• Penn State (-4) vs. Syracuse – In short: STAY. AWAY. I like PSU’s chances in this one, but with both teams breaking in new quarterbacks, and the Orange featuring a new head coach as well, there are just too many unknowns for me, especially over 100 days before the game.
• Florida State (-6.5) at Pitt – If you follow me on Twitter (and you really should), you already know my thoughts on this one:
  

  //bets mortgage on Florida State -6.5 over Pitt

  — Matt d (@PSUMatt2005) May 20, 2013

  In short, I don’t see any possible way Pitt keeps this close. Florida State just has more talent at every conceivable spot.

• UMass at Wisconson (-45) – I think I like the Minutemen in this one.  Sure, Wisconsin is a vastly superior team, but 45 points is a lot, and the Badgers don’t exactly have a dynamic offense, even if new coach Gary Andersen is a miracle worker on the offensive side of the ball.
• Alabama (-15.5) vs. Virginia Tech – Can anyone give me a reason to think VT has any chance of covering the 15.5 points here?  An Alabama team with many of the same parts, especially at key spots, systematically picked apart Notre Dame, who is much better than the Hokies, with weeks to prepare.  What is Saban going to do with an entire summer, and presumably some slight weakness to harp on to his team for all that time?
• Georgia vs. Clemson (-1) – Give me just a minute to stop drooling over this one…..OK.  Seriously, how great of a match up is this, and in week 1, no less.  Add in the Death Valley (the Clemson one) crowd under the lights, and you’ve got the recipe for a fantastic college football game.  As for who I like? I have no idea.  Clemson has the home crowd, but using Vegas’ 3 points for home field, they think Georgia is 2 points better.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State and suspect betting advice.

Here are some highlights:

• Penn State will play their first Big 10 games in the new Pegula Ice Arena on January 12 and 13 of 2014 against Minnesota.  The Golden Gophers are coming off a season that saw them earn the 2nd overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, only to fall to the eventual national champion Yale Bulldogs. That will be the first ever meeting between the two programs.
• Traditional power Michigan comes to Happy Valley on February 7th and 8th, in what will be the first ever meetings between the two schools.  The Lions return the favor at one of the great college rinks, Yost Ice Arena in Ann Arbor, two weeks later.
• Ohio State makes their first ever visit to Penn State on March 14-15 (PSU visits Columbus January 31-February 1).  The Lions picked up a huge 5-4 win over the Buckeyes in Pittsburgh’s CONSOL Energy Center at the Three Rivers Holiday Classic consolation game.
• The first ever Big 10 Tournament takes place from March 20-22 in St. Paul, Minnesota at the home of the Minnesota Wild, the Xcel Energy Center.  All 6 programs will take part.

Our friends at ThankYouTerry.com have a ton more info on the schedule as well.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State

The Badgers got off to a fast start, scoring the first 8 points of the game, and taking a 14-5 lead just over 5 minutes into the game.  Penn State would tighten things down on the defensive side, holding the Badgers to just 10 points the rest of the way, while fighting back to take a 25-24 lead into halftime.  Newbill and junior Jermaine Marshall each had 10 points for PSU.  After the hot start, the Lions held Wisconsin to just 37% from the floor in the half.

The second half saw the lead change multiple times, as Newbill and Marshall again keyed the PSU offense.  Marshall would pick up his 4th foul with just under 7 minutes to play, forcing him to the bench, and Newbill to carry the offensive weight.  Two Mike Bruesewitz free throws put the Badgers up 60-56 with 33 seconds remaining, but Newbill would quickly drive the length of the floor for an easy layup to cut it to two.  Following a timeout, PSU set up a full court press, forcing the Wisconsin in bound pass to be thrown away, giving the ball back to PSU.  With Marshall on the bench to avoid picking up his 5th foul on defense, PSU was forced to call their final timeout to get him back into the game, despite replays showing the in bound pass was actually tipped by a Wisconsin player.  That would have run the clock, and allowed Marshall to reenter without using the timeout. On the ensuing possession, Newbill’s initial jumper was short, but the rebound found it’s way to Colella, setting up the would be heroics and frantic final seconds. If PSU had not used that timeout, Colella could have potentially used it prior to the jump ball, giving PSU the final shot

Marshall lead all scorers with 23 points, while Newbill added 22, along with 5 assists.  After turning the ball over 15 times in Madison earlier this year, PSU committed only 6 today.  Wisconsin had 4 players in double figures, lead by Traevon Jackson’s 15.

Penn State will play in the Big 10 Tournament 1st round on Thursday afternoon, facing the 5th seed.

Mar 7, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Patrick Chambers reacts against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 66-59. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

THE LAST TIME OUT

Two very long and dubious streaks came to an end for Penn State Thursday night in Evanston.  The 66-59 win over Northwestern ended a 17 game Big 10 road losing streak, and a 19 game overall losing streak away from Happy Valley.  It was not pretty for much of the night, but the Lions were able to do just enough on both ends of the floor to get out of Welsh-Ryan Arena with a W.  PSU scored the first 12 points of the game, and the first 7 of the second half, but squandered away those leads on both occasions.  D.J. Newbill and Jermaine Marshall were again the headliners on offense, scoring 18 points each, but also combining for 10 of PSU’s 16 turnovers.  Sasa Borovnjak continued to hold down things in the post, posting his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 boards.  A strong shooting night (49% from the field, 7/17 from three) helped PSU overcome those 16 turnovers, as well as a strong defensive effort.  The Wildcats shot just 35%, and turned the ball over 15 times.

