Week 9 Games of the Week: Bye Bye Blues

Just because the Badgers have a bye this week is no reason to be down. There is still plenty of great football on the docket this weekend. Most of the remaining undefeated teams hit the road, and that could make for another great weekend of gridiron drama.

Put Up or Shut Up!

Missouri @ Nebraska

Last week the Badgers were able to keep their momentumn going after beating the number one team in the land with a win at Iowa. This week Missouri, who beat number one Oklahoma last week, will look to do the same in Lincoln. The Cornhuskers bounced back from their loss to Texas with a road win at Oklahoma State last week. This game will most likely determine who plays in the conference championship game from the Big XII North. A big game to say the least.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction

This one is almost too close to call. Both teams pack great offenses, and great defenses. While both have their flaws at the same time. The Cornhuskers have an inexperienced quarterback, and the Tigers have a defense that still gives up too many points in the second half. But the Cornhuskers do have one thing going for them that Mizzou can't...home field. That's why we like the Cornhuskers to prevail in this one, but it will be a close game.

Upset Alert?

Oregon @ USC

For the fourth straight week number one is hitting the road. At least number one in one of the polls. This may be the best chance for a Duck slip-up, but it may be a barnburner because of USC's defense. No matter what this one should be entertaining. And a key point to remember is that USC is not going bowling, and this game is just as good as their bowl game. Expect the Trojans to show up big in this one.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

Not much surprise in this one. We're going with the Ducks. Which might be the kiss of death for the quackers. The last three weeks we've picked the number one team, and in all three they lost. This time will most likely be different though. The Ducks pack perhaps the strongest offense in the country, and they are playing against a defense that stinks too say the least.

Big Ten Battle!

Michigan State @ Iowa

This is the big one. It's the last road block in the way of the Spartans (except themselves), and the last chance for the Hawkeyes. Iowa needs the win after losing last week to the Badgers in order to stay alive in the hunt for the conference championship. A loss puts the Spartans in a four way tie for the conference lead. This game has all the elements of being a classic in Iowa City, just like last weekend.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction:

The Hawkeye Chomp is in full effect. The Spartans are a quality team, but their luck is about to run out. So far this season they have played one game outside of the state of Michigan, and while Ann Arbor was a tough win it will pale in comparisson to this one. Between two evenly matched teams we're taking the home team. Expect the Hawkeye fans and players to be extra pumped for this one after last week. Hawkey wins by three. (That's right the kicker will make one this week.)