TV: Big Ten Network

ZC: OK, I’m a homer. Yes, the Spartans have lost two straight. Yes, one of those losses was to Northwestern, which employs the same spread offense as the Hoosiers. Yes, the Hoosiers have the Big Ten’s best pass rush and will probably cause problems for junior quarterback Brian Hoyer. But under the lights with the alumni in attendance for Homecoming and with a team that knows Saturday could decide the fate of its season — well, all of that makes it hard to pick against MSU. MSU 24, Indiana 23

JS: So far this season, the Spartans are 4-0 when Colman wears a dress shirt to the press box. An inside source has informed me that he will be wearing one this Saturday, so I think it’s a sure shot for the Spartans. MSU 31, Indiana 28

EF: I don’t really know how to pick this contest after seeing last week’s defensive debacle against the Wildcats. But when it comes down to it, it’s Homecoming, alumni from all over will be in town and past national championship teams will be honored. If the Spartans can’t get pumped up for this game, they’d might as well go write poetry or something. MSU 28, Indiana 20

EB: Desperation. That’s why I’m picking the Spartans to stop the bleeding and get back on the winning track against Indiana. MSU desperately needs this one and the Hoosiers, despite their dangerous spread offense, could be just what the doctor ordered. Indiana quarterback Kellen Lewis will hold the ball longer, giving senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic and company more time to put on the pressure. MSU will lean more heavily to the run, and for the Spartans that’s a good thing. MSU 24, Indiana 21

Michigan vs. Purdue

Noon Saturday

TV: Big Ten Network

ZC: U-M faces the spread offense once again. They couldn’t stop Appalachian State or Oregon’s spread offenses and had difficulty beating Northwestern. Purdue defined the spread offense in the Big Ten, and it will ride its brainchild to victory in Ann Arbor. Purdue 31, U-M 21

JS: The Boilermakers got whooped by Ohio State, but I think this week they will be able to come back and outgun the Wolverines, who have traditionally been bad against the spread offense. Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter leads the Boilermakers in one of the most potent offenses in the nation. Purdue 35, U-M 24

EF: I don’t mean to rephrase what the Colmeister said, but spread offenses spell doom for U-M. It’s going to be a long day in Ann Arbor on Saturday. That is, if you’re a Wolverines fan. Purdue 34, U-M 14

EB: The Wolverines are on a mission to salvage their season with a Big Ten title. Ohio State solved the Boilermakers’ passing attack last week, and U-M’s defense will solve the spread and extend Painter’s problems at the Big House. U-M quarterback Chad Henne to wide receiver Mario Manningham and running back Mike Hart on the ground will keep Painter and company on the sidelines most of the afternoon. U-M 24, Purdue 17

Penn State vs. No. 19 Wisconsin

3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ABC

ZC: A matchup of overrated teams takes place in Happy Valley this week. Penn State got back on track with a win over Iowa last week and will stay on track Saturday. The Nittany Lions’ run defense will suffocate Wisconsin running back P.J. Hill as Penn State will continue to reveal that Wisconsin isn’t as good as people think. Penn State 21, Wisconsin 14

JS: The Nittany Lions’ defense ranks second in the Big Ten in both rushing and passing yards allowed. Penn State will hold the Badgers at bay in front of the home crowd. Penn State 27, Wisconsin 21

EF: From predicted to win the Big Ten to unranked, Penn State is in a world of hurt. Wisconsin is a tad overrated. Whom to pick, whom to pick? For lack of a better prediction, I’m just going to go with my gut on this one. I’ll take Penn State by a field goal. Penn State 10, Wisconsin 7

EB: Illinois stopped the Wisconsin win streak last week, and Penn State will add to the Badgers’ woes. Illinois bottled up Hill, and Penn State will be just as tough. Penn State has allowed just 13 points per game and showed again last week that it can run the ball. It’ll be another bruiser, but the Badgers will come out on the short end. Penn State head coach Joe Paterno’s defense rules. Penn State 21, Wisconsin 13

Iowa vs. No. 18 Illinois

12:05 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPN2

ZC: It’s about time Illinois got some recognition. The Fighting Illini come into Iowa City with two big wins against Penn State and Wisconsin on their resume. After Saturday, you can add Iowa to that list of Illinois casualties. Illinois 34, Iowa 16

JS: This Illinois team really has something going and they are starting to look like a legitimate threat to contend for the top spot in the Big Ten. Coming off back-to-back wins against Penn State and Wisconsin, Illinois could easily win its next four games and go into Ohio State at 9-1. Illinois 21, Iowa 10

EF: Prepare for Iowa to join the ranks of crappy Big Ten teams this year. Prepare for Illinois to continue making noise. Maybe it’s a good thing MSU doesn’t play the Fighting Illini this season. Illinois 31, Iowa 9

EB: The Illini proved they are for real by toppling the Badgers. Iowa has no answer for Illinois quarterback Juice Williams and running back Rashard Mendenhall, and the Hawkeyes will remain winless in the conference. Illinois 36, Iowa 7