ABOUT THE BADGERS

At the time I was posting our recap of the PSU win, the Badgers were facing Michigan State, with the victor staying alive for a share of the Big 10 regular season title. Instead of coming to the Jordan Center with a shot to share the championship with Indiana, Michigan and Indiana, Wisconsin was run out of the Breslin Center in a 58-43 loss, that really was not that close.  That loss sewed up the 5th spot for the Badgers, and the rematch with PSU on Thursday.  It was also the Badgers second straight loss after Purdue went into the Kohl Center and held the Badgers to just 20 second half points in a 69-56 win.  While the offense has sputtered down the stretch for Bo Ryan, he is still getting the aggressive defense his teams rely on.

THE MATCHUP

When these teams met in Madison, PSU was able to play solid defense and shoot the ball in a 60-51 loss that felt much closer than the final score.  What did the Lions in was 15 turnovers, including 5 from Newbill, who was playing the point for the first time in the Big 10, and 4 more by Marshall.  PSU will need to continue their improved play on the offensive end (let’s just say that Minnesota never happened), but hang onto the ball.  The Badgers typically take care of the ball (only 4 turnovers vs. PSU in January), and rebound well, and Penn State cannot count on extra possessions.  If PSU gets the type of performance from Borovnjak and Ross Travis they have had in the last few weeks, and takes care of the ball, I expect this one to stay close to the end, with the Lions making it 3 of 4 to end the season.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State

Jan 3, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions guard Jermaine Marshall (11) drives against Wisconsin Badgers guard Ben Brust (1) defends during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions fell behind quickly 6-0, and looked on their way to the type of lopsided defeat that many expected, and has often been the case in Madison.  A funny thing happened on the way to the blowout though.  Jermaine Marshall got the Nitts on the board, and the defense held to get into the first TV timeout at just a 6-2 deficit, when it could have been so much worse.  Jon Graham, Marshall, and D.J. Newbill scored 3 straight field goals out of the timeout to put PSU up 8-6.  PSU never seemed to find a consistent rhythm on offense, as they turned the ball over 10 times against Bo Ryan’s physical defense. PSU would hold their final lead of the game at 16-14 with about 7 minutes left, before Wisconsin would end the half on a 15-2 run.  Marshall lead the Lions with 8 points in the first half, but also was guilty of 3 of the 10 team turnovers.

Wisconsin controlled much of the second half, leading by as many as 13 with 12 minutes remaining.  But Penn State was not about to get run out of the building again.  The Lions would go on a 9-0 run, capped by a Brandon Taylor 3-pointer to trim the lead to 40-36 with 10 minutes left in the game.  PSU would continue to hang around, but a Mike Bruesewitz three to put the Badgers up 49-40 seemed to spell the end the hopes of ending the streak, but the Lions would have none of it.  They responded with a 7-0 run of their own to get with in 2, and would get to 1 at 50-49.  That, however, would be as close as they could get, as the Badgers would close the game on a 10-2 run. Marshall lead the way with 19 points, and Newbill added 12.

As is often the case in the Kohl Center, Wisconsin had the advantage at the charity stripe, but a 26-1 discrepancy should raise a few eyebrows.  Penn State was lucky to be in the game, as the Badgers only shot 50% from the foul line.  An off night for Wisconsin at the 3-point line (3 for 17) didn’t hurt either.  PSU does deserve credit for their perimeter defense, which was a huge concern coming into the game.

The Lions are off this weekend, and will return to action Monday night at 7:00 against #5 Indiana at the Jordan Center.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest on Penn State

THE LAST TIME OUT

Penn State got out to a big lead against Duquense and held on to knock off the Dukes for their 4th straight win.  PSU lead by as many as 22 in the second half, but saw that margin dwindle to as few as 5 in the closing minutes as fouls mounted up, and the shots stopped falling.  D. J. Newbill posted his first double-double as a Nittany Lion with 23 points and 12 boards as he continues to settle into his point guard role.  Sasa Borovnjak continued to emerge as an inside threat with 14 points and senior Nick Colella set career highs with 15 points on 5 three-pointers.

ABOUT THE BADGERS

Dec 22, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker looks to pass as Wisconsin Milwaukee Panthers guard Mitch Roelke (20) defends during the first half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

Wisconsin enters their Big 10 schedule on a 3 game winning streak and a 9-4 overall record.  Two of those four losses came to consensus top 15 teams (at Florida, Creighton) with the other two coming at home to Virginia in the Big 10/ACC Challenge and on the road against in-state rival Marquette.  The Badgers best wins came against Cal and Oklahoma.  Bo Ryan has his team playing their typical dominant defense, and expect more of the same tonight, especially with the typical Kohl Center home cooking.  As they usually do, Wisconsin has spread out the scoring, with 5 players averaging at least 7 points per game, but none more than 13. 4 (Jared Berggren).

THE MATCHUP

Penn State’s backcourt of Newbill and Jermaine Marshall will be tested like they have never been this season with the aggressive Badgers defense.  Expect Wisconsin to force the Lions to prove their “stand in” point guards can handle the pressure.  The last time PSU faced a defense like this in LaSalle, things fell apart quickly in the second half.  On the defensive end, Penn State needs to find a way to defend the 3-point arc better than they have this year, with 4 Badgers shooting over 40% from three, lead by Sam Dekker at 44%.  The Lions offense has been better of late, but they have not been challenged like they will in Madison.  This one looks like another tough night for PSU hoops in the Kohl Center.

