Big Ten Football Game by Game Predictions: Week 3

Sep 12, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA;*Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) and teammate Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) celebrate his touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Hawaii Warriors at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska (1-1) vs. Miami(FL) (2-0), 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN 2

Brad Kaaya could be one of the best young quarterbacks in the country and Miami is trying to make a comeback into the national spotlight. A big win here over Nebraska would help that while the Cornhuskers coming out on top in a road game would tremendously help the Big Ten.

Expect Tommy Armstrong Jr. to have a big day and the Cornhuskers to avenge a tough week one Hail Mary loss that still has to sting even talking about it.

Prediction: Nebraska 34, Miami(FL) 30

N. Illinois (2-0) vs. No. 1 Ohio State (2-0), 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN 2

This one really doesn’t deserve an explanation. Northern Illinois was one of the best non-Power Five teams a couple of years ago when Jordan Lynch was under center, but those days are long gone. The Huskies might be one of the best teams in the MAC, but they’ll be no match for Ezekiel Elliott, Braxton Miller, Mike Thomas, J.T. Barrett and Cradale Jones.

Prediction: Northern Illinois 7, Ohio State 52

Virginia Tech (1-1) vs. Purdue (1-1), 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU

Virginia Tech put up a heck of a fight against Ohio State in week one and remains as the last school to take down the Buckeyes in a college football game.

Purdue has to be pleasantly surprised with the play of Austin Appleby under center, but there just aren’t enough solid pieces in place to take down the Hokies, even with home-field advantage.

Prediction: Virginia Tech 30, Purdue 20

Troy (1-1) vs. No. 24 Wisconsin (1-1), 3:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network

Don’t be surprised to see Joel Stave play well, somewhat surprisingly, once again against a weaker Troy team which will host the second-worst defense that Wisconsin will see thus far in 2015. Corey Clement looks to be out once again in this one, so the offense will rely heavily on Stave.

The defense, as always, will be solid for the Badgers against a Troy team who will be heading into unfamiliar territory.

Prediction: Troy 3, Wisconsin 44

Next: Saturday's games: Part 4