Northwestern-Duke Predictions

Before we get to my predictions, here is a look around the Big Ten.

Ohio State topped state-rival Ohio 26-14 after trailing 7-6 at halftime. The Buckeyes looked lost without Chris “Beanie” Wells, who suffered a foot injury last week, and needed 20 second half points for the victory. While Ohio is 0-2 on paper, NU should learn a lesson from today’s close call.

Juice was loose for Illinois in a 47-21 win over Eastern Illinois. After displaying his throwing ability last week with over 500 yards against Missouri, Juice rushed for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

Michigan State topped Eastern Michigan 42-10 with all five scores coming from running back Javon Ringer. Ringer rushed 34 times for 135 yards in the win.

Purdue won its first game of the season in a 42-10 win over Northern Colorado. Senior Curtis Painter led the way for the Boilermakers with 286 yards and two touchdowns.

Iowa topped Florida International 42-0 in the opening game of the season at Kinnick Stadium.

Penn State beat Oregon State at Beaver Stadium 45-14 behind 141 and three touchdowns from Evan Royster.

Michigan moved to 1-1 with a 16-6 victory over Miami(OH). Freshman Sam McGuffie rushed for 74 yards and Steven Threet added a touchdown on the ground.

Wisconsin struggled early but rallied from 1 7-0 deficit to win 51-14. The Wisconsin Winnebego P.J. Hill rushed 18 times for 57 yards and two scored.

Minnesota plays a night game against Bowling Green and Indiana has off this week.

My Predictions:

Stefan Demos was able to lock the Orange deep inside their own territory a week ago and turned out the unsung hero of the 30-10 victory. This week, look for Stephen Simmons to take one to the house, as special teams will help decide the game once again.

Sutton will have another big day on the ground, rushing for 150 yards and registering his first touchdown on the ground this season. Suttons presence and swagger is undeniable.

Thaddeus Lewis will impress and Cutcliffe will be praised for the job he’s done in just over half of a year. The athletic junior should put up over 300 yards through the air.

Duke will hang around for three quarters, but C.J. Bacher will engineer a long scoring drive at the start of the fourth quarter as the Cats roll 35-24.