Cory Steger:  The rematch of last year’s Big 10 Championship game is finally here, and the stakes are high once again. Indiana remains unbeaten and is coming off a tough road win over Nebraska. The Hoosiers weren’t at their best for most of the game, but found a way to get it done in crunch time. Ohio State is coming off a sloppy, but dominant, win over Maryland last week. The biggest matchup that will determine this game is the Indiana defensive line against Ohio State’s offensive line. The Buckeyes will be in trouble if they have to use Jake Cook at right guard, and Gabe Van Sickle at right tackle again. The Hoosiers are excellent at getting pressure on the quarterback just from their defensive line, which puts extra pressure on Julian Sayin since he does not run. For Ohio State, the way to attack Indiana is by throwing at the safeties. They’ve given up some big plays this season, and don’t tackle as well as last year’s group. Assuming that Austin Siereveld returns and the line plays well, I see a close Buckeye win in this game.   Ohio State 28, Indiana 24 

Dave Culver:  xxxxx 

Gregg Watson:  For the 3rd straight year, this is not the Hoosiers of old.  They are the perfect example of what a solid coaching staff and a truckload of money can do for a college football team in the NIL-Transfer Portal era.  Historically the Hoosiers were a doormat, an off-week warm-up, a perfect Homecoming opponent.  But in the last two years, they have lost only to the two teams that played for the 2024 championship and won the 2025 championship with a perfect record.  They have looked a bit vulnerable this year, which is why I am picking the Bucks to win, but Indian is still a top 10 team for the third straight year.  In the past, one of the great things about their program was they had never turned Buckeye50 down for credentials.  (Sample of 2019 and 2023 photos).  But this year they said no which can only mean they have gotten too big for their britches (my WV roots coming out).  So, I am hoping that not only do the Buckeyes put them back in their place but also do it with the dominance of the team with the BEST record in college football since 2000.  Only hope Jeremiah runs better routes than he did in the championship game last year.   Ohio State 31  Indiana 20  

Jason Harris:  The key matchup will be Ohio State’s offensive line against Indiana’s aggressive defensive front. The Hoosiers have consistently pressured opposing quarterbacks, and disrupting Sayin’s timing could limit the Buckeyes’ ability to get Smith involved downfield. Indiana also has the offensive weapons to challenge Ohio State’s defense, particularly through its dangerous receiving duo of Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh. However, the Buckeyes have the talent and defensive ability to win on the road, and their motivation for revenge after last season’s championship loss despite what Ryan Day has said publicly, should be significant. This is the biggest game in Bloomington ever, but Ohio State has much more experience playing in such games after road games at Texas and Iowa. Indiana will come out fast fueled by the home crowd, but eventually the talent and depth of Ohio State will take control with the Buckeyes leaving Bloomington with a big win, stopping the IU winning streak and gaining firm control of a repeat appearance in the Big Ten championship game.    Prediction: Ohio State 37 Indiana 24

Joe Hylton:  xxxxx

John Seibert:  Hopefully, Ohio State got the penalty bug out of their system last week against Maryland.  No Austin Siereveld again this week.  His backup will need to play much better this week.  Sayin took way too many hits last week, and this IU D Line is a big step up from Maryland’s.  IU didn’t overwhelm last week either, escaping from Lincoln with a win after being outplayed by Nebraska for most of the game.  However, this is arguably the biggest game in Memorial Stadium history, and IU may have been peeking ahead just a bit last week. As Han Solo once said, I’ve got a bad feeling about this.   IU  24  Ohio State 21

