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Big Ten Notebook For
10-06-2006
By Calvin Watkins
Posted: 8:00 am PDT 2006-10-07 |
Courtesy Of Wager
Web Sportsbook |
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This is what they call a trap game.
Michigan, 5-0, ranked sixth in the country, and a contender for a BCS national title game
appearance, faces Michigan State.
Yes, the same Michigan State that blew its big lead against Notre Dame and lost 40-37.
It's the same Michigan State team that lost to Illinois, 23-20.
A two-game losing streak could inspire the Spartans, who are +15 at WagerWeb.com, in
this conference game or the season is over.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr understands the seriousness of this game. He can't afford for
Big Blue to lose its focus.
"It think it's tense," Carr said. "I think it's one of those weeks where
everybody in the state chooses up sides, there's a lot of passion in this game, and
there's always a lot of guys that are playing as hard as they can. That's what happens in
a rivalry."
Running back Mike Hart is the key to a victory today. Hart rushed for 218 yards and a
touchdown in the victory over the Spartans last season. Hart has rushed for 100 yards in
four of five games this season and is fourth nationally in rushing yards at 672.
"Hart has heart," Carr said. "I've said that before, haven't I. He wants to
win. He's willing to do anything to help his team win. He's an emotional player, and he
brings a fire to practice.
Minnesota: The Gophers have a chance to pull an upset and wreck Penn State's season
today. Minnesota is 0-2 in conference play but is better than what the overall 2-3 record
shows. The Gophers had 323 offensive yards against Michigan last week, but talent-wise
weren't good enough in a 28-14 loss.
Running the ball is where Minnesota excels. The Gophers rank second in the conference and
15th nationally with 203 yards per game. Amir Pinnix and Alex Daniels lead the
running game.
Last season, Penn State beat Minnesota 44-14. An upset could occur.
Penn State is only a 3-point favorite at WagerWeb.com
Iowa: Today's game against Purdue could be one of the toughest games of the
season for No. 19 Iowa. The Hawkeyes are coming off their first loss of the season, to No.
1 Ohio State.
Quarterback Drew Tate threw three interceptions in the loss, including two in the fourth
quarter of the 38-17 defeat.
Tate has to rebound.
He's ranked second in the conference in yards per game (234) and third in total offense
(241.5).
As Tate goes, so does Iowa.
The Hawkeyes are 11-point favorites at WagerWeb.com
Indiana: The Hoosiers try to rebound from their loss to Wisconsin last week.
Indiana takes on Illinois in its first conference road game. Illinois is an 8.5-point
favorite at WagerWeb.com
And there might be a running back controversy at Indiana. Sophomores Marcus Thigpen and
Demetrius McCray were upstaged last week by junior Josiah Sears, who rushed for 100 yards
on nine carries against Wisconsin.
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