Let me first say I don't believe in 6-6 teams going to a Bowl.  Being even is mediocre and mediocre shouldn't be rewarded. Let me extend that belief to say anyone in the Big Ten this year who is below 4-4 shouldn't go. That means no Bowl for Indiana, Michigan State

Next, does anybody really think there are 7 Bowl worthy teams from the Big Ten? Ohio State, Illinois, Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan definitely yes, Purdue if they win and that's it. Iowa shouldn't be going although if they win this Saturday against W. Michigan they end up 7-5 and 4-4.

What about BCS bowls? If Ohio State wins this week then yes they are worthy of the BCS. If Michigan wins, well they earned the right to go to the Rose Bowl as Big Ten champs so I guess yes despite the 3 losses. If Michigan loses then no they don't. Illinois, not really although they are a good team and should at least be in the discussion depending on how other conferences shake out.

 

Let's agree this season has been a bust in total for all except the following teams..Ohio State (although a loss tomorrow better be followed up by a bowl win), Illinois and Michigan State who did pretty well and played OSU and Michigan tough. If Michigan goes on to win the Rose Bowl..ok their season isn't a bust.

 

Who am I predicting tomorrow?

 

Penn State wins over Sparty but I seem to get the Spartans wrong almost every game
Iowa Beats the W. Michigan Broncos...what would the Big Ten be without a weak MAC this year?
Wisconsin beats up Minnesota..a Gopher win would cement this year as a Badger flop and wipe out last week's glow from beating Michigan.
Purdue beats Indiana despite the game being in Bloomington. Hoosiers have really faded down the stretch
Illinois stays hot and beat Northwestern HOWEVER Ty Sutton is back for the Wildcats who are desperate for a potential bowl bid.

And for THE game, once again the game that determines who wins the Big Ten (despite parity, these two still impact the Rose Bowl almost every year)..

Despite being in Ann Arbor and despite rumors of LLoyd Carr retiring this game is the Buckeyes to lose. Here's why:

1. Michigan's defense was exposed last week again as average at best
2. Like Wisconsin, OSU actually has some DBs who can cover Manningham and Arrington deep
3. Hart is gimpy meaning probably no more than a 100 yards combined rushing for UM
4. Neither Ryan or Chad has the versatility of Juice Williams meaning 28 points against the OSU defense won't happen
5. OSU is second best in Redzone offense and 4th best in Redzone defense
6. Michigan is 9th and 10th respectively...not the way to win close games where you need to make the most of EVERY redzone chance you get.

So how can Michigan win?

1. OSU's QB Boeckman's last 3 games...poopy diaps! Michigan needs to pressure him early and work to slap the ball away on the blind side
2. Go long early to Manningham and Arrington to open up the defense
3. Use the Tight End a lot after the initial long passes, Michigan's best offensive years featured lots of TE big gains and TDs
4. Play inspired football, your best possible game and hope one or more key Buckeyes don't