College Football Week 8; Big Ten Preview and Predictions

October 13, 2025

Friends, fans, and followers, thank you for visiting Nooz Buffet. It’s now the eighth week of the college football season, and there’s so much going on within the Big Ten. There are nine games scheduled featuring teams from the Big Ten conference this weekend, and eight of those games are interconference games, while the ninth is the rivalry game between Notre Dame and USC.

The game between the Washington Huskies and the Michigan Wolverines was my pick for “Big Ten Game of the Week,” and that’s because there’s so much riding on it. Right now, Michigan is fighting to stay alive in the conference, and they’re fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. It’s a must win for the Wolverines. If Washington wins, they’ll improve to 6-1 overall, 3-1 in the conference, and quite possibly appear back in the AP Top 25. Nebraska versus Minnesota will be another good game, and of course, the game between USC and Notre Dame. Man, those pollsters just can’t get enough of Notre Dame. What is the obsession?

Big Ten Game of the Week

Saturday, October 18^th

12:00 P.M.

Washington (5-1) @ Michigan (4-2)

The Washington Huskies are traveling to Ann Arbor this weekend to face the Wolverines. Since suffering their first loss of the season to Ohio State, the Huskies managed to put together back to back wins against Maryland and Rutgers. This weekend, Washington looks to extend that winning streak to three games, and a win against Michigan might be enough to propel them into the Top 25.

Michigan just took their second L of the season last week to USC, and the alarm is now sounding. Michigan has already fallen out of the Top 25, but a third loss would end any playoff hopes they might’ve had. The Wolverines are in a desperate situation with their backs against the wall. They can not lose at home this weekend.

Friday, October 17^th

8:00 P.M.

25 Nebraska (5-1) @ Minnesota (4-2)

Do you want to hear something crazy? If it wasn’t for a five-point-loss to Michigan on September 20^th, the Cornhuskers would be undefeated right now. Nebraska also just broke into the Top 25 at #25. Talk about flying under the radar. Holy crap.

Minnesota is home for this game, and the Golden Gophers are a good football team that’s well coached. Drake Lindsay is a decent quarterback. He’s fast, he can make plays with his feet, and he does have a strong arm. Wide receiver, Lemeke Brockington, can be hard to handle once he gets in space. Nebraska has their hands full here.

Saturday, October 18^th

3:30 P.M.

Purdue (2-4) @ Northwestern (4-2)

The Purdue Boilermakers are 2-4 after a week seven loss to Minnesota. Quarterback, Ryan Browne, completed 21 of 40 passes for 203 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. That’s not good, and that’s not a recipe for success, but there’s some hope. In that seven-point loss to Minnesota, running back, Devin Mockobee, rushed for 98 yards on 21 carries. Believe me, the players on this Purdue team are not depressed by their 2-4 record. They show up every week, they’re enthusiastic, and if they can have success running the football again this week with Mockobee, they have a chance.

Surprisingly, Northwestern is 4-2. This Wildcat team doesn’t give up, and they just had a huge win over Penn State last week. That’s three wins in a row now, and Northwestern is playing with confidence. They believe in themselves. I think Northwestern get win number five at home this weekend.

Michigan State (3-3) @ 3 Indiana (6-0)

We kind of knew Indiana was a good football team, but after last week’s victory over Oregon in Eugene, I think I need to reevaluate just how good this Hoosiers team is. Indiana is now 6-0 overall, 3-0 against Big Ten opponents, and they leaped to #3 nationally from #7. We always talk about Indiana’s offense and players like Fernando Mendoza, Roman Hemby, and Elijah Sarratt, but Indiana has a championship caliber defense.

It would really take a miracle for Michigan State to win this week. The Spartans are now 3-3 overall and 0-3 against Big Ten teams after last week’s demoralizing loss to UCLA. They started off good with three straight wins, but things changed immediately once the interconference games began, and it won’t be any easier this week.

1 Ohio State (6-0) @ Wisconsin (2-4)

Ohio State picked up their sixth win of the season last week after defeating Illinois 34-16, and in the process, those of us who watched the game, had an opportunity to witness just how great this Buckeye team is. Great, yes, that’s what they are, and they looked crisp, well oiled, and fine-tuned against an Illinois team that was ranked #17. Wisconsin was shut out at home by Iowa last weekend, and for the Badgers, getting back in the win column might not be a possibility until November 29^th when they play Minnesota because after the Buckeyes, they have Oregon, Washington, Indiana, and Illinois. Yikes!

