Even in weeks filled with predictable matchups, chaos has consistently ensued in the Big Ten. Week 9 will be no different. Teams in the Big Ten are finding their footing, and that will lead to another week full of favorites falling in surprising fashion.
Here is exactly how the ninth Week of the Big Ten football season will pan out:
Wisconsin at Iowa
Both teams in this game have elite defenses, and both teams have offenses that struggle. Last week, the Wisconsin Badgers offense won their game against the USC Trojans with only 58 passing yards. This game will not be a shootout; instead, it will end up being decided by which defense gives up the most points. I like the Badgers to use last week's win as great momentum to pull off the victory on the road. The Badgers will take
down the Iowa Hawkeyes 21-14.
Illinois at Maryland
True freshman quarterback Michael Clayton was impressive in his debut against the Oregon Ducks. He should have no problem lighting up the Maryland Terrapins' defense. The Terrapins are ready for next season, and the score of this game will reflect that. I like the Illinois Fighting Illini to win 35-17.
Michigan at Rutgers
The Michigan Wolverines' biggest issues will not be resolved until they look past the quarterback position. Their defense will keep them in every game and stifle each of their opponents. Unfortunately, their offense will keep their opponent in the game with critical mistakes and poor play. The same struggles will linger into this week and propel the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to pull off an upset. Rutgers will be fueled by stars KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond. The Scarlet Knights will get their statement win of the season, stunning the Wolverines 20-17.
Minnesota at Indiana
The Minnesota Gophers' defense showed up big time last week against the Iowa Hawkeyes. This game will be another opportunity for that unit to shine. Josh Hoover has been hindering the Indiana Hoosiers' offensive success with his poor play. The Gophers' defense will take advantage of that by forcing Hoover to make 1-2 costly mistakes. The Gophers' offense will not be dominant, but they will win this game simply by making fewer mistakes. I like the Gophers to come out on top 17-10.
Northwestern at Oregon
The Oregon Ducks came into this game expected to be one of the best defenses in the Big Ten due to all of their returning players. That has not been the case, as opposing offenses have been able to have great success against the Ducks. The Northwestern Wildcats have been one of the most exciting offenses in the country. Northwestern is missing that legitimate win on their resume; I think in Week 9 they finally get that. Aidan Chiles will lead the Wildcats to a 30-24 win.
Nevada at UCLA
This will be the UCLA Bruins' most dominant win of the season and a game in which backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach will have his best game yet. The Bruins will cruise to a 45-10 win over the Nevada Wolf Pack.
Purdue at Penn State
The talent game in this football game is not as wide as many predicted at the start of the season. The Penn State Nittany Lions have been one of the most disappointing teams in the Big Ten. That notion will continue following the Purdue Boilermakers upsetting them in Week 9. I like the Purdue to win 30-21.
Ohio State at USC
The Ohio State Buckeyes will not steamroll the USC Trojans as many will expect. The talent gap is not in the Buckeyes favor by a wide margin. USC has enough to hang with Ohio State, especially given the Julian Sayin injury. I think the Trojans will hang with the Buckeyes all the way until the end. The better football team will prevail, and there will be a lot more clarity on who the quarterback for the Buckeyes will be moving forward in this game. The Buckeyes will win a close one, 24-21.
Washington at Nebraska
I expect the Washington Huskies will trot Elijah Brown onto the field to start this game. The Nebraska Cornhuskers have not shown the ability to finish football games. I do not think that will change this week. I like Elijah Brown to provide the Huskies' offense with a spark and propel Washington to a 31-20 win.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Week 9 will allow contending Big Ten teams to boost their resumes
