This B1G Week 1/7-13

Welcome to the newest ongoing series on Head In The Game, This B1G Week. If you've checked out our Big Ten Power Rankings, this will be somewhat similar with some changes. Each week we will preview the games in the week ahead, give two non-Big Ten games to look out for, and give an updated Power Ranking for the league.

Last week saw plenty of competitive matchups as the league resumed play. There were two games decided by two points and several good back and forth games. Michigan State picked up a big win in their trip to Columbus on Saturday against an Ohio State team who will stay in contention for the title for the majority of the season. Minnesota also picked up a quality win on the road beating Wisconsin, a place that many teams have difficulty winning. Now for a look at what's happening out of conference.

Nonconference Game of the Midweek

Tuesday - 9 pm - ESPN - 12 North Carolina @ 15 North Carolina State - In a top 15 battle in the Triangle both teams are looking to make their place known in the ACC. Each team has an opportunity to pick up wins that'll help them greatly come tournament time. In tight games, I like favoring the home team which is why I'm taking the Wolfpack to take this one over their rivals.

Nonconference Game of the Weekend

Saturday - 2 pm - ESPN - 1 Duke @ 13 Florida State - Sticking with the ACC we have another top 15 matchups. This is Duke's second true road game and their first big road test. Florida State took their second loss of the season last weekend against number four Virginia on the road. While Florida State is a quality team they showed they might but be up to par with the top of the ACC which is why I like Duke in this one. 

Power Ranking

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

B1G Picks

Tuesday

7 pm - BTN - Maryland @ Minnesota 

Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

9pm - ESPN2 - Purdue @ 6 Michigan State

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

Wednesday

7 pm - BTN - 16 Ohio State @ Rutgers

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Ohio State

9pm - BTN - Iowa @ Northwestern

Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Thursday

8 pm - FS1 - 2 Michigan @ Illinois

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

9 pm - ESPN2 - Penn State @ Nebraska

Grant's Pick: Nebraska, Troy's Pick: Nebraska

Friday

7 pm - FS1 - 22 Indiana @ Maryland 

Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Maryland

9 pm - FS1 - Purdue @ Wisconsin

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

Saturday

12:30 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Minnesota

Grant's Pick: Minnesota, Troy's Pick: Minnesota

2:30 pm - BTN - 16 Ohio State @ Iowa

Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Iowa

Sunday

3:30 pm - CBS - 6 Michigan State @ Penn State

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

7:30 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ 2 Michigan

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



Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 0-0

Grant's Total Pick Record: 0-0

Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 0-0

Troy's Total Pick Record: 0-0




To stay up to date on the newest Head in the Game articles (and general sports commentary), follow @headingameblog on Twitter. You can also find us on Twitter @T_RoyStory (Troy) and @G_Tingley (Grant)