6:30 P.M.

8 Oregon (5-1) @ Rutgers (3-3)

Wow, okay, so, the Oregon Ducks lost at home last weekend to Indiana and fell to #8 in the AP Top 25. Also, Oregon fell into this large group of teams in the Big Ten with one conference loss. Plain and simple, Indiana knocked the Ducks off of their high horse, and it was surprising to see. I expect Oregon to make an example out of Rutgers this week, and honestly, that’s the only way to get over a defeat like the one they just suffered. Rutgers is now 3-3, and after starting this season 3-0, they’re in what I call the bottom third of the Big Ten (I’ll tell you about that later in another article). Rutgers is at home this weekend, and the Scarlett Knights do play tough in New Jersey, but this is David versus Goliath. Athan Kaliakmanis to Ian Strong is still a thing, but will it be enough to make a difference? I doubt it.

7:00 P.M.

Penn State (3-3) @ Iowa (4-2)

Head Coach, James Franklin, was fired on Sunday, and quarterback, Drew Allar is out for the rest of the season with an injury. What in God’s name is going on in Happy Valley? Penn State beat Villanova 52-6, and everyone was talking about championships and playoffs. Things were going really well, and the Nittany Lions were as expansive as ever, but then, a devastating-six-point-loss to Oregon at home changed things. Here we are now in week eight, Penn State is now 3-3 overall after losing three straight games, and all the conversations about winning a national championship have seized.

Iowa, on the other hand, is 4-2, and they’re playing good football right now. The Hawkeyes only lost by five points to Indiana. They actually did better against Indiana than both Illinois and Oregon. Iowa seems to be peaking at just the right time, and they have some momentum behind them. A win this week at home against Penn State could open a lot of eyes-or a lot of Hawkeyes. 🤣

Maryland (4-2) @ UCLA (2-4)

Maryland lost at home to Nebraska last weekend, and UCLA won on the road against Michigan State. This week, it’s the 2-4 Bruins against the 4-2 Terrapins, and it kind of sounds funny to say this, but I think this is a game UCLA can win. The Bruins did not look like a 2-4 team last week. I don’t know where they’ve been hiding, but they’re out and about now.

7:30 P.M.

20 USC (5-1) @ 13 Notre Dame (4-2)

After suffering a heart breaking two-point loss to Illinois, USC responded with a huge win over the Wolverines at home last week. With that win, the Trojans improved their overall record to 5-1 and they’re now back on the national scene.

After losing the first two games of this season, the Fighting Irish fell off the map, but they’ve been consistent and persistent. Miraculously, after winning four straight, Notre Dame somehow reappeared in the Ap Top 25 at number thirteen! I mean, wow.

This is going to be an interesting game because Notre Dame’s first two loses were to Miami, who’s now ranked #2, and Texas A&M, who’s now ranked #4. In all actuality, Notre Dame might not be that bad, they just happened to draw two of the best teams in the country during weeks one and two. Um, and you know what? They lost to Miami by three and Texas A&M by one.

This week, Notre Dame will need another great performance from their defense. Against NC State last week, Notre Dame’s defense picked off three passes, they had four quarterback sacks, and they held the Wolfpack offense to just 51 yards on the ground. USC running back, King Miller, rushed for 158 yards and 1 touchdown on 18 carries against the Wolverines. That’s 8.8 yards per touch, and something the Fighting Irish must stop.

Week 8 Picks

Washington, Nebraska, Northwestern, Indiana, Ohio State, Oregon, Iowa, UCLA, Notre Dame

Week 8 Picks Versus the Point Spread

If you would like my expert predictions for all the games written about in this article, then you’re going to have to email me at, noonooz@noozbuffet.com. The Week 8 Pick Sheet is $4.50. Email me, type Week 8 Pick Sheet in the Subject Line, and I’ll get back to you.

Overall Records Picking Games Since Week 3

Straight Up: 33-9

Versus the Point Spread: 23-13-1

College Football Week 4; Big Ten Preview & Predictions

September 16, 2025

Friday, September 19^th

8:00 P.M.

