Hello and welcome friends to another edition of This B1G Week. While I'd love to talk about the injustice that is the current state of college football, maybe check back later this week for some salty ranting, the priority as always is Big Ten Hoops. Oh boy did we have an upset yesterday. Northwestern, who was picked almost universally to finish in the bottom two of the conference, knocked-off Michigan State for their first top five victory in almost 40 years. If a team like Northwestern can win games like this, the conference is going to be insanely competitive and no one can have an off game against anyone.
Big Ten Game of the Week
Friday - 12:30 pm - Fox - Wisconsin @ Michigan State - It is a merry Christmas indeed. Wisconsin is fresh off their almost 40 point win against Louisville and MSU is trying to bounce back from an extremely disappointing loss over the weekend. If you're looking for a break from the figgy pudding and sugarplum dreams, this is a great escape.
Actual Rankings
B1G Picks
Nonconference Game of the Week
Saturday - 4 pm - CBS - Gonzaga vs Virginia - The contrasts between these two teams is very fun. Gonzaga is the best offense in the country and Virginia is one of the best defenses. Not only is this is a big time matchup, but this is potentially the best chance for Gonzaga to lose a game during the regular season.
Team of the Week
Team of the Weak
Northwestern Wildcats - When you do something for the first time in 40 years, specifically a positive something, you make the Team of the Week. The 'Cats not only beat Michigan State but led the majority of the way.
Team of the Weak
Michigan State Spartans - When you let the other team do something for the first time in 40 years, you make Team of the Weak. Sparty had looked very up and down so far this year. They looked great against good competition but struggled against some mid-major teams. I still think they'll be toward the top of the standings but this doesn't help their case.
Actual Rankings
- Rutgers - 2-0 - 6-0
- Michigan - 1-0 - 6-0
- Purdue - 1-0 - 6-2
- Northwestern - 1-0 - 3-1
- Illinois - 1-1 - 5-3
- Iowa - 0-0 - 6-1
- Wisconsin - 0-0 - 6-1
- Indiana - 0-0 - 5-2
- Nebraska - 0-0 - 4-3
- Minnesota - 0-1 - 7-1
- Michigan State - 0-1 - 6-1
- Ohio State - 0-1 - 6-1
- Maryland - 0-1 - 4-2
- Penn State - 0-1 - 3-2
B1G Picks
Tuesday
7 pm - FS1 - Nebraska @ Wisconsin
Grant's Pick - Wisconsin, Troy's Pick - Wisconsin
7 pm - BTN - La Salle @ Maryland
Grant's Pick - Maryland, Troy's Pick - Maryland
9 pm - BTN - Purdue @ Iowa
Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa
4:30 pm - BTN - Rutgers @ Ohio State
Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Rutgers
6:30 pm - BTN - Illinois @ Penn State
Grant's Pick: Illinois, Troy's Pick: Illinois
8:30 pm - BTN - Northwestern @ Indiana
Grant's Pick: Indiana, Troy's Pick: Indiana
Friday
12:30 pm - Fox - Wisconsin @ Michigan State
Grant's Pick: Wisconsin, Troy's Pick: Michigan State
2:30 pm - FS1 - Maryland @ Purdue
Grant's Pick: Purdue, Troy's Pick: Purdue
6 pm - BTN - Michigan @ Nebraska
Grant's Pick: Michigan, Troy's Pick: Michigan
8 pm - BTN - Iowa @ Minnesota
Grant's Pick: Iowa, Troy's Pick: Iowa
Saturday
2 pm - FS1 - Ohio State @ Northwestern
Grant's Pick: Ohio State, Troy's Pick: Northwestern
4 pm - FS1 - Indiana @ Illinois
Grant's Pick: Illinois, Troy's Pick: Illinois
Grant's Previous Week Pick Record: 4-6
Grant's Total Pick Record: 64-14
Troy's Previous Week Pick Record: 6-4
Troy's Total Pick Record: 67-11
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)
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