TV: Big Ten Network

ZC: Honestly, the life has been taken out of me with that Michigan game (which was sandwiched by my laptop hard drive crashing and some woman crashing into my car, neither of which helped matters). But just as the players need to move on so do all of us. OK, to the game. Well, it’s a spread offense – or rather, THE spread offense. Purdue head coach Joe Tiller perfected the system, and he, along with quarterback Curtis Painter, will cause headaches for the MSU secondary. **Purdue 31, MSU 20**

JS: The Spartans are angry after their loss to U-M, and they’re looking to take it out on Purdue. But Curtis Painter is going to torch MSU’s weak secondary. With the exception of last week, he’s been extremely consistent at getting the ball into the end zone with a Big Ten-high 24 touchdown passes. MSU will give it a fight, as they always do, but I’m not betting on them to win this game. Purdue 24, MSU 21

EF: I don’t know about these Spartans anymore. Sure they’ve stayed in games this season, but the bottom line is that they’ve still lost those games. I’m not one to believe in moral victories. But just when you start counting the Spartans out, they go and pull a total 180 to continue to give you a reason to believe. Saturday might be one of those times. MSU 30, Purdue 24

JN: It’s different when you look at games at Ohio State and Wisconsin, where the Spartans choke in big-game situations in hostile environments. But MSU lost to Northwestern at home, and I don’t need to bring up last week’s disappointment. There are games where it’s acceptable to hang in there and there are games they should win. This, once upon a time, was a game MSU should win. I’m just not sure they have it in them. Purdue 28, MSU 24

No. 12 Michigan at Wisconsin

Noon Saturday

TV: ESPN

ZC: I’ve caught some criticism for my column last week. Apparently, some people felt it didn’t bash the Wolverines enough. Other people (i.e. U-M fans) e-mailed to tell me, and this is the PG version, that I should go eat cow poop, which there is plenty of at “Moo U.” Of course, these cowards sent e-mails after the game. It’s true what they say about many U-M fans – they are arrogant. It’s especially easy to be arrogant and all-knowing when the game has already been decided. To any scUM fans reading: Leave your comments and e-mails before the game.**U-M 34, Wisconsin 24**

JS: This game is more evenly matched than it may seem. The Wolverines and the Buckeyes are consistently right on top of each other in nearly every statistical category. I’m giving Wisconsin the edge because they’re playing at home. And because Mike Hart needs to grow up. Literally.**Wisconsin 24, U-M 17**

EF: After last week, U-M running back Mike Hart officially made it onto the “people I don’t like” list. The Wolverines will take care of business Saturday against Wisconsin, but then they’ll be topped by “big brother” Ohio State in the season finale. Maybe the Buckeyes will even spot the Wolverines 10 points.**U-M 24, Wisconsin 14**

JN: Mike Hart sucks. I hate him. He’s annoying to listen to, and I’ll never make the mistake of hoping he gets hurt, but watching him limp off the field every game only to come back and rush for 200 yards while squeaking out a win just plain irritates me. U-M needs to figure out how to determine whether their players are actually hurt or just drama queens. That being said, they’re on a hell of a roll.**U-M 31, Wisconsin 20**

Illinois at No. 1 Ohio State

3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ABC

ZC: Now here is where I praise the true No. 1 team in the nation. I’ve been down on the Buckeyes all season, but let’s be honest with ourselves – everybody is awful this year. Illinois has been trying to extend its 15 minutes of fame, but Ohio State isn’t going to lose the game before it takes the Big Ten crown from U-M once again.**Ohio State 28, Illinois 13**

JS: Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman is a dark horse in the Heisman race. His numbers at this point are incredibly similar to Troy Smith’s from last season, despite his throwing more interceptions. Whether or not he’s even considered depends on whether or not the Buckeyes keep winning, but his stellar play should continue against the Fighting Illini.**Ohio State 31, Illinois 10**

EF: Ohio State has earned the right to be the nation’s No. 1 team. This will merely be a warm-up game before they look for another big win over an arrogant Michigan team in the season finale.**Ohio State 24, Illinois 6**

JN: Juice Williams is fun to watch and can carry the Illini in some situations, but Ohio State is legit. National champs legit? Maybe. But Big Ten champs legit? I think so. Its only concern is not looking past Illinois before the big showdown in Ann Arbor next weekend.**Ohio State 34, Illinois 17**