Follow VBR Lead Editor Matt de Bear on Twitter for the latest Penn State news

Dec 1, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Montee Ball (28) dives forward towards the goal line for a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second quarter during the Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The 2013 version of “The Granddaddy of Them All” matches the Big Ten champion Wisconsin Badgers (8-5) against the Pac 12 champion Stanford Cardinal (11-2). Wisconsin is appearing in their third straight Rose Bowl only because of the bowl bans placed on Ohio State and Penn State. In their first season after the departure of Andrew Luck, Stanford did something that Luck’s teams weren’t able to do: win the Pac 12 championship and play in the Rose Bowl.

How They Got Here

Wisconsin

Sep 1, 2012; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers cheerleaders perform during the game against the Northern Iowa Panthers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Despite destroying Nebraska in the Big Ten championship game, Wisconsin finished third in the Leaders Division behind an undefeated Ohio State squad and a resilient bunch of… Nittany Lions. However, due to NCAA sanctions, the Badgers are in the Rose Bowl for a third straight year and hoping that the third time is the charm for them (they lost close games to TCU in 2011 and Oregon in 2012). Although the Badgers come into the Rose Bowl with a very average 8-5 record, they did lose four games by only three points and they lost to Ohio State by only seven points in overtime.

Stanford

October 22, 2011; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal cheerleaders perform in the sidelines against the Washington Huskies in the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Huskies 65-21. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Led by a punishing ground game and a stout defense, Stanford, like Wisconsin, is appearing in their third straight BCS bowl game (they beat Virginia Tech in the 2011 Orange Bowl and lost to Oklahoma State in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl). Stanford’s only losses on the year were at Washington and at Notre Dame by a combined 11 points. The Cardinal’s season was highlighted by an overtime win in Eugene to knock Oregon off their path to the national championship game. Stanford beat UCLA in the Pac 12 championship game.

Key Matchups

Wisconsin run offense vs. Stanford run defense

It’s no secret that the strength of Wisconsin’s offense in their running game. Record-setting running back and 2012 Doak Walker Award winner Montee Ball anchors the talented trio of Badger running backs, along with James White and Melvin Gordon. And just like all other great running backs, these three have a great offensive line to block for them. Wisconsin’s offensive lines are year in and year out one of the best in the nation. On the flip side, Stanford comes to Pasadena with the third best run defense in the FBS, allowing only 87.7 rushing yards per game. Shayne Skov, Ben Gardner, Chase Thomas and Trent Murphy are key defenders in the Cardinal’s front seven that will try to limit the potent Badger ground attack. In their upset win over Oregon, Stanford’s defense held All-American running back Kenjon Barner to only 66 rushing yards and no touchdowns. Even though it would be hard to keep someone like Ball in check like that, Stanford’s defense is more than capable of influencing the game with their formidable front seven.

Quarterback play: Curt Phillips vs. Kevin Hogan

November 24, 2012; University Park, PA, USA;Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Curt Phillips (10) throws a pass during the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Wisconsin and Stanford had two of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck, respectively. This year Wisconsin started the season with Maryland transfer Danny O’Brien under center. After O’Brien struggled they turned to Joel Stave, who broke his collarbone on October 27. Then it was Curt Phillips’ turn and he’s had the job since. For Stanford, they started the season with Josh Nunes as the signal caller. Despite going 7-2, he struggled and was benched in favor of Kevin Hogan. Hogan led the Cardinal to four straight wins over ranked opponents leading up to the Rose Bowl, including the big upset against Oregon and the Pac 12 championship. Both of these quarterbacks are used to handing the ball off for the most part. But in a game like this one, each quarterback will need to make critical throws and some point. They’ve both proven that they could do that, but this is the biggest stage that each one has (and probably will ever have) been on in their collegiate careers.

Wisconsin pass defense vs. Stanford TE Zach Ertz

September 15, 2012; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz (86, left) scores a touchdown against Southern California Trojans linebacker Dion Bailey (18, right) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Trojans 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

One of the worst matchups for a defense in today’s day and age of football is a big, fast and athletic tight end. Stanford’s Zach Ertz will give Wisconsin that matchup problem. At 6’6”, 252 lbs., Ertz is widely considered the best tight end in the country, even though Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert won the John Mackey Award for best tight end. Ertz has 66 catches for 837 yards and six touchdowns on the year and is far and beyond Stanford’s go-to receiving option. Wisconsin’s linebackers and defensive backs will surely have trouble defending Ertz throughout the game. However, Wisconsin’s dynamic linebacker duo of Chris Borland and Mike Taylor could use their physicality to try to stymie and frustrate Ertz. Look for Ertz to be targeted a lot, especially on third downs.

Prediction

Unlike last year’s Rose Bowl that had a lot of spread offense and big plays, this one should be different. Expect lots of ground and pound and hard-nosed defense from both teams. The occasional big passing play will happen and it will be a big key for whoever can execute it more often. Stanford obviously had a better regular season in an overall better conference. However, Wisconsin is battle tested and most of their players have already lost twice in the Rose Bowl. They have been doubted and criticized a lot this year and they’re hungry for a Rose Bowl title. Plus, they have Barry Alvarez back on the sideline due to Bret Bielema’s abrupt departure to Arkansas. It’s worth noting, Alvarez is 3-0 in Rose Bowls with the Badgers.

Score: Wisconsin 28 Stanford 24

Follow VBR Staff Writer Eric Sion on Twitter

It’s been fun picking and not sure what the VBR Staff has planned for the Bowl Season, but I will probably partake in that.

Louisville (+2) at Rutgers (Big East Championship*)

*The de facto Big East title game to naturally be played on a Thursday.  ACC vs. B1G in this one and I think that Louisville is just way better a team.

