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Big Ten Football Game by Game Predictions: Week 3

By Connor Muldowney

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Sep 12, 2015; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Simmie Cobbs Jr. (1) attempts to break a tackle by Florida International Golden Panthers cornerback Richard Leonard (3) during the second quarter of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Western Kentucky (2-0) vs. Indiana (2-0), 4 p.m. ET on ESPNNews

Indiana is favored in this one, likely only because the Hoosiers are at home, and this one could honestly go down to the wire. Although Western Kentucky’s two wins have come by a combined five points this year, the Hilltoppers have an exceptional passing attack behind the arm of Brandon Doughty.

The Hoosiers struggle mightily against the pass, and Doughty will do whatever he wants in this one until the final whistle. Fortunately for Kevin Wilson’s squad, they have a UAB-transfer at running back in Jordan Howard who will run crazy against WKU.

Prediction: Western Kentucky 35, Indiana 42

Rutgers (1-1) vs. Penn State (1-1), 8 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network

Let’s face it, the first Big Ten game for these two teams will be filled with letting anger out on one another. Rutgers has been plagued by the Kyle Flood drama and Penn State has been dealing with a rough start to the year by star quarterback Christian Hackenberg — including a loss to Temple.

Hackenberg will rebound in this one and Rutgers will continue to spiral downward as basically half the team has been suspended for the next couple of weeks. Ugly game to be had, though.

Prediction: Rutgers 13, Penn State 21

Pittsburgh (2-0) vs. Iowa (2-0), 8 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network

Pittsburgh, led by former MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi, travels to Iowa in a primetime matchup in which both teams are fighting for national attention. This one might be much better than expected while both teams have some guys to keep an eye on.

Iowa’s C.J. Beathard has been solid through two games this season and his starting QB role looks very well earned so far. James Conner’s MCL injury for Pitt was devastating, but Qadree Ollison has stepped up in his place, rushing for 288 yards and two scores.

Prediction: Pitt 23, Iowa 24

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