Big Ten Football predictions, Week 5: Can Minnesota stay hot vs. Purdue?

4. Maryland will bounce back vs. Michigan State at home

Maryland very nearly upset Michigan last week at The Big House, falling 34-27, but they showed a lot of heart and fight despite losing. The Terrapins have put that loss behind them and are putting their focus into defeating Michigan State this week.

The Spartans have owned Maryland since the Terps joined the Big Ten back in 2014. In fact, Maryland has defeated Michigan State just once (2016) in their seven meetings as conference foes. But that’s changing this weekend.

Michigan State is in a downward spiral having been on the wrong side of two straight blowout losses: last week vs Minnesota (by 28) and at Washington the week prior (by 11).

Both of these teams are giving up nearly 400 yards per game and around three touchdowns per game. Expect a lot of points to be scored and Maryland to come out on top, handing the Spartans their third consecutive loss this season.

3. Michigan survives scare at Iowa in quintessential Big Ten football game

Michigan is going to go into a tough environment in Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes this week. It’s a tough place for any team to compete in, but especially these Wolverines. The last time Michigan won in Iowa, George W. Bush was still president (2005). Indeed, Michigan has lost four consecutive games at Iowa, but Michigan won the last meetings, which took place in 2019 in Ann Arbor and 2021 in the Big Ten Championship game.

This year, Michigan has too much offensive firepower and Iowa doesn’t have enough. The Hawkeyes are giving up just 5.8 points per game this season, but they are only scoring 17 points per game themselves.

This will be a low-scoring affair and Michigan will earn their first win at Iowa in 17 years.