Iowa (2-1) at Rutgers (3-0)

This is the moment the Scarlett Knights have been waiting for. Their plan was to blow through the first three games of the season (although Ohio made it interesting) and be 3-0 for the Week 4 Big Ten match up at home against the Hawkeyes. So far so good-everything has played out exactly the way they hoped it would. Rutgers capped off that three-game-run with a 60-10 win over Norfolk State last week. Quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis completed 18 of 26 passes for 309 yards and 1 touchdown. Sophomore running back, Antwan Raymond, carried the rock 16 times for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns. Norfolk State was forced to punt the ball 7 times, and they were 2 of 10 on third downs. It was an impressive and a dominant win over an opponent they were supposed to dominate.

Iowa is 2-1 overall right now after crushing Umass last week, 47-7. The Hawkeyes only loss so far was a 3-point game against a very good and nationally ranked Iowa State team. Iowa was tested, and they fell short, but they’re a better team now because of it. Last week, Umass wasn’t able to convert a single third down, and the Hawkeye defense held them to just 119 yards of total offense.

This week, the Rutgers offense will be challenged. Iowa has always been known for tough defense, and this season is no different. Iowa’s quarterback, Mark Gronowski, still hasn’t reached a level of play Iowa fans are comfortable with, and the Hawkeyes are banged up at running back. With questionable quarterback play and an injury riddled backfield, it appears as if the Hawkeyes are going to have to dig deep to get some points on the board this week. Rutgers, on the other hand, hasn’t had any problems scoring, but they haven’t met an Iowa caliber defense. This is going to be a close game.

Saturday, September 20th

12:00 Noon

Maryland (3-0) at Wisconsin (2-1)

Wins against Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, and Towson have the Terrapins quietly sitting at 3-0, but if they want to be taken seriously, they’re going to have to win this weekend in Camp Randall Stadium. Last week, Maryland’s offense scored 44 points, and their defense held Towson to just 51 rushing yards.

After starting this season with two consecutive wins, the Badgers lost on the road to nationally ranked Alabama, 38-14. Quarterback, Danny O’Neill, threw two interceptions while three running backs combined failed to rush for 100 yards.

Wisconsin is home this weekend, and Camp Randall has always been a difficult place for opposing teams to steal a win. The Badgers, hopefully, learned a thing or two about themselves during last week’s humbling loss to Bama. Mayland is hot, and they’re playing with confidence, but Maryland is another one of those undefeated/untested teams. I expect Wisconsin to get more production out of their offense this week and cut Maryland’s winning streak short at three games.

3:00 P.M.

Oregon State (0-3) at (6) Oregon (3-0)

The Oregon State Beavers are only one of two teams left in the PAC-12, but right now, they’re 0-3 in nonconference games. The goal this week is to stop the bleeding, but who knows if that’s even going to be possible on the road against sixth ranked Oregon. Hey, at least we know where the Beavers stand, and you can’t say they haven’t been tested. If anyone has been tested, it’s Oregon State. They opened their season against Cal, who by the way is still undefeated and getting better every week, then it was Fresno State, and last week, they played Texas Tech who was undefeated and nationally ranked. The Beavers are 0-3, but they have nothing to lose.

The Oregon Ducks are 3-0, but I think they actually fell two places in the AP Top 25 rankings after a 34-14 win against conference foe, Northwestern. Oregon has yet to be tested, and honestly, Northwestern was probably the toughest team they faced all season.

THIS IS A TRAP GAME for the Ducks. They’re 3-0, and believe me, with a road game next week against Penn State, it’s going to be way too easy for them to overlook and underestimate the winless Beavers. I think Oregon will pick up their fourth win, but this game could end up being closer than anyone predicted.

3:30 P.M.

(21) Michigan (2-1) at Nebraska (3-0)

Nebraska is 3-0, and if they can beat Michigan this week, we might see them in the Top 25 next week. Last week, the Cornhuskers beat Houston Christian 59-7, but who is Houston Christian?

Michigan rebounded with a 63-3 win over Central Michigan last week. The Wolverines opened up at home with a win against New Mexico, and then, they lost on the road to nationally ranked Oklahoma, 24-13. Michigan needs this win bad. Two loses by the fourth week of the season is hard to come back from.