Louisville 34 Rutgers 27

Northern Illinois (-6.5) vs. Kent State (#MACtion Championhip Game)

A Kent State win combined with a UCLA loss could mean Kent in the BCS automatically.  That makes this pick and easy one.

Kent State 30 Northern Illinois 29

UCLA (+10) vs. Stanford (Pac 12 Championship Game)

I’ll hand it to Stanford, they win games.  I’m still bitter over that play calling in the Notre Dame game, but I need them combined with that Kent game.

Stanford 28 UCLA 16

Florida State (-13) vs. Georgia Tech (ACC Championship Game)

Florida State is having a distraction of a week so they will come out flat.  Doesn’t matter, the game sucks bad,

Florida State 30 Georgia Tech 21

Nebraska (-2.5) vs. Wisconsin (B1G Championship Game)

Speaking of games that suck, this one is way up there.  A 3rd place team in Wisconsin vs. a spaz in Pelini.  Wisconsin could pose some issues, but Martinez will pull one out.

Nebraska 26 Wisconsin 24

Upset Special
Georgia (+7.5) vs Alabama (SEC Championship Game)

Screw the SEC.  I have no justification for this pick, but I just think that everyone is so hard up for Alabama Notre Dame, I just want to see the disappointment.

Georgia 23 Alabama 21

Season Record 49-28 (7-6 on Upset Specials)

Evil Bill O’Brien is not affiliated with Penn State University or head coach Bill O’Brien. 

• First and foremost, I want to thank the seniors. Countless people have already done so, but this is my turn. These seniors embody what Penn State is all about and I’m sure they will continue to represent Penn State the right way in the future. All 31 seniors contributed to the team in one way or another and they helped hold this program together in an extremely difficult time.
• Just like the Indiana game, we all knew that Thanksgiving break would affect the student attendance. And just like the Indiana game, the student section got off to a slow start. But it filled up nicely throughout the game and eventually looked okay considering it was a game during break.
• I love seeing recruits interact with each other and with fans. Specifically, the 2013 Penn State commits. This class is one of the most important in Penn State football history and these guys are very close. Adam Breneman, Christian Hackenberg, Garrett Sickels and Brendan Mahon are the four big-time commits who have been true to Penn State since the day they committed. They’re almost always together on the sidelines during pregame and they love to talk to other recruits, prospects, media and others. Hackenberg seems to always have a smile on his face. Penn State fans should be excited for these guys to be on campus soon.
• The “Thank You Seniors” card stunt was pretty cool. At first, I didn’t think it was going to work because of some sections being empty and that some students just wouldn’t want to cooperate for whatever reason. But it looked pretty good and it was definitely a nice gesture.
• I’m really glad that they put 2012 up on the east facade. Even though this team didn’t go undefeated or win a championship, its importance cannot be stressed enough. These players stayed when they easily could have left and they fought through so much to prove a lot of people wrong. That’s as great of an accomplishment, if not better, than any bowl game or any postseason championship.
• I had mixed feelings about the 42 on the helmets. I’m as big a Michael Mauti fan as anyone, but yesterday was about all the seniors. Maybe a ’12 on the helmets would’ve been better.
• In another Mauti tribute, I loved that Gerald Hodges wore number 42 to honor his fellow linebacker. It was tough to find Hodges on the field at times, but like usual, he was making his customary big plays.
• Was that Jordan Hill or Haloti Ngata out there? The senior defensive tackle left everything he had out on the field in his last collegiate game and he was dominant. Keep in mind that Wisconsin’s offensive lines are year in and year out one of the best in the country. Hill finished with 12 tackles and two sacks, with eight tackles and three tackles for loss coming in the fourth quarter and overtime.
• When Kyle French’s overtime field goal attempt sailed wide left, overwhelming feelings of joy and jubilation took over me. This was the ending to the season that this team deserved. Just like the past year, this team fought back when they were down and showed everyone what they’re made of.

It’s hard to believe that guys such as Michael Mauti, Matt McGloin, Gerald Hodges, Jordan Hill and others won’t be suiting up for Penn State again. I’ve had the privilege of watching these seniors play for three years and they have all developed into high-caliber individuals on and off the field. Penn State will once again have to deal with plenty of offseason speculation. Lots of rumors will surface regarding current players being recruited by other schools, Bill O’Brien’s future and other things. But no matter what happens in the future, this 2012 team will forever be remembered in Penn State history. Their dedication to Penn State, the character they’ve shown and the class in which they’ve handled all the adversity cannot and will not ever be forgotten. Thanks to everyone who’s followed along throughout the season. I already can’t wait for August 31 for the 2013 season opener against Syracuse.

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Following an 0-2 start, Ficken was 1-5 on field goals and had missed an extra point. Most of Nittany Nation had lost faith in the young kicker. Though he wouldn’t admit it, head coach Bill O’Brien had lost some faith as well. He began going for it on 4th down when most coaches would just kick the ball. He used rationale about having good plays and executing for the right down and distance and other coach speak.

However, following the Virginia game, Sam Ficken and the Nittany Lions both started to turn things around. Since then, Ficken has missed just 3 field goals total and ended the season making his last 10 in a row. He also missed just 1 more extra point and ended the season making 38 of 40 total PATs.

Today, in the Nittany Lions final game of 2012, Ficken represented the team, one final time. His three field goals, the last of which was the go-ahead field goal in overtime, propelled the Nittany Lions to an overtime win in Beaver Stadium and sent this almost mythical senior class out on a high note.