Josh Watson: For years, Ohio State’s trip to Bloomington was treated almost like an additional home game for the Buckeyes. That will not be the case Saturday. Indiana enters as the defending national champion, carries a 22-game winning streak and has won 19 consecutive games at Memorial Stadium. This will also be the first matchup between top-five teams ever played inside the stadium. The Hoosiers earned their place in this game by surviving a difficult trip to Nebraska. Indiana trailed 17-6 in the fourth quarter before Josh Hoover connected with Nick Marsh for touchdowns of 75 and 44 yards, producing a 20-17 comeback victory. Hoover finished with 263 yards and two touchdowns, while Marsh accounted for 187 yards on six receptions. Nebraska held Indiana to only 65 rushing yards, however, providing Ohio State with a potential blueprint for making the Hoosiers one-dimensional. Ohio State defeated Maryland 45-16 last weekend, but the final score concealed a somewhat uneven offensive performance. Julian Sayin threw four touchdowns but also completed only 13 of 21 passes and committed two turnovers. Bo Jackson’s 107-yard performance helped the Buckeyes control the second half, while Jeremiah Smith caught two more touchdowns despite receiving limited opportunities. The matchup between Ohio State’s offensive line and Indiana’s pass rush may determine the outcome. Tobi Osunsanmi and Stephen Daley have five sacks apiece, and the Hoosiers will attempt to pressure Sayin before Smith can uncover downfield. On the other side, Ohio State cannot allow Marsh and Charlie Becker to consistently create explosive plays against single coverage. There is an additional emotional layer after Indiana defeated Ohio State 13-10 in last season’s Big Ten Championship Game. This time, the Buckeyes use a more balanced offense and their defensive front to keep Hoover from settling into rhythm. Indiana makes it a four-quarter fight, but Ohio State creates the decisive turnover late and escapes Bloomington. Ohio State 27, Indiana 20

Steven Smith:  Is Indiana a mirage? Clearly, they are not the team they were last year, and their Charmin-like schedule has done little to bring clarity of how good they really are. We do know they have two outstanding receivers in Charlie Becker and Nick Marsh who both are averaging 88 yards per contest. They are gaining a lot of yards after the catch, so tackling will be paramount for the Buckeyes Saturday. Injuries are the story on the Ohio State side, with both lineman Austin Siereveld and RB Ja’Kobi Jackson listed as out. With “starting” RB Bo Jackson seemingly coming back into form, and the possibility of game-breaker Legend Bey getting some playing time, OSU’s run game should be OK. As long as the Bucks stay balanced and QB Julian Sayin doesn’t lock into Jeremiah Smith too much, they should be able to take the Hoosiers. The only thing stopping OSU from winning will be playing too tight and predictable play calling, especially in the run game. Avoid those pitfalls and the Bucks will win. OSU 27-19.

Stefan Armintrout:  I see this game being close, although I don’t believe the Hoosiers are as good as they were last year. However, neither are the Buckeyes. I’m giving the edge to Ohio State because I think they have the better offense. This will be a battle for all four quarters, but in the end, the Buckeyes leave Bloomington as the winners.   (Ohio State, 27-21)

Final Score:  Ohio State xx   Indiana xx 

Cory:  Alabama lost a three-point game to Georgia last week, and maybe should’ve won if not for a missed pass interference call late in the game. The Crimson Tide need to rebound quickly as they head to Knoxville to face the Volunteers this week. Tennessee is dealing with a conundrum at quarterback. Freshman Faizan Brandon was the starter for most of the season, but fellow freshman George MacIntyre got the start against Arkansas last week. Brandon has a higher ceiling, but is inconsistent. The problem with the Tennessee offense is that the running game is not good enough to deal with mediocre quarterback play. The Volunteers would’ve beaten Texas had the offense found any sort of rhythm. I don’t see them finding that rhythm in this game.   Alabama 31, Tennessee 24

Dave:  xxxxx

Gregg:  Last week I gave Oklahoma no chance to beat Texas, but you can never underestimate the impact of a rivalry game.  I really do not give ANY chance for the Volunteers to be smoking cigars in the locker room after this one but I guess that is why they play them.  Both teams are ranked with one loss but I think the Tide offense is just too strong to lose two games in a row.  Assuming they are not still suffering from a Bulldog hangover the Tide Rolls in this one.  Of course, even if they lose, they will still likely move up in the SEC biased AP poll again.  Alabama 35  Tennessee 24

Jason:  #6 Alabama travels to Knoxville to take on #14 Tennessee in the annual ‘Third Saturday in October’ rivalry game. Both teams enter at 5-1, with Alabama coming off a heartbreaking 20-17 loss to #1 Georgia and Tennessee escaping Arkansas with a 24-17 victory. The Crimson Tide will look to bounce back behind freshman QB Keelon Russell, who struggled against Georgia, throwing for just 185 yards and one touchdown. Alabama could also be without leading receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, a significant loss for an offense looking to regain its rhythm. Tennessee counters with a rushing attack led by DeSean Bishop, who has been a major contributor to an offense averaging nearly 35 points per game. However, the Volunteers have faced questions at QB, and their passing game has been inconsistent against SEC competition.

