers. The Gophers’ defense is a solid unit all across the board. Ohio State, still on its worst day, can be just about everybody in college football. I think with Julian Sayin still being a young quarterback he could struggle just a tad in this matchup. The Buckeyes will win, but this game will be a one-possession game.”
Minnesota should not take it personally; they just went against an all-time great college football team. They just have to be lucky; they came out of this matchup unscathed and just humbled. Ohio State’s defense is legit and Julian Sayin playing elite is a scary sight for the rest of college football.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: How Micah’s Big Ten football game picks played out for Week 6
