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The Weekend In B1G: Week Seven

Bye Weeks Suck

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Having two bye weeks in a month is really dumb. I really don't understand the point of it really. Alas, the Illini had another off week along with four other Big Ten teams. How did the rest of the conference do?

Penn State (4-2) 43 Michigan (5-1) 40 in 4 OTs

*Note to self, never bet against Penn State during a white out game.

This was easily the best game of the weekend in the B1G. Michigan looked to be on the verge of winning the game in the 4th quarter when freshman quarterback Christian Hackenberg drove the Nittany Lions down the field with 1:39 left to tie the game at 34.

Michigan should have won the game in overtime, but their kicker missed not one, but two field goals, and Penn State took advantage and won in the fourth overtime. Penn State actually had a 4th and one on their final drive down three, but they elected to go for it, and it paid off as they were able to score a touchdown to seal the victory.

Bill O'Brien is a man after my heart.

Michigan State (5-1) 42 Indiana (3-3) 28

You never really know what you are going to get from Indiana, and this week, they gave their fans almost nothing. Indiana gave up almost 500 yards to a mediocre Spartan offense. They were able to beat Penn State, but they are so inconsistent, that finding a way into a bowl game may be tough.

For Michigan State, the question now becomes is this team good enough to compete in the Legends Division? The defense is great, and the offense has been playing better as of late. We may not find out until November. The Spartans have a very easy schedule before a difficult three game stretch against Michigan, Nebraska and Northwestern. That is where the Spartans' season will be won or lost.

Nebraska (5-1) 44 Purdue (1-5) 7

Purdue only has one win this season, and that was over an FCS school that almost lost to a D-II school. This team may in fact be worse than the 2012 Fighting Illini team.

Nebraska, on the other hand, took care of business for the second week against inferior competition. Right now they are my favorite in the Legends Division. Yes, the defense isn't good, but their offense is extremely effective and balanced. They will be in every game this year.

Wisconsin (4-2) 35 Northwestern (4-2) 6

This makes two losses in a row for the Wildcats since they hosted College Gameday. They are paying for their sins.

They were able to put up a good fight against the Buckeyes last week, but they were completely dominated by a Badger team that could easily be undefeated, but are only at 4-2.  With the Buckeyes easy schedule down the stretch, the Badgers won't have a shot to make it to their fourth straight Rose Bowl, but they should have a great season under new head coach Gary Andersen.

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