The key to this matchup will be whether Tennessee can establish the run and take pressure off its uncertain QB situation while Alabama looks to exploit the Volunteers’ vulnerabilities in pass protection. The Crimson Tide have the talent to control the game defensively, but Russell must make quicker decisions and avoid costly sacks against a Tennessee team playing at home in front of a raucous Neyland Stadium crowd. The Volunteers have won their last two meetings with Alabama in Knoxville, giving them confidence that they can pull off another upset. Still, Alabama has more proven depth and playmakers on both sides of the ball, and the motivation to respond after its loss to Georgia should be significant. Expect a physical rivalry game that remains close into the second half, with the Tide making enough plays late to escape with a road win.    Prediction: Alabama 27 Tennessee 21

Joe-S-U:  xxxxx

John:  Rivalry games are always fun. This feels like a must win for both teams, both to try to keep pace with unbeaten Georgia in the SEC East and to keep CFP hopes alive.  If ‘Bama can keep from letting Georgia beat them twice, I like the Tide to win a close one.  If the ‘Dawgs are still living rent free in their heads, however, an upset would ‘t shock me.   Alabama  27  Tennessee 21

Josh: The Third Saturday in October arrives with both teams carrying 5-1 records and little remaining room for error. Alabama is attempting to rebound from a 20-17 home loss to Georgia, while Tennessee survived an uneven performance at Arkansas, 24-17. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell has thrown for 1,599 yards, 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions. However, the Crimson Tide will be without leading receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, creating additional pressure on their other playmakers to produce against a Tennessee defense that has been the strength of the team. Tennessee’s uncertainty is at quarterback. Faizon Brandon is questionable, and the Volunteers may again need to use both Brandon and George MacIntyre. Tennessee can lean on DeSean Bishop, who has rushed for 678 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry, but Alabama will load the box until the Volunteers demonstrate that they can consistently win through the air. Neyland Stadium has been a difficult environment for Alabama recently, with Tennessee winning the last two meetings in Knoxville. That atmosphere should keep the Volunteers competitive early, but their quarterback situation becomes increasingly problematic as the game progresses. Russell responds to last week’s loss with a composed performance, and Alabama pulls away during the fourth quarter. Alabama 30, Tennessee 20

Steven:  This shouldn’t be a contest. Tennessee has played mediocre teams tight whereas Alabama has blown out everyone except in last week’s loss against Georgia. The Tide is the better team, even on the road in Neyland stadium. Alabama 38-21.

Trout:  I see the Crimson Tide winning this by a few scores. I don’t think Tennessee is that good. The Volunteers might be able to hang around for a while, but I think Alabama will pull ahead and never look back. It won’t be a complete blowout, but Alabama will win comfortably.   (Alabama,  38-14)

Final Score:  Alabama xx   Tenneessee xx 

Cory:  Notre Dame has yet to be tested this season, but that finally changes this week as the Fighting Irish travel to Utah to face No. 8 BYU. The Cougars rely a lot on their ground game, but they are missing the central component of that with running back LJ Martin out due to a lower-body injury. Martin averages over 7 yards per carry, and is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. His absence puts even more pressure on sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier to make plays. While Bachmeier is good, we saw last season what happens when a team makes him try to win the game. In the Big 12 Championship game, a loss to Texas Tech, Bachmeier threw for just 115 yards with no score and two interceptions. Notre Dame could win this one easy.   Notre Dame 35, BYU 21

Dave:  xxxxx

Gregg:  It is no surprise that Notre Dame has looked great this year and is unbeaten halfway through the season.  They really only have two tests on their schedule to pass to secure a spot in the top 4 of the playoff poll.  Miami at the end of the season, and this week against BYU.  This will be the strongest defense the Irish have faced this season so I think they will be slowed a bi but not stopped.  Look forward to that showdown in November with the Canes.  Notre Dame  24  BYU 17

Jason:  #2 Notre Dame travels to Provo to face #8 BYU in a major top-10 showdown with significant College Football Playoff implications. The undefeated Fighting Irish enter at 6-0 after dismantling Stanford 58-7, while the 5-0 Cougars are coming off a 24-10 victory over Iowa State. Notre Dame QB CJ Carr has helped lead an explosive offense that has consistently moved the ball through the air and on the ground, including a dominant rushing performance against Stanford. BYU counters with QB Bear Bachmeier, who delivered an outstanding performance against Iowa State with 329 passing yards, 109 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. The Cougars have been one of the Big 12’s strongest teams on both sides of the ball, allowing just 13.4 points per game, and will have the advantage of playing in front of a packed LaVell Edwards Stadium for the biggest home game in program history.