Allen Robinson went over 1,000 yards for the year as did Zach Zwinak, who ended with a career best 179 yards. However, without Ficken and the faith that he has earned from his head coach since September, we could be talking about an entirely different outcome. Much like a team that was down and ruled out by much of the national pundits, Ficken and his Nittany Lions fought back today and this year en route to success that many didn’t think possible.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

The Penn State defensive backs are not giving much respect to Wisconsin’s passing game. Roof is blitzing heavily and leaving his CBs on islands. Still, PSU isn’t doing a great job of stopping the run.

Wisconsin has over 100 yards rushing and Montee Ball is averaging 7 yards per carry.

The wind doesn’t seem to be as bad in here as it was outside the stadium but it’s gotta be cold out there.

Allen Robinson has one catch for -5 yards.

Gerald Hodges is wearing #42, which is a cool tribute to Mauti. However, the  42 that is on the side of the helmets seems to be a bit much.

Zach Zwinak has 92 yards. He’s well on his way to another big day, as long as the defense can keep it close.

Speaking of, the defense seemed to come out flat but has picked it up since then. Roof is showing a 5-man front to counter the Wisconsin rushing attack. It’s a sound strategy but once the Wisconsin running back gets to the 2nd level, there isn’t as much help.

Wisconsin has thrown just 6 passes.

McGloin has thrown 18 passes but has just 47 yards.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Mary Clarke:

Saturday’s matchup is going to be, to sum it up in a word, emotional. It’s Senior Day, the last home game of the season, and the last game of the year. It’s been a tumultuous year for Penn State football but these last few months have, in all honestly, flown by and this will be the last time we see the graduating senior class suit up in blue and white. However, we won’t see Michael Mauti out on the field this weekend, as he’s out on a knee injury. Despite this, expect the Nittany Lions to come out playing with passion and for the defense to step up in Mauti’s absence. The crowd will definitely play a big factor and although many students will be making their way back from Thanksgiving break, I expect a good showing from the student section. Wisconsin doesn’t have as much to play for in this game – as they will be playing in the Big Ten Championship game on December 1^st – and while they may put up a good fight, I don’t see them overcoming the Nittany Lions in this game.

PSU: 38
Wisc: 20

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Florida State (-14) 28 at Virginia Tech 22

Matt – Florida State (L)

Tim – Virginia Tech (W)

Craig – Florida State (L)

Corey – Virginia Tech (L)

Northwestern 31 at Michigan (-11) 38

Matt – Northwestern (W)

Tim – Northwestern (W)

Craig – Northwestern (W)

Corey – Northwestern (W)

Arizona State 17 at USC (-7.5) 38

Matt – Arizona State (L)

Tim – USC (W)

Craig – USC (W)

Corey – USC (W)

West Virginia 34 at Oklahoma State (-7.5) 55

Matt – Oklahoma State (W)

Tim – Oklahoma State (W)

Craig – Oklahoma State (W)

Corey – West Virginia (L)

Louisville (-3) 26 at Syracuse 45

Matt – Syracuse (W)

Tim – Louisville (L)

Craig – Louisville (L)

Corey – Louisville (L)

Onto this week’s slate of games, which were picked for the express purpose of padding my lead (and with Monday night’s spreads).

Let’s hope my picks don’t have the glitch that the NCAA Site had this week, but if my picks are wrong, I will review them and see where I made a mistake and correct them.  In doing that, I will prove that I am not a B1G replay official.

Oklahoma (-11) at WVU

West Virginia’s downfall has been quite the spectacle and one only topped by Felix Baumgartner.  4 straight embarrassing losses with the 5^th one looming,  Couch sales have dropped significantly in WVU and arrests are down so there is a silver lining.

Oklahoma 52 WVU 32

Kansas State (-10) at Baylor

Klein is just too tough and Baylor lost to WVU and looking back on that now, it’s a real embarrassment.  Bill Snyder’s magical ride continues.  For years, it seemed liked KSU would screw up the B12 by beating a team late and cost them a chance in the Mythical National Championship game, but 2012 could see a role reversal.  Just not this week though.

Kansas State 62 Baylor 31

Rutgers (+6.5) at Cincinnati

Rutgers is ranked and getting points at Cincy.  Seems odd, but both teams have been tripped up by some #MACtion.  Cincy will prevail at home in game I will be sure not to watch.

Cincinnati 24 Rutgers 19

Washington State (+19) at Arizona State

Admittedly, this game is pathetic, but I need to get something off my chest here.  Many sports sites did coaching rankings and the media just gushed over Mike Leach.  I don’t even need to get into the accusations this week against Leach, because those seem suspect, but I do want to state that BOB has been 1,000 times better than him all season.  PSU has improved game by game and the players have shown great effort in every game.  Leach’s team may have gotten worse.  Todd Graham stinks too and he was ranked ahead of BOB.

Arizona State 35 Washington State 11

USC (-3) at UCLA

Every part of me wants to pick UCLA here.  USC getting another loss would be a very enjoyable experience, but I am just having trouble picking UCLA.  Oh wait, Lane Kiffin is still the coach at USC and he’s awful.  That was easy.

UCLA 41 USC 32

Upset Special

Ohio State (+1) at Wisconsin

OSU is an underdog by the line, but they are a top 10 team.  I just don’t want to see Meyer go undefeated this year and I think that Ball will be too much for OSU to handle.

Wisconsin 24 OSU 16

Season Record 42-23 (6-5 on Upset Specials)

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EVIL BILL O’BRIEN IS IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH PENN STATE OR HEAD FOOTBALL COACH BILL O’BRIEN.

