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Prognosticators 10/08/09

Ian Hill

MSU vs. Illinois

Noon, Big Ten Network

JN In the timeless words of the infamous Fred Durst — “just keep on rollin’ baby.” Last week’s Michigan game took just about everything out of the Spartans, and the victory that came from it was well-deserved. Now comes the hangover game. But with quarterback turmoil in Champaign and the Illini’s struggles this season, expect the Spartans to rattle off their second straight win for the first time this year.

MSU 35, Illinois 24

MB The biggest thing for the Spartans in this game is playing with the passion they played with against Michigan. Illinois has struggled this season and is changing quarterbacks. That’s not a good sign. While the schedule hasn’t been kind to the Fighting Illini, MSU is coming off a game that can jump-start its season. If MSU doesn’t capitalize on this game, it’s back to step one and a bowl game could be looking more distant. MSU needs to come out and set the tone early and never let the Illini in the game. This can and will be done.

MSU 34, Illinois 21

CV The Spartans need to make sure they don’t come out flat like they did last season after beating Michigan. Illinois is 1-3 but they might have played the toughest schedule in the country. Keith Nichol might see more playing time if Kirk Cousins’ ankle still is sore, but either quarterback is fit to lead this team. The Illini will be playing on homecoming and hoping to save their season, so their intensity needs to be matched by the Spartans. The Spartans’ defense will need to get pressure on the quarterback as they did against U-M.

MSU 35, Illinois 24

IH The Spartans take on Illinois this week, a struggling squad that currently is 1-3 and without its once star-studded quarterback, Juice Williams. Not even the Welch’s grape juice girl could explain her poster boy’s sudden fallout. On a homecoming night meant for celebration, Champaign gets served another nonalcoholic cocktail. Meanwhile, Juice will be spending his time on the sidelines, mashing his grapes, patiently waiting for his next (Welch’s grape juice) lip smack.

MSU 35, Illinois 20

Michigan vs. No. 12 Iowa

8 p.m., ABC

JN A lot of people were big on Iowa this season and I was a little puzzled. After squeaking out a win against Arkansas State, I’m starting to think I was right. I’m not sure the Hawkeyes are deserving of a No. 12 national ranking but I am certain that the atmosphere in Iowa City on Saturday evening will be enough to overcome a reeling and very average U-M team.

Iowa 33, U-M 20

MB Iowa had a surprisingly difficult time with Arkansas State last week while the Wolverines looked listless against the Spartans. A night game in Iowa City should get the crowd going. U-M has to run the ball better than it did against MSU, that’s a given, but its defense needs to step up big and make plays. Tate Forcier has made a big impact in his first five games and needs to continue to be on top of his game for the Wolverines to have any chance in this one.

Iowa 31, U-M 17

CV Iowa’s defense has been one of the toughest this season. The Wolverines were physically beaten by MSU, and Iowa will be even tougher, especially in the trenches. U-M quarterback Tate Forcier took some more hits last week while still nursing an injured shoulder. Expect him to hit the ground even more often this weekend. Iowa’s weakness has been their offense so U-M’s defense should have a better game than they did against the Spartans.

Iowa 24, U-M 14

IH For the first time in three weeks, the nation finally has stopped talking about Rich Rodriguez and the golden boys cracking the top 25. In a matchup against Iowa this week, Tate Forcier takes the blame for another Michigan loss as the “skunk bears” begin another downward spiral toward mediocrity.

Iowa 28, U-M 17

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No. 1 Florida vs. No. 4 LSU

8 p.m., CBS

JN Tim Tebow could hurt the Gators more than help them. He’s the kind of guy who will do anything to play, but would that be the best thing for his team Saturday and the rest of the season? Tebow will start and it will be the reason the Gators lose and their national title hopes take a serious hit as Tebow takes a few in the backfield.

LSU 38, Florida 34

MB It looks like Tim Tebow will play, but a concussion is serious. I have a lot of concerns about him coming back to play so soon after this injury. I’ve watched a lot of fighting and if a fighter is knocked out, they aren’t allowed to even train again for 30 days at least. LSU’s defense isn’t the type to come back against in this condition.

LSU 24, Florida 21

CV Death Valley is going to be the death of the Gator’s winning streak. Even if Tebow can play, he won’t be 100 percent and the Tigers are going to pound him. LSU has had some close games against inferior opponents, but they will be plenty inspired against the Gators.

LSU 27, Florida 14

IH This game easily can be one of the best games we see until the national championship. Predicting a loss for Tim Tebow and his Florida Gators would be like saying Miguel Cabrera was heavily intoxicated the night before the Tigers’ playoff qualifier. OK, it’s possible. If Tebow is healthy, Florida wins.

Florida 24, LSU 21

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