The key matchup will be whether BYU’s defense can slow Notre Dame’s balanced attack while forcing Carr into difficult passing situations. The Cougars have enough defensive talent to make this a physical contest, and Bachmeier’s mobility could create problems for an Irish defense that will need to contain him both inside and outside the pocket. However, Notre Dame has looked like one of the nation’s most complete teams, combining an efficient offense with a defense that has limited opponents’ scoring opportunities. Neither team has played a gauntlet of a schedule so this will be the first real test for either team. Playing in Provo will give BYU a significant boost, but the Irish have the depth and offensive balance to handle the atmosphere. Expect the Cougars to keep the game competitive into the second half before Notre Dame makes a few key plays down the stretch.   Prediction: Notre Dame 31 BYU 24

Joe-S-U: xxxxx

John:  Sometimes, it’s not the X’s and the O’s; it’s the Jimmies and the Joes, and Notre Dame just has better players across the board.   Notre Dame 31  BYU 20

Josh: College GameDay travels to Provo for an undefeated top-10 showdown that carries significant playoff implications. Notre Dame is 6-0 and has won five of its games by multiple possessions, while BYU has opened 5-0 and established itself as the leading contender in the Big 12. CJ Carr has emerged as one of the nation’s most efficient quarterbacks, throwing for 1,378 yards, 16 touchdowns and only one interception. Notre Dame also brings considerable offensive balance after Jonaz Walton rushed for 181 yards in last week’s 58-7 dismantling of Stanford. BYU’s Bear Bachmeier gives the Cougars a chance to challenge the Irish defense in multiple ways. He has thrown for 1,033 yards with eight touchdowns and one interception while adding 239 yards and four scores on the ground. The concern is the absence of leading rusher LJ Martin, whose injury places even more responsibility on Bachmeier against one of the deepest defenses BYU will face this season. Notre Dame is the more complete team, but winning by double digits in a night game at LaVell Edwards Stadium is a significant demand. The Cougars’ defense keeps the game within reach, and Bachmeier creates enough plays with his legs to prevent the Irish from pulling away. Notre Dame remains undefeated, but BYU stays inside the number. Notre Dame 27, BYU 20

Steven:  BYU has top 10 defense this year, but Notre Dame’s is number 1 in the country. On offense, Notre Dame is well balanced gaining about 261 yards through the air and 194 on the ground per contest. While those numbers are good, their conversion rate is excellent. The Irish are scoring 44 points per contest which is 4th best overall this year. The Cougars will have to play the game of the season if they hope to upend Notre Dame. The weather in Provo will be about as good as it can be for October, so without that as possible leveling factor, the Irish should win going away. Notre Dame 35-17.

Trout:  The Irish will win this game. BYU are a good team, but not great team. Although I am skeptical of Notre Dames abilities, once the playoffs start, I do think they are the better team in this matchup. I could see the game be close early, but Notre Dame will eventually ware down BYU and win by a couple scores.   (Notre Dame, 34-17)

Final Score:  Notre Dame xx   BYU xx  

Cory:  After a season-opening loss to Notre Dame, Wisconsin finds itself in the middle of the Big 10 race thanks to four consecutive wins. But, in order to beat No. 12 UCLA on the road, the Badgers will need a heroic performance from their quarterback, Colton Joseph. Joseph is not just the team’s leading passer, he also leads the team in rushing. UCLA is coming off a clutch win at Oregon, and if you haven’t watched the Bruins yet this season, they are impressive on both sides of the ball. One thing to watch out for is the quarterback position for UCLA: starter Nico Iamaleava left last week’s game with an injury, and the Bruins haven’t said if he will play this week at all. If he does not play then Ty Dieffenbach will get the start. Assuming he does get the start, I still like UCLA in this game but the score will be close.   UCLA 24, Wisconsin 21

Dave:  xxxxx

Gregg:  Coach Fickell has the Badgers playing at a very high level this year. It appears he will do well enough to keep his job which I thought was at risk at the start of the season.  But even without Nico. I think the Bruins have enough talent to defeat the Badgers (but hoping I am wrong on this one).   UCLA 27  Wisconsin 10

