WEEK ELEVEN - Gameday Preview

Michigan (+7½) over Minnesota
The Michigan defense was torched to the tune of 522 yards and 48 points a week ago against Purdue, but I still have faith in them. Defensive end Brandon Graham and the front seven are more than capable of corralling Minnesota quarterback Adam Weber when he runs, and Donovan Warren and Morgan Trent are solid corners who should be able to prevent Weber from throwing the ball all over the yard. I like Minnesota to find a way to win this game at home, but I don’t think it will be by more than a touchdown.

Wisconsin (-10) over Indiana
Wisconsin has their running game back, as evidenced by the 281 yards on the ground last weekend against Michigan State. That doesn’t bode well for Indiana, who ranks eighth in the Big Ten against the run. I expect John Clay and P.J. Hill to have big games in leading a Wisconsin rout.

Rice (-9½) over Army
Army is improving, but they still can’t match Rice’s firepower. Chase Clement and the gang shouldn’t have a problem scoring between 30 and 40 points on Army, which all but guarantees at least a ten point win.

Arizona (-39) over Washington State
Washington State has been generous all year. Despite huge spreads like this one, they have failed to cover in all 8 of their games against 1-A competition. In fact, the Cougars average margin of defeat in Pac-10 play this season is by a whopping 52.8 points! Arizona has scored over 40 points four times this season, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them top 60 here.

Other games I like, but don’t feel good enough about to give them “Lock” status:
Purdue (+9½) over Michigan State
Tennessee (-25½) over Wyoming
Iowa State (+10) over Colorado
Penn State (-7) over Iowa
Virginia (+3½) over Wake Forest
N.C. State (+4½) over Duke
Florida Atlantic (-21) over North Texas High
Cincinnati (+8) over West Virginia

Big Ten - Best QBs

1. Kellen Lewis, Indiana

Yes, Indiana is home to the best quarterback in the Big Ten. Others may get more accolades for playing on better teams (Todd Boeckman), but Lewis does more for his team than anyone else. In leading the Hoosiers to their first bowl game in 14 years, Lewis led the team in both passing (3,043 yards) and rushing yards (736 yards), and accounted for 37 of the 46 offensive touchdowns Indiana scored in 2007. He served a suspension over the summer for violating team rules, but was reinstated a couple weeks ago. Just in time to pick up where he left off as one of the most dangerous single players in the conference.

2. Isiah "Juice" Williams, Illinois

Possessor of one of the strongest arms in the nation, Juice earns this ranking based mostly on his potential. Up to now he hasn't displayed the consistency desired from a quarterback, but he has flashed moments of brilliance that make you realize he has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. Seriously, he could throw a football through Javorskie Lane's gut - his arm is that strong. That arm paired with legs that carried him to 755 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns (not to mention an upset victory over Ohio State late last season) could make for a deadly combination ..... IF he can take the next step and develop some consistency in '08.

3. Todd Boeckman, Ohio State

Well, Boeckman has a lot more talent around him, but he's no schmoe. After hiding in Troy Smith's considerable shadow for the first three years of his career, Boeckman took over the offense in 2007 and steadily guided Ohio State to yet another national championship game. He doesn't have any flashy skills that will blow you off your couch, but he's solid and does everything Jim Tressel asks of him.

4. C.J. Bacher, Northwestern

An underrated signal caller on an often overlooked team. Bacher can play though, so don't be surprised if Northwestern nabs an upset victory or two this season.

5. Curtis Painter, Purdue

Yawn. So they like to pass a lot. Big deal.

OTHERS TO WATCH:

Terrelle Pryor, Ohio State

If you don't know by now, you better axe somebody. Or something like that. This kid was the top recruit in the country and chose Ohio State over a chance to play right away at Michigan. Only Jim Tressel knows how much he'll see the field in 2007, but expect to find out about his athleticism long before you know anything about his arm.

Eddie McGee, Illinois

If for any reason the Juice can't go (injury, etc.), the Illini are in good hands. McGee saw the field a little bit in 2007 and proved he has plenty of skills of his own. A multi-dimensional threat out of the quarterback position, he's not as talented as Juice is, but he seems more polished at times.