TV: ABC

ZC: What to do when the team I’ve picked to win virtually every game (MSU) meets the team I’ve picked to lose virtually every game (U-M)? (And, based on that sentence alone, my bias and true suckitude at picking these games really show.) Of course I’m going with the Spartans. Even though the numbers and odds are against this pick, the numbers and odds have been against MSU all season — they still find ways to stay in the game. Playing against their biggest rival at home, the Spartans have extra motivation and support to get them over the hump. MSU 24, U-M 21

JS: Well, I predicted the Spartans to beat Wisconsin and Ohio State, so I’m obviously going to pick them to beat U-M. Call me a homer, call me an idiot, but I think it is possible if not probable. Sure the Wolverines are talented, that’s a given. But anything can happen in a rivalry game, and sooner or later U-M is going to feel the repercussions of downplaying MSU as their rival. The Spartans have keyed in on this game ever since Dantonio got here, and they’ll be ready. My guess is that U-M will come out flat, and home field advantage will give the Spartans the edge. MSU 35, U-M 31

EF: If last week’s game against Iowa is any indication of how well MSU will perform this Saturday, then I’m going to cry. Thankfully, in a rivalry matchup, records get tossed out the window. With Mike Hart and Chad Henne still ailing from injuries, their gametime statuses in question, this just might be the opportunity the Spartans need to get back on the winning track against the Wolverines. Of course if MSU does pull the upset, be prepared to hear the excuses about their injuries as reasons for the loss for the next year. It will be the sweetest complaining ever. MSU 24, U-M 23

HC: This one is hard to do. NOT! The Spartans have their pride on the line. U-M doesn’t take this game seriously because MSU hasn’t made it a game. The Spartans collapsed against the Hawkeyes, but they didn’t quit. MSU will keep fighting and win it late. Lloyd Carr will immediately announce that U-M deserved better and when Matt Bishop goes streaking across the Spartan Stadium turf, Lloyd will go Woody Hayes on him and drop him. Sadly, after recovering from getting his butt kicked, we’ll find out that Bishop was really excited because he thought a member of the band tuba section left a half-eaten bagel in his seat. MSU 27, U-M 24

No. 21 Wisconsin at No. 1 Ohio State

Noon Saturday

TV: Big Ten Network

ZC: Wisconsin simply isn’t that good. Badgers running back P. J. Hill is solid, but the Buckeyes showed they can shut down the most potent of running offenses when they rendered MSU running backs junior Javon Ringer and senior Jehuu Caulcrick essentially useless. Ohio State 30, Wisconsin 17

JS: How the hell did Big Ten Network pick up this gem? Ohio State 28, Wisconsin 17

EF: I think all the talk about Ohio State being No. 1 by default and all the talk about how the Buckeyes haven’t played anybody talented can finally be thrown out the window. These Buckeyes might not have all the parts that they’ve had in the past, but they’re pretty darn good. Wisconsin will find that out this weekend. Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 13

HC: I took a lot of heat when I said on TV and on my Web site, SpartanNation.com, (shameless plug) that the Buckeyes this season reminded me a lot of their national championship team in Tressel’s second season. This program is what all members of the Spartan Nation should look at when it comes to where this program (MSU) is building. The Bucks will punish the Cheeseheads in a manner often reserved for me and a plate of Krispy Kremes! Ohio State 31, Wisconsin 6

Purdue at Penn State

Noon Saturday

TV: ESPN

ZC: Purdue’s spread offense will have a daunting task ahead of itself when it marches into Happy Valley to take on Penn State and its suffocating defense. Penn State will prevail in the end, riding its defense and the ever-mediocre arm of quarterback Anthony Morelli to victory. Penn State 27, Purdue 20

JS: Something has got to give in this matchup of Purdue’s high-powered offense and Penn State’s gritty defense. The Boilermakers’ offense is tops in the Big Ten, averaging 35.7 points per game, while the Nittany Lions’ defense holds opponents to 17.4 points per game. My magical backwards hat is telling me to go with the upset. Purdue 24, Penn State 17

EF: This game has the potential to be very boring. Penn State doesn’t exactly light up the scoreboard, and Purdue has been the model of inconsistency all season. But Happy Valley is a tough road environment. Purdue isn’t good on the road. Penn State 17, Purdue 14

HC: Purdue will give the Nittany Lions a fight, but in Happy Valley the Boilermakers will lose. The Lions will not be able to score a ton of points with a QB that has about as much mobility as me 60 seconds after polishing off Thanksgiving dinner, but they will get what they need and win this one by pulling away in the fourth quarter. Penn State 24, Purdue 17