Jason:  Wisconsin travels to Pasadena to take on #12 UCLA in a major Big Ten matchup between two teams looking to strengthen their College Football Playoff resumes. The Badgers enter at 4-1 after a dominant 31-3 victory over Michigan State, while the undefeated Bruins improved to 5-0 with a 17-15 road win over #13 Oregon. Wisconsin has won four straight games and is showing significant improvement on both sides of the ball, led by QB Colton Joseph, who has been impressive both with his arm and his legs. The Badgers’ offensive line has also done an excellent job protecting Joseph, allowing just one sack through five games. UCLA, meanwhile, faces a major challenge after starting QB Nico Iamaleava suffered a knee injury against Oregon and is expected to miss time. Backup QB Ty Dieffenbach is likely to take over, placing additional pressure on running back Wayne Knight, who has emerged as one of the Big Ten’s most productive offensive weapons.

The key matchup will be Wisconsin’s defense against UCLA’s rushing attack. The Badgers have been strong against the run, while Knight has consistently produced explosive plays and could become the focal point of the Bruins’ offense with Iamaleava sidelined. Wisconsin will also need Joseph to protect the football against a UCLA defense that has been particularly effective at forcing turnovers. Playing at the Rose Bowl gives the Bruins an advantage, but losing their starting QB significantly changes the outlook of this matchup. If Wisconsin can contain Knight and avoid costly mistakes, the Badgers have a legitimate opportunity to pull off the road upset. Expect a physical, lower-scoring game in which Wisconsin’s defensive consistency and Joseph’s dual-threat ability make the difference late.   Prediction: Wisconsin 21 UCLA 17

Joe-S-U:  xxxxx

John:  If UCLA can avoid a letdown after last week’s big win, they should prevail.  If the game were in Madison, I might like the Badgers’ chances better, but it’s in the Rose Bowl.   UCLA  24 Wisconsin 20

Josh: UCLA is one of the season’s biggest surprises, entering at 5-0 after a 17-15 road victory over Oregon. The Bruins have covered the spread in every game and climbed nine places in the AP poll, but their undefeated season now faces an unexpected challenge following the loss of quarterback Nico Iamaleava to a knee injury. Ty Dieffenbach stepped in against Oregon and threw the go-ahead touchdown pass, but he will now face a rested Wisconsin defense that allows only 16.6 points and 267.2 yards per game. The Badgers have won four consecutive games after their season-opening loss to Notre Dame, including a 24-20 victory at Penn State and a 31-3 win over Michigan State. UCLA will place more responsibility on Wayne Knight, who leads the Big Ten with 548 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 7.7 yards per carry. That creates the game’s defining matchup because Wisconsin has surrendered only three rushing touchdowns and holds opponents to 3.2 yards per attempt. If Iamaleava were available, UCLA would be the selection. Without him, the matchup tilts toward a physical Wisconsin team coming off a bye. The Badgers control the clock, limit Knight’s explosive runs and leave Pasadena with a second notable road victory. Wisconsin 23, UCLA 17

Steven:  Wisconsin @ UCLA – Could this season be the one where Luke Fickell, who was definitely on the hot seat, saves his job, and brings back the lustre to his coaching career? This is definitely a game that can turn the season. I’m not sure I’d call this a trap game for UCLA, as the Badgers are good, but many people have lingering preseason misconceptions about them, and those are tough to shake. Everyone is just waiting for Wisconsin to regress to last year’s squad. With UCLA QB Nico Iamaleava out due to an ACL, UCLA may have a tough time adjusting to a new QB. In addition, other than a depleted Oregon squad, who has UCLA beaten? Wisconsin’s schedule isn’t much better, but they have the Penn State win on the road. Taking the Badgers 24-21.

Trout:  I’ll give the edge the Badgers. If UCLA still had Nico, I would give it to them. Especially because it is in LA. I can see it being very close, low scoring match with Wisconsin doing just enough to get by with the win.   (Wisconsin, 17-13)

Final Score:  UCLA xx   Wisconsin xx 

Cory:  The season is starting to go sideways for Penn State. The Nittany Lions have lost three consecutive games, and the offense is starting to look lost. Rocco Becht was never going to be a great quarterback for them, which wouldn’t matter if the running game was better. On the other side of the field is a team with an even more disappointing offense – Michigan. The Wolverines had a bye last week, but are coming off consecutive losses to Minnesota and Iowa, and quarterback Bryce Underwood continues to struggle. Last year those struggles were masked by a great running game, but the Wolverines are also struggling to run the ball with any effectiveness. I have no confidence in either team in this game, and am going to pick Michigan only for the fact that they are at home. If you like ugly football, be sure to tune into this game.   Michigan 17, Penn State 13 

