CK: Indiana’s Kellen Lewis can run, but he can’t throw. That’s kind of troublesome considering he’s a quarterback. MSU’s defensive front seven brought the pressure last week, equaling their season total with three sacks against Notre Dame, but the big question will be containing Lewis. But seriously, even if the defense doesn’t contain Lewis, it doesn’t matter. This game comes down to the fact that MSU has Javon Ringer and Indiana doesn’t.

MSU 34 (Ringer 18), Indiana 13

JC: It’s been a while since MSU went into a Big Ten game and you just knew there was no way the Spartans wouldn’t win. A quarter of the team could come down with malaria and MSU would still leave Bloomington, Ind. with a “W.” Javon Ringer compiles a modest 110 yards rushing, Brian Hoyer tosses two touchdowns and the Spartan “D” continues its assault on opposing offenses.

MSU 27, Indiana 10

AA: Kellen Lewis’ scrambling ability is impressive, but as a passer, he’s about as harmless as a Nerf ball. MSU’s quick linebackers and talented cornerbacks will allow Pat Narduzzi to blitz early and often, forcing Lewis to make quick decisions. Offensively, Javon Ringer should have a field day against a defense that allowed 224 rushing yards to Ball State last week.

MSU 31, Indiana 17

AH: MSU’s running game is too strong and I believe Indiana is missing three people in the secondary, so Hoyer should have a big day.

MSU 34, Indiana 10

No. 9 Wisconsin vs. Michigan

3:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC

CK: This would have been one heck of a college football game last year, but it looks like Wisconsin gets a break in week one of the Big Ten season after playing a tough Fresno State team in week two. Wisconsin’s P.J. Hill — the conference’s other premiere back — will have a big day for the Badgers and Wisconsin’s defense will cause four turnovers.

Wisconsin 24, U-M 10

JC: Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez gets a rude welcome to smashmouth, grind-it-out, hard-hitting football this week with Wisconsin. The Badgers keep Michigan’s low-flying spread offense on the sidelines with ball control, led by P.J. Hill’s three touchdowns on the ground.

Wisconsin 31, U-M 13

AA: Even after a bye, life doesn’t get any easier for the Wolverines. Wisconsin’s raucous crowd makes life miserable for any opposing offense, let alone an offense as shoddy and dysfunctional as Michigan’s. Five U-M turnovers will spell doom for the Wolverines, who continue their struggles on defense, as well.

Wisconsin 27, U-M 9

AH: Wisconsin will control the clock with the run game and the offense of Michigan hasn’t figured out their spread offense. They just haven’t gelled yet.

Wisconsin 17, U-M 10

No. 22 Illinois vs. No. 12 Penn State

8 p.m. Saturday, ABC

CK: Every time we prog a Penn State game, I’m going to bring up legendary coach Joe Paterno. Why? Because not only is he the winningest coach is Division I history — at least for this week — but I just love the video clip of him dancing and clapping at a pep rally a few years ago. Forget McCain and Obama, I’m voting JoePa.

Penn State 31, Illinois 17

JC: This game could set the tone for the rest of the Big Ten season. Illinois barely lost to Missouri, a national championship contender, and Penn State has made opponents look as bad as Matt Millen in the front office (what am I going to do without Millen jabs anymore?).

Penn State 38, Illinois 31

AA: Illinois might be the most overrated team in the country. Quarterback Juice Williams (five interceptions) and receiver Arrelious Benn (zero touchdowns) both should be labeled ‘missing’ on the back of a milk carton. Penn State and quarterback Darryl Clark are for real. That defense isn’t too shabby, either.

Penn State 35, Illinois 21

AH: It will probably be a high scoring affair, but probably Penn State wins 41-24. Penn State has been putting points on the board and their defense has been as good as ever this year.

Penn State 41, Illinois 24