Week 8 Games of the Week: Put Up or Shut Up Weekend

The last two weekends have been wild, and this weekend will be no different. While there may not be the upsets that we've seen recently, there are a lot of big games with ranked teams. It is "put up or shut up" time with many of big matchups between teams that are not only looking for a conference title, but a national title chance as well.

Sneakin' Around the Chicken Coop

Michigan State @ Northwestern

The Spartans have proven to be a quality team with national championship aspirations, but for the first time this season they'll leave the state of Michigan. Even though that trip is taking them to Evanston, Ill. it is no easy trip by any means. Ask any Badger fan and they'll tell you one thing...don't underestimate the Wildcats. Especially with a huge game against Iowa just a week away for Sparty.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

While the Spartans should come out of this one with a victory, it is not going to be as easy as many would think. The Spartans have been challenged with teams that throw the ball consistantly and Northwestern fits that bill very well. If Michigan State starts looking past Northwestern towards next week's matchup with Iowa...the Wildcats may just be sneekin' around the chicken coop.

Put Up or Shut Up!

Nebraska @ Oklahoma State

The Cornhuskers need a victory bad if they want to be in the national title chase. So does Oklahoma State who is also still undefeated. This game should make for some excitement with two teams that can tear up the field offensively. The Cowboys don't pack the same defensive strengths as Nebraska, but they should pumped up for this game. Nebraska's defense on the other hand is looking to bounce back from a dismal performance against Texas last week.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Defense. Defense. Defense. The Cornhuskers have it, and the Cowboys don't. That will be the deciding factor in this game. Both teams have offenses that can score and put up big numbers, but the "Black Shirt" defense will be looking for blood this weekend against Oklahoma State. Huskers win a defensive battle.

In or Out!

Wisconsin @ Iowa

The big question about this game is how Wisconsin responds after last week. Everyone knows Bucky is coming off perahps the biggest win in program history, and there is only two ways they can respond. They can either continue to win, or they can fall of like South Carolina did last week against Kentucky.

This game is also for more than just one win...it's for a shot at the Big Ten title. The Hawkeyes have yet to lose a game in conference play, and need this game to remain in the race with matchups against Michigan State, and Ohio State looming. The Badgers need it to remain in the conference title hunt. A loss means that Wisconsin is out heading into their bye week, but a win makes them perhaps the frontrunner...

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

We're not touching this one with a four foot poll. Both teams matchup very well, and in many ways is like looking at a mirror on the football field. The game is important to both sides so expect both of them to leave it all out on the field. Not to mention that these games tend to be pretty close overall. If you're betting on the game take Wisconsin getting the points, but that's just because it should be that close.

Battle for the SEC West!

LSU @ Auburn

In probably the best top five matchup of the weekend it's the Tigers versus....the Tigers. Both teams are having great seasons, and Auburn's Cam Newton is looking like a Heisman contender. This matchup does feature two teams that have outstanding offenses, and defenses that are very physical. Expect this game to be close going into the third quarter making it one of the best games of the day.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

They say it's "better to be lucky than good," but luck won't cut it at Auburn. LSU has at many times this season been lucky in escaping close games. This one will not be a game where the luck pays off. Auburn's offense should be enough to beat LSU, and the fact that the game is at Jordan-Hare Stadium should lock this one up. Auburn takes the sole lead in the SEC West.

The Big Show!

Oklahoma @ Missouri

A matchup between two teams that could meet again in the Big XII title game. Two teams that are undefeated coming in to Saturday, and not to mention two teams that know eachother very well. The Sooners do come into the game as the BCS number one, but they have had near slip-ups this season. On the road the Sooners should struggle enough to keep Mizzou in the game, and that could be enough to pull the upset.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Does number one go down for the third straight weekend? No. Mizzou has over achieved so far this season, and this weekend should be a reality check. The Sooners are a more complete team than the Tigers, and that should be enough to hold on for a victory, but a close one none the less.