We have favorites and we have loyalties, but if the Big Ten is going to climb out the national perception doldrums, we're going to have to do it together. That means that we have to all be pulling in the same direction. Here's what I want to see from each Big Ten team in their non-conference battles this week. These columns are really short this time of year...
Ohio State (vs. New Mexico State)
I want to see Terrelle Pryor continue to demonstrate progress. I want to see a shutout (or damn near it). New Mexico is bad, but not as horrible as they have been over the past couple of years. This should be a five touchdown win.
Make sure to go back and submit your picks for Week 9 of the Obligatory Predictions Contest. Weekly winners get a chance to write 500 words on the site. NEW this year is our season long competition - win the whole damn thing and we send you something amazing.
What I Want
I want Ohio State to ramp up and be ready for the most demanding three game close of any schedule in America.
What I Expect
A victory by more than the spread.
What We've Got So Far
The Big Ten is 28-10 (.737) out of conference. The league is 5-8 against BCS Conference teams (plus Notre Dame). Indiana's loss to Virginia guarantees that the Big Ten can finish with no better than a .500 record against the other BCS schools. The league has two losses to non-BCS teams (Northern Illinois over Purdue and Central Michigan over Michigan State).