Howdy, football fans! If there’s anything worse than a loser, it’s a sore winner. Last week, when Wisconsin went for two with a 25-point lead, the rest of the football world looked unkindly at Madison. But we’re going to take a kind look at this week’s games.
Illinois at Michigan State
After leaving Happy Valley with a new fur coat, Ron Zook leads his tribe into East Lansing to take on the undefeated spear toters. The Chambanites gave up 13 points to a struggling Penn State offense, so they’ll have a tough time against the potent rushing attack that Mark Dantonio’s squad brings. Sparty will lose at some point this season, but not this weekend. Beonard’s loser? Illinois
Arkansas State at Indiana
After losing the last two games, Bill Lynch will be glad to defend the rock against a Sun Belt Conference opponent. The Red Wolves are thoroughly ungood and should prove a good practice for the Basketballtown boys. Beonard’s loser? Arkansas State
Minnesota at Purdue
After an upset in Evanston, Danny Hope’s locomotive looks to clear the tracks of the invading rodents. The northern visitors look to snap a five-game skid. It’s a movable object versus a stoppable force in West Lafayette, but if the bartenders can move the football, they should roll. Beonard’s loser? In a close one, Minnesota
Western Michigan at Notre Dame
Brian Kelly is 0-2 against the state of Michigan this year, but he hopes to improve that when the Broncos ride into the Indiana Vatican on Saturday. The horsies haven’t been very impressive so far, and the Dome will stay holy. Beonard’s loser? Western Michigan
Arkansas at Auburn
SEC West powerhouses face off in Jordan-Hare Stadium when the pigs try to take on the Alabama cats. The Razorbacks may not be as prolific at scoring as their hosts, but they’ve got a stouter defense. Gene Chizik hasn’t faced a loss yet this year, but I think that ends this week. Beonard’s loser? In an upset, Arkansas
Iowa at Michigan
After a manhandling by Sparty last weekend, the Ann Arbor faithful remembers last years 5-1 start that preceded a second-half collapse. RichRod’s job depends on avoiding a repeat of 2009, and that’ll require a good showing against the Hawkeyes. The Iowa flock lead the nation in scoring defense and they now have a blueprint for shutting down the blue. With a lackluster defense, the Big House will be a sad house on Saturday. Beonard’s loser? Michigan
Ohio State at Wisconsin
Jim Tressel takes his nuts into the Great White North to defend their number-one ranking against the cheeseheads. The Badgers rush attack will challenge the Bucs, but they may not have an answer when the roles are reversed. One things for sure, though. This week if Bret Bielma chooses to go for the two-point conversion, it’ll be because he needs it. Beonard’s loser? Wisconsin
Well, everyone, that’s all I’ve got for you this week. Come back here next week when we’ll have more losers, and hopefully no sore winners.