Let’s take a look at the games and predict who, if anyone, will represent the Big Ten in those bowls.

ROSE BOWL (Big Ten #1):

Nebraska
The Huskers control their own destiny and have two winnable games left in Iowa and Minnesota. They should be favored over Wisconsin.

Potential Opponents: Oregon, USC, Notre Dame

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CAPITAL ONE BOWL (Big Ten #2):

Michigan
Michigan probably won’t play in the conference championship, but they’ll deserve this bid after finishing the season with a likely 8-4 record.

Potential Opponents: LSU, Georgia, Florida

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OUTBACK BOWL (Big Ten #3)

Wisconsin
If the Badgers aren’t careful, Northwestern could find themselves in this game. Should only take one more win for Wisconsin but they have Ohio State and Penn State left on the schedule.

Potential Opponents: Florida, LSU, South Carolina

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GATOR BOWL (Big Ten #4-5)

Northwestern
If they could play worth a damn in the second half of games, they’d be in Rose Bowl contention. Still, it’s hard to see them playing before January 1st.

Potential Opponents: Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, South Carolina

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BUFFALO WILD WINGS BOWL (Big Ten #4-5)

Michigan State
Sparty still needs a win to become bowl eligible but they should get it against Minnesota in the final week of the season.

Potential Opponents: Texas Tech, TCU, Oklahoma State

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MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL OF TEXAS (Big Ten #6)

Minnesota
The Gophers are the 5th and final Big Ten team that is currently bowl eligible. They’ll struggle to get another win but are all but guaranteed a bowl due to the circumstances.

Potential Opponents: TCU, West Virginia, Iowa State

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HEART OF DALLAS BOWL (Big 10 #7)

Purdue
The Boilermakers have just 4 wins but play Illinois and Indiana in the next two weeks. They have the best shot at becoming bowl eligible.

Potential Opponents: Iowa State, TCU, West Virginia

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LITTLE CAESARS PIZZA BOWL (Big 10 #8)

It’s almost impossible for the Big Ten to fill this bowl. Iowa needs to beat Nebraska and Michigan to make it happen. Indiana has a shot, but they’d have to beat Penn State and Purdue. If they do so, Purdue will not be bowl eligible.

Conclusion: The Big Ten may send only 6 teams to bowl games. Due to Ohio State and Penn State’s ineligibility, several of the teams will be slotted above where their talent says they should be. That could be bad news for the conference in bowl games.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Snodgrass was unable to make his planned visit to Notre Dame last weekend but was in Columbus for the Purdue game and in Happy Valley for the whiteout against Ohio State.

While many feel that the Buckeyes are the favorite, Snodgrass tweeted this following his visit to Penn State:

Last night >>>>>>>>>>>

— Thaddeus Snodgrass (@ThadSnod1) October 28, 2012

For those not hip to Twitter lingo, that’s a positive response.

Along with his top five, the 6’1″ 170 pound, four star junior wideout has offers from Ohio, Akron, Purdue, Toledo and Georgia Tech. In 2012 he had 30 receptions for 452 yards and is regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the midwest.

Will Thaddeus pick the hometown Buckeyes or will the success of guys like Bill O’Brien and Allen Robinson be enough to pull him out of Ohio? We’ll all know in about 24 hours.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Last week’s ranking in parenthesis.

1. Ohio State (2) 3-0

Last week: 35-28 win over Cal
In back to back weeks, OSU has been pushed to their limits by UCF and Cal. They have one notable offensive playmaker and their defense is extremely flawed. They also appear to be the best team in the conference, up to this point.

2. Northwestern (3) 3-0

Last week: 22-13 win over Boston College
Northwestern has three wins over teams from BCS conferences and I considered placing them at #1 for that, but those three aren’t all that impressive and Northwestern is not realistically as good as Ohio State.

3. Michigan (4) 2-1

Last week: 63-13 win over UMass
No margin of victory over UMass was going to be enough to impress anybody, but Michigan handled business. We’ll know a lot more about them a week from now.

4. Purdue (5) 2-1

Last week: 54-14 win over Eastern Michigan
I’m on the Purdue bandwagon. Not because of this win over directional MAC team…but just because. I think they’ll surprise some teams when conference play starts. They gave Notre Dame a better game than Sparty did!

5. Minnesota (6) 3-0

Last week: 28-23 win over Western Michigan
Another game, another win for the Gophers. I don’t know how long they can keep it up, but momentum is building for Minnesota.

6. Michigan State (1) 2-1

Last week: 20-3 loss at home to Notre Dame

Michigan State was favored to win, then never made it to the end zone. Fans hoped that this would be the year Michigan State lived up to their potential and hype. It’s early, but this was not a good sign.
7. Nebraska (6) 2-1

Last week: 42-13 win over Arkansas State

Nebraska followed a loss at UCLA with a win over something called Arkansas State and next week they play someone from Idaho that isn’t Boise State. Gotta do better than that.
8. Penn State (10) 1-2

Last week: 34-7 win over Navy
Back to back staunch defensive performances against totally different offenses. Another terrific performance by WR Allen Robinson and starting running back Bill Belton could be on his way back.

9. Wisconsin (9) 2-1

Last week: 16-14 win over Utah State
I didn’t expect Wisconsin to be what they were last year, but they struggled against Northern Iowa, lost to Oregon State, then went to halftime trailing 14-3 this week to Utah State at home. They’re averaging under 17 points per game and Montee Ball is a shadow of his 2011 self.
10. Iowa (11) 2-1

Last week: 27-16 win over Northern Iowa
Like Wisconsin, Iowa has some real flaws to work out. However, they may have found a running back. Until the AIRBHG finds out about it, that is.

