Big Ten Week 3 Preview: Prepare for a Big Weekend

Last season by this time, it was already pretty clear that the B1G was not going to have a team featured in the National Championship.  In Week 2 last year Big 10 teams got dominated by PAC-12 teams, going 0-3 during the week.  It was a week that would go on to define the rest of the season for the Big 10 as no team ever really stood out except for the Bowl-ineligible Ohio State.

This year, Ohio State is back in the Bowl picture, and other B1G teams are also looking to edge themselves into the same position.  Thus far B1G teams are 21-3 on the season.  However, most of these wins have come way of some really weak teams with the only win of note being Michigan‘s victory over the NCAA Championship runner-ups Notre Dame.

This weekend is Week 3 of college football and the B1G has the chance to prove themselves against legit opponents.  Four B1G teams will be taking on teams from the PAC-12.

UCLA (16) @ Nebraska (23)

When these two teams met last year Nebraska would just get edged out by UCLA.  However, the affair seemed much more one-sided than the score let on as Nebraska’s defense gave up 653 yards.

Even with Johnathan Franklin in the NFL, Nebraska is still going to have to be able to defend against both the run and the passing game.  Franklin rushed 217 yards against the Cornhuskers last season.  However, Jordon James has began to prove he is a worthy replacement as he rushed for 155 yards in Week 1.

Nebraska’s defense has still been hit or miss this season.  It looked rough in their opener against Wyoming but seemed to do better against Southern Miss.  They will have to really pull it together to beat UCLA.

Nebraska are the favorites to win at Bovada with a -4 point spread.

Washington (19) @ Illinois (Unranked)

Illinois may be unranked but that could all change if they manage to pull of another upset victory this week.  Last week they defeated Cincinnati 45-17, if they can beat No. 19 Washington this week, they will turn a lot of heads.

Going 2-10 last season, Illinois already has as many wins as they did last year under their belt in Week 2 of this year.  If they can defeat Washington, they could very well be considered the sleeper-team of the year.

Illinois are the 10 point underdogs heading into this game according to Bovada.

Ohio State (3) @ Cal (Unranked)

Cal went 3-9 last year but this year they look like a different team.  With a new head coach and a real freshman quarterback, their offense has be invigorated.  Cal managed to give the Buckeyes a scare last season with a 35-28 loss.  Considering they only improved I predict that Cal could give Ohio State another run for their money, despite being big underdogs according to the spread.

Wisconsin (20) @ Arizona State (Unranked)

Wisconsin has yet to be truly challenged this season after they ran over their Week 1 and 2 opponents UMass and my alum Tennessee Tech by a combined 93-0.  They will be taking on an unranked Arizona Sate this weekend who should give them more of a challenge.

Arizona State also had a dominating performance in its only game of the season so far with a 55-0 win over Sacramento State.  Arizona State will be playing on their turf as well.  With temperatures over 100 degrees in the forecast, Arizona State are favorites with a -6 point spread.