This B1G Week 1/14-20

Hello and welcome friends to another edition of this B1G Week. The B1G storyline from last week is how this conference continues to show just how tough it is. Michigan and Michigan State has remained unscathed so far in the league yet the rest of the conference continues to beat up on themselves. Just ask Ohio State who entered last week ranked 16th but ended the week with two road losses against Rutgers and Iowa.  

Putting on the Phil of the Future glasses to see into the future, this week's B1G storyline is going to be upsets. Both Michigans have tough, tough road tests this week. Nebraska had a rough start to the conference season but are starting to play better and are a tough out in Lincoln. Michigan goes on the road to Wisconsin on Saturday. The Badgers may not be playing their best ball at the moment but I'd never count them out in the Kohl Center. Regardless I severally doubt there are two undefeated teams come next week's edition. 

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Tuesday - 8 pm - ACC Network - 9 Virginia Tech @ 4 Virginia - Virginia may be for lovers but this week it's for basketball. Virginia's week is crazy and it begins Tuesday night against ten top, in-state foe Virginia Tech. I expect the teams to bring their A-Games as they battle it out. I think the University of Virginia will win it out and build momentum going into this weekend's heavy-weight showdown.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 6 pm - ESPN - 4 Virginia @ 1 Duke - Speaking of this game, it's clearly the game of the weekend. Virginia closes out their tough week with a trip to Durham to do battle with the Blue Devils. These two teams are going to be in competition with each other all season for the conference crown and the national title. I like the Cavs going on the road in this one and staying undefeated. Their defense is just as dominant as ever but add along what might be their best offense to date. 

Power Ranking

1. Michigan
2. Michigan State
3. Maryland
4. Iowa
5. Ohio State
6. Indiana
7. Nebraska
8. Minnesota
9. Purdue
10. Wisconsin
11. Rutgers
12. Northwestern
13. Penn State
14. Illinois

Actual Rankings

1. Michigan 6-0 - 17-0
2. Michigan State 6-0 - 15-2
3. Maryland 5-1 - 14-3
4. Minnesota - 13-3 - 3-2
5. Indiana - 3-2 - 12-4
6. Wisconsin 2-3 - 11-5
7. Purdue 3-2 - 10-6
8. Iowa 3-3 - 14-3
9. Ohio State 2-3 - 12-4
10. Nebraska 2-3 - 12-4
11. Rutgers 1-4 - 8-7
12. Northwestern 1-5 - 10-7
13. Illinois 0-5 - 4-12
14. Penn State 0-6 - 7-10

B1G Picks

Monday

6:30 - FS1 - Nebraska @ 25 Indiana
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

8:30 - FS1 - Wisconsin @ 19 Maryland
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Maryland

Tuesday

7 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Purdue
Grant's Pick: Purdue, Troy's Pick: Purdue

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - 23 Iowa @ Penn State

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

9 pm - BTN - Minnesota @ Illinois
Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

Thursday

8 pm - FS1 - 6 Michigan State @ Nebraska
Grant's Pick: Michigan State, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

Friday

6:30 pm - FS1 - 19 Maryland @ Ohio State
Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

7 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ Rutgers 
Grant's Pick: Rutgers, Troy's Pick: Rutgers

Saturday

Noon - ESPN - 2 Michigan @ Wisconsin

Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Wisconsin

2 pm - Fox - 25 Indiana @ Purdue
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana

8:30 pm - BTN - Penn State @ Minnesota
Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

Sunday

1 pm - BTN - Illinois @ 23 Iowa

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 8-4

Grant's Total Pick Record: 8-4

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 10-2

Troy's Total Pick Record: 10-2



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