11. Indiana (8) 2-1

Last week: 41-29 loss at home to Ball State.

Well, Hoosiers…it was fun while it lasted. Eventually that Indiana State/UMass well was bound to dry up and the juggernaut Ball States of the world would come.
12. Illinois (12) 2-1

Last week: 44-0 win over Charleston Southern

Directional CHARLESTON!?!? Is this really a thing? Shameful.
For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

Last week’s ranking in parenthesis.

1. Michigan State (1) 2-0

Last week: 41-7 win at Central Michigan
Sparty went “on the road” to Central Michigan and won convincingly. They still own the best win in the conference up to this point and will face a true test this week when they host Notre Dame.

2. Ohio State (3) 2-0

Last week: 31-16 win over UCF
While that game was closer than the score indicated, Braxton Miller in Urban Meyer’s offense is exactly what the Buckeyes hoped and they’re one of the few 2-0 teams left in the Big Ten.

3. Northwestern (5) 2-0

Last week: 23-13 win over Vanderbilt
Northwestern proving that it ain’t always pretty, but 2-0 goes a long way here.

4. Michigan (6) 1-1

Last week: 31-25 win over Air Force
Sure they had to hold on to beat a service academy at home…but unlike most of the conference, at least they won! I still think they’re a talented team but they need to show it.

5. Purdue (4) 1-1

Last week: 20-17 loss at Notre Dame
Purdue just as easily could have won that game. I think they’re primed for a strong season in the Big Ten.

6. Nebraska (2) 1-1

Last week 36-30 loss at UCLA
A road loss without your starting running back isn’t the worst thing in the world. Giving up 36 points to the Bruins might be, though.

7. Minnesota (10) 2-0

Last week: 44-7 win over New Hampshire
I’m as surprised as you but the Gophers are 2-0 and have a road overtime win under their belt. Gray is emerging as a playmaker.

8. Indiana (11) 2-0

Last week: 45-6 win at UMass
This isn’t going to last, but the Hoosiers are 2-0 and won big on the road. Props.

9. Wisconsin (8) 1-1

Last week: 10-7 loss at Oregon State
Wisconsin is hanging their hats on a 5 point win over something called Northern Iowa. It appears they miss Russell Wilson and their staff, but they’re still talented…right?

10. Penn State (9) 0-2

Last week: 17-16 loss at Virginia
I could be accused of homerism here, but PSU played much better and should have won, plus the teams below them are very bad.

11. Iowa (7) 1-1

Last week: 9-6 loss to Iowa State
I don’t know what is going on with the Hawkeyes, but no Big 12 team should ever hold someone to 6 points.

12. Illinois (12) 1-1

Last week: 45-14 loss at Arizona State
A 31 point loss to Arizona State? The Illini are lucky there isn’t a spot lower for them to drop to.

For all of the latest on the Penn State Nittany Lions, follow VBR Lead Editor Tim Tolley on Twitter.

I have yet to determine who my top team is, but I do have some teams that are in the hunt.  Alabama has certainly looked impressive in its two wins as has Southern California and LSU.  Other teams worth being in the discussion include Oregon, Oklahoma, and Florida State.

This past week, the SEC had two marquee games on its early slate, and each one lived up to its pregame billing.  Florida showed that it had just enough quickness and toughness to outlast Texas A&M on its own field, while Georgia out-slugged Missouri in Columbia, MO.  This past Saturday also featured a number of upsets.  The biggest surprise has to be the devastating loss of the Arkansas Razorbacks to the UL-Monroe Warhawks.  Other upsets include Oregon State’s victory over Wisconsin, UCLA’s victory over Nebraska, and Arizona’s victory over Oklahoma State.  Perhaps Savannah State can thank the good Lord that they were able to cover the spread due to the skies opening up in Tallahassee (actually Vegas ruled NO BETS on the game, so really they didn’t cover!).

No matter how your favorite football team is doing, the college landscape is wrought with ups and downs, and the leaves haven’t even started changing colors yet!

Here’s my look at which teams are moving up and which teams are headed down in this weeks edition of the “Ups and Downs of College Football”.

Free Falling!

Sep 8, 2012; Little Rock, AR, USA; Louisiana Monroe Warhawks quarterback Kolton Browning (15) looks to pass as he is pressured by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive end Chris Smith (42) at War Memorial Stadium. Warhawks defeated the Razorbacks 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-US PRESSWIRE

Arkansas (NR – AP/ #21 – USA Today Polls).  What can you say about John L. Smith and company (Insert Bobby Petrino jokes here)?  The Razorbacks had one of the biggest collapses of any team in recent memory!  On more than one occasion Saturday night, Arkansas had the chance to put away the pesky Warhawks from Louisiana-Monroe and they just couldn’t do it.  As it would go, you let a team hang around long enough and they magically start to think they can win…well, it happened again!  Louisiana-Monroe pulled off the shocker and left the Razorbacks stunned and in disbelief.  The loss also cost Arkansas a chance to host ESPN’s College Gameday.  Kirk Herbstreit and Chris Fowler tweeted that they were all set to go to Little Rock for the Alabama game this week had Arkansas won the game.  Now that they lost, College Gameday is headed to Knoxville instead; ouch…a double-whammy!

