Games of the Week/Big Ten Rundown 10

#6 Alabama (7-1) @ #10 LSU (7-1)
- Both teams have had a week off to get ready for this game, so it should be a very well fought game between these two SEC powerhouses. Bama is unscathed in the West division, while LSU lost to Auburn a few weeks ago meaning that the pressure is on LSU to win this game. If the Tigers lose, then they will basically be eliminated from playing for the SEC championship. It's in Death Valley, LSU has had a lot go their way this season and they have the only guy in the SEC in my opinion that can shut down WR Julio Jones. The issue: Alabama is simply better. I am rooting for Les Miles and the Tigers, but I think that the Tide will pull it off.

Bama- 24
LSU- 16

#3 TCU (9-0) @ #5 Utah (8-0)
- This may be the game of the week considering both of these teams are inside the BCS top five. If TCU wins, they are arguably in the drivers seat to be the next in line to play for the national championship if either Oregon or Auburn trips up. If Utah wins, then the debate will be on whether Boise or Utah is more worthy (and think of the publicity that will get for the Pac 12 heading into 2011). The Utes usually win at home in these situations, but I personally think that TCU could beat just about anyone in the country right now. Utah will have a chance to win in the end, but their comeback bid will fall just short.

TCU- 28
Utah- 27

Hawaii (7-2) @ #4 Boise State (7-0)
- No, I'm not kidding when I say that I believe Hawaii has some chance of knocking off the Broncos this weekend. I don't think they will pull it off, but they certainly have a chance and I'll tell you why. First, the Warriors lit up USC and almost beat them in the first game of the season (let's not talk about how bad the Trojan defense is though...). Secondly, despite another loss to a BCS school - Colorado - they went on to beat #19 Nevada and go on to beat the likes of Fresno State en route to an undefeated conference record and a 7-2 overall record. Finally, they only give up 20 points per game while scoring 40 points per game in addition to owning the top ranked passing offense in America. Boise will be shocked as the game is still in the balance in the second half, but Kellen Moore won't let the Broncos lose and rally the troops to beat Hawaii. If this game were being played in Hawaii then I would probably call for the upset.

Hawaii- 38
Boise St- 45

Big Ten Rundown

#9 Wisconsin (7-1, 3-1) @ Purdue (4-4, 2-2)
- If the Badgers are going to trip up again in 2010, it won't be against Purdue. The week off will serve well for Wisconsin as they go into West Lafayette rested and ready to roll Purdue to move to 8-1 on the year.

#16 Iowa (6-2, 3-1) @ Indiana (4-4, 0-4)
- Coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten Michigan State, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes are probably breathing a huge sigh of relief that they get to play Indiana. It may be closer than the experts think, but Iowa will get the win.

Minnesota (1-8, 0-5) @ #14 Michigan State (8-1, 4-1)
- Yeah... Minnesota is really bad. MSU will win this game by a lot. Simple enough for you?

Illinois (5-3, 3-2) @ Michigan (5-3, 1-3)
- I really think that after coming back to almost beat Penn State that Michigan has some of its mojo back from its fast and furious start to the season. However, Illinois is playing extremely well and has been a handful for Michigan ever since Ron Zook arrived in Champaign. I'm going with the Illini by a small margin.

Northwestern (6-2, 2-2) @ Penn State (5-3, 2-2)
- PSU looked very good against Michigan (a lot of teams do lately) and hopes to get back on the winning track again as they look to victimize Northwestern in Happy Valley. I like Northwestern more than Penn State in all seriousness, but I will go ahead and say that PSU wins on a last second field goal to avoid a sub-.500 record in Big Ten play.