Dave:  xxxxx 

Gregg:  This does not happen often, so let’s reflect on the idea that these two powerhouse teams are winless in the conference and it is mid-October. I wonder if Matt Campbell is thinking he should not have left Iowa State as I am sure the pressure is already growing in Happy Valley.  And I am sure that Utah is looking better than Ann Arbor as well.  No matter, neither of these teams will be a factor in the Big Ten for a while.  I would rather see the Lions win but I fear the Wolverines will sneak in just enough positive offense to win a low scoring game.  Michigan 13  Penn State 10   

Jason:  Penn State travels to Ann Arbor to face Michigan in a matchup between two traditional Big Ten powers looking to turn their seasons around. The Nittany Lions enter at 3-3 and riding a three-game losing streak after falling 31-23 to USC, while the Wolverines are 3-2 following consecutive losses to Iowa and Minnesota. Penn State QB Rocco Becht improved against a much maligned USC D, throwing for 289 yards and a touchdown, and will look to build on that performance against a Michigan defense that has been one of the team’s biggest strengths. The Wolverines rank among the nation’s best in total defense, but their offense has struggled to find consistency. QB Bryce Underwood remains the starter despite Michigan averaging just 23 points per game, and he will need to make better decisions while limiting turnovers. With both teams searching for their first Big Ten victory, this game represents an important opportunity to regain momentum.

The key matchup will be Penn State’s offense against Michigan’s disciplined defense. Becht’s ability to protect the football and deliver under pressure will be critical, particularly against a Wolverines secondary that has limited opposing passing attacks. Michigan, meanwhile, must establish its ground game and give Underwood manageable situations rather than asking the young QB to carry the offense. The Wolverines have the advantage of playing at home, where their defense could create turnovers which could be the difference in what looks to be a low scoring game. Penn State showed signs against USC that they may get the offense on track, but Michigan’s defense is far superior to USC. Expect a defensive battle with both offenses having difficulty sustaining drives, but Michigan’s home-field advantage and advantage up front on the defensive line will be the difference.   Prediction: Michigan 20 Penn State 17

Joe-S-U:  xxxxx

John:  Wow, once upon a time, not too long ago, this would have been one of the marquee games of the weekend.  Now it barely elicits a yawn.   Penn State 30  Michigan 14

Josh: This matchup looked like a potential top-15 showdown before the season. Instead, Penn State and Michigan enter with five combined losses and significant questions about the direction of their respective offenses. Penn State has fallen to 3-3 and is still searching for its first Big Ten victory. The Nittany Lions lost 31-23 at home to USC last week despite Rocco Becht throwing for 289 yards. Penn State converted only two of its 12 third-down opportunities and rushed for just 68 yards, continuing an alarming inability to control games at the line of scrimmage. Michigan is 3-2 after consecutive losses to Iowa and Minnesota. The Wolverines’ offense averages only 23 points per game, but their defense remains among the best in the country and holds opponents to 15.8 points per contest. That unit should have an advantage against a Penn State offense that has struggled to create balance or sustain drives against quality opponents. The Nittany Lions have enough defensive talent to keep this close through halftime, particularly against a Michigan offense that has lacked explosiveness. Eventually, the Wolverines’ defense creates a short field, and their running game wears down a Penn State front dealing with several injuries. It will not be aesthetically pleasing, but Michigan gets the victory and adds to Penn State’s increasingly difficult season. Michigan 23, Penn State 13

Steven:  This could be the last game for Michigan QB Bryce Underwood who is sitting 92nd in the nation in passing yardage per game. Lloyd Carr’s grandson, Tommy is the backup and has 2 passes for a total of 23 yards this season. Oh, it’s not looking good up at the Big House. Penn State needs something to hang their hat on this season. Penn State comes into the game losing 3 straight, compared to Michigan’s 2 straight losses. Something’s got to give. Suck Fest ’26 comes down to a late field goal.  PSU 17-14.

Trout:  Both teams are bad, but someone has to win. If I have to pick, I’ll go with Penn State. Despite Michigan having the superior defense, their inability to move the ball consistently with Underwood will be their undoing. I think this game will be very sloppy and very low scoring. Penn State gets lucky on a few drives and pulls ahead. Michigan won’t be able to counter. (Penn State, 19-12)

Final Score:  Penn State xx   Michigan xx