Arkansas had better pull themselves back together because the #1 team in the country, Alabama, is coming to town.  The Razorbacks do not have time to sulk and pout over the loss or they will get beat again.  A big question mark for Arkansas is the health of senior QB Tyler Wilson.  Wilson left Saturday’s game after being hit in the head.  At this point he is considered day-to-day.  His loss would leave freshman Brandon Allen as the Razorback QB.  Allen replaced Wilson on Saturday, but the Razorback offense was simply not the same.

Where Should They Be Ranked?  I would have them ranked at #23.  I simply do not believe that a team can be ranked in the top-10 one week then booted out the next.  Pollsters have to take into account the loss of Wilson as QB. That fact alone, should have kept the Razorbacks in the top-25.  We’ll see what Arkansas has left for their by the Crimson Tide this week.

Sept. 8, 2012; Corvallis, OR, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back James White (20) heads upfield between Oregon State Beavers defenders D.J. Welch (4) and Jordan Poyer during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-US PRESSWIRE

Wisconsin (NR – AP/ #22 - USA Today Polls).  This was a devastating loss for the Badgers.  I know a stated goal for head coach Bret Bielema is to win the Big Ten every year, but I also think he secretly wears the Superman cape for the Big Ten on the national scene as well.  In the past few seasons, it has been Wisconsin that has been the Big Ten’s highest ranked team going into the bowls.  Last season they just were outmatched against the speed and quickness of Oregon.  Deep down, I think Bielema and his team were hoping for another type of match-up in the Rose Bowl this year.  Of course, I don’t want to write off Wisky just yet since the conference season has not even started, but the loss to Oregon State Saturday was a real stunner.

Clearly, if Wisconsin wants to remain an elite team, it must get back to its bread-and-butter, which is running the ball.  Montee Ball, their pre-season Heisman candidate has 181 yards and 1 TD on 47 carries (3.85 ypc).  Compare that to a year ago after 2 games when he had amassed the same total of 181 yards but already had 5 TD’s and that was on only 28 carries (6.46 ypc).  A big reason why Ball’s production has slipped in the early going this year is the inability of the offensive line to generate any push at the line of scrimmage.  This has caused a greater reliance on the pass, and his offensive line has not been doing a good enough job opening holes for him.  Coach Bielema has tried to rectify the situation by relieving offensive line coach Mike Markuson of his duties and replacing him with Bart Miller, offensive quality control coordinator, just 2 games into the season.

It seem relatively obvious that if Wisconsin wants to remain at the top of the Big Ten, its going to need to find its running game to compliment its above average passing game.  The Badgers play host to Utah State this week and UTEP the following week before heading into Big Ten play against Nebraska.

Where Should They Be Ranked?  I would have them ranked at #20.  Just like Arkansas, I don’t think a perennial top-15 team should drop out of the rankings just because they lost a game.  In comparing Wisconsin’s loss to Oregon State on the road in Corvallis to Arkansas’s loss to UL-Monroe at home, the Wisky defeat has to be considered a better loss (if there is such a thing).  Dropping them both from the AP polls seems a bit harsh this early in the year.

September 8, 2012; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Eric Kendricks (6) celebrates after bringing down Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Ameer Abdullah (8) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Nebraska Cornhuskers (NR- AP / #24 – USA Today Polls).  The Cornhuskers are another Big Ten team that seems to have lost their identity, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.  Nebraska has always had a stable full of big-time running backs and this year is still no different.  Head Coach Bo Pelini still can trot out the likes of Rex Burkhead (he missed the UCLA game with an injury) and Ameer Abdullah.  They can also utilize the legs of QB Taylor Martinez.  However something else that Nebraska usually possesses is stingy, tough-nosed defense that swarms to the ball.

So far, this year seems to be a bit of an aberration.  The Cornhuskers rank 85th in the country allowing 28.0 points per game.  There is no way that Nebraska can get into a track meet with most of the teams it faces in the Big Ten and still come out on top.  They are going to need to find a way to limit the other teams big plays.  Saturday night, Nebraska gave up TD plays of 27 and 49 yards and they allowed UCLA to throw for 309 yards while giving up 344 yards on the ground (653 total yards allowed).  No team that expects to compete for a league title can give up that many yards and still win on a regular basis!

On a positive note, the Cornhuskers will have a chance to improve their defensive liabilities as they play host to Arkansas State and Idaho State before they launch the Big Ten portion of their schedule with tough games against Wisconsin and at Ohio State.

Where Should They be Ranked?  I would have them ranked about #21.  The loss to UCLA was not horrible by any means.  The Bruins seem to be playing well right now and they caught the Cornhuskers on a bad night.  Look for Nebraska to rebound the next few weeks before they are tested in their Big Ten opener.

Sept. 8, 2012; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers defenders Ryan Murphy (25) and Castro Masaniai (98) and Andrew Seumalo (49) celebrate after stopping the Wisconsin Badgers on 4th and 1 during the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-US PRESSWIRE

Update: It WILL Be A Long Year For the Big 10

Last week I speculated that the Big 10 was in for another tough season.  This weekend confirmed it.  Besides Penn State’s hearbreaking loss to Virginia, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Purdue, Illinois, and Iowa also put up losses.  The league’s only victories this weekend came over the likes of Central Florida, New Hampshire, UMass, Air Force, Central Michigan and Vanderbilt.  In fact, the only two wins the Big 10 can claim against other “BCS” leagues are courtesy of Northwestern (Syracuse and Vanderbilt).

Michigan State and Ohio State are the only 2 teams that seem to be meeting early season expectations, and due to NCAA sanctions, only the Spartans are eligible for the post season.  That September 29^th match up in East Lansing between MSU and the Buckeyes might as well be for the conference title*.