Nebraska quarterback, Dylan Raiola, is only a sophomore, but he’s having a good season so far. In three games; he’s completing 76% of his passes, that’s 72 completions out of 94 attempts, and he has thrown for 830 yards and 8 touchdowns with zero interceptions! Not bad. Do you want to hear a crazy stat? Nebraska’s defense held each team they played to just 69 or fewer total passing yards. On paper, Nebraska looks unbelievable, but we’ll see how Michigan feels about all that this week.

Purdue (2-1) at (24) Notre Dame (0-2)

Man, I swear to God, college football loves and favors Notre Dame. How is Notre Dame ranked #24 nationally without any wins? Will this be the week? That’s the big question here. Will Notre Dame finally win a game in 2025? In their first game, the Fighting Irish lost to Miami, 27-24, and they lost to Texas A&M last week, 41-40. Texas A&M and Miami are both undefeated, and they’re both ranked nationally.

Purdue is 2-1, and I know they lost to USC last week, but they’re not that bad. Their defense looked good last week against the Trojans. If Purdue expects to beat Notre Dame this week, two things need to happen. They need another great effort from their defense, and their offense needs to cut down on mistakes. I don’t know if that will be enough, but it will definitely put them in position to win this game. Notre Dame is still dangerous, but Purdue has a shot.

7:30 P.M.

(9) Illinois (3-0) at (19) Indiana (3-0)

Well, this is the Big Ten game of the week. The Fighting Illini are 3-0 and ranked ninth nationally. Illinois beat Western Illinois, Duke, and Western Michigan University. Duke was the toughest of the three, and quarterback, Luke Altmyer, completed 22 of 31 for 296 yards and 3 touchdowns. There’s no doubt, wide receiver, Hank Beatty, is turning into Altmyer’s favorite target.

After beating Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, and Indiana State by 73 points, the Hoosiers are also 3-0. Running backs, Roman Hemby and Lee Beebe Jr., are both legit. Quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, started this season slow, but he’s on fire now. He has 9 touchdowns passes in his last two games. Indiana’s defense is stingy, allowing an average of 7.3 points per game.

I think we all know that Illinois has a pretty good football team, but I’m not so sure how we all feel about Indiana. Both teams are undefeated, both are ranked nationally, and both teams have compiled a crap load of stats during the first three weeks, but this is where the rubber meets the road. I don’t know why, but Illinois seems a little overconfident-almost arrogant. Indiana appears to be going about their business in more humble and professional manner. I think the Hoosiers might have what it takes to upset the Fighting Illini. We shall see.

11:00 P.M.

Michigan State (3-0) at (25) USC (3-0)

It’s the Michigan State Spartans and the USC Trojans who will be playing in the last game of the day. The kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 P.M.

Michigan State beat Youngstown State 41-21 last week for their third straight win. Quarterback, Aiden Chiles, completed 22 of 29 passes for 270 yards and 1 touchdown. He also rushed for 76 yards. The Spartans have three capable running backs, and the group is led by redshirt senior, Elijah Tau-Tolliver, who rushed for 37 yards and 1 touchdown against Youngstown.

USC handed Purdue their first loss of the season. It was a 33-17 win for the Trojans, but boy oh boy, Purdue played them tough.

Quarterback, Jayden Maiava, was 17 for 28 with 282 yards, and wide receiver, Ja’ Kobi Lane caught three of those passes for 115 yards. Running back, Waymond Jordan, carried the ball 18 times for 77 yards and 1 touchdown. I know USC’s offense gets a lot of attention, but they owe last week’s win over Purdue to their defense. As a unit, they picked off 3 passes and held Purdue to just 52 rushing yards.

It’s a Big Ten showdown this week and both teams would like nothing more than to extend their winning streak to four games. If USC’s defense shows up and plays the way they did against Purdue, the Spartans are going to have an extremely difficult time.

Week 4 Big Ten Picks Straight Up

Iowa, Wisconsin, Oregon, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Illinois, USC

Week 4 Big Ten Picks Versus the Point Spread

If you would like my expert picks for all seven games featured in this week’s preview, then please email me at noonooz@noozbuffet.com.

The pick sheet is $8.00, and it will be available Friday morning. Last week, I was 6-4-1 versus the point spread. I’m a winner, and you can win too!