Big Ten Football Game by Game Predictions: Week 4

Sep 19, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes sing Carmen Ohio following their win versus Northern Illinois Huskies at Ohio Stadium. The Ohio State Buckeyes won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

North Texas (0-2, 0-1) vs. Iowa (3-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPNU

Iowa has been one of the Big Ten’s surprise teams this season and coming off the most exciting win at Kinnick Stadium in recent memory, the Hawkeyes will once again parade in the streets after a 4-0 start to the season and a smackdown of North Texas. The Mean Green don’t stand much of a chance against a new, and improved, C.J. Beathard.

Must Read: Big Ten Football Heisman Watch: Week 4 edition

Prediction: North Texas 10, Iowa 27

Ohio (3-0) vs. Minnesota (2-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on BTN

As much as it pains me to say this, Minnesota will have a tough time trying to prevent a home upset against Ohio. While I think the Golden Gophers will ultimately come out on top, I think their offense may not have enough firepower to put the Bobcats away.

Mitch Leidner hasn’t been very impressive without Maxx Williams to throw to and the run game, without David Cobb, is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. Derrius Vick and the Bobcats will come close to victory.

Prediction: Ohio 24, Minnesota 27

W. Michigan (1-2) vs. Ohio State (3-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN 2

Western Michigan has had quite the unfavorable schedule to start the year, but that’s probably the kind of scheduling head coach P.J. Fleck wanted to use on his team to help the Broncos in MAC play. Traveling to Ohio State is almost always a guaranteed loss for an inferior opponent — unless you’re Northern Illinois (near-win) or Virginia Tech (last team to beat the Buckeyes at home).

I think Urban Meyer will ultimately regret naming Cardale Jones the No. 1 QB, but he will shred the mediocre Western secondary in this one. Oh yeah, and Ezekiel Elliott will rush for over 150 yards.

Prediction: Western Michigan 13, Ohio State 49

San Diego State (1-2) vs. Penn State (2-1, 1-0) at 3:30 p.m. ET on BTN

Penn State‘s offense leaves much to be desired, especially junior quarterback Christian Hackenberg, but San Diego State’s defense hasn’t been especially effective against the pass this season. Hackenberg has looked like a backup quarterback to start the year, but this could really be his last chance to gain a little confidence before Big Ten play.

Freshman running back Saquon Barkley will shine once again for the Nittany Lions, rushing for 140 yards and two scores on the way to a victory in Happy Valley.

Prediction: San Diego State 10, Penn State 28

Next: Saturday's Games: Part 4