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Does the Big Ten stand a chance in any of their remaining Bowl games…to keep it close?

Yes, they do. But winning will get trickier.

The Big Ten got two teams in BCS games this year (OSU, PSU), which means the already-slotted-too-high Big Ten teams all shifted a spot higher. For example, the Capital One Bowl now features Michigan State against Georgia, instead of OSU-UGA. Minnesota is playing Kansas in the Insight Bowl instead of Iowa. Northwestern is playing Missouri and Mizzou should win by 17.

Wisconsin got drilled by Florida State last night in a game they fell behind and had no vertical threat to have a chance for a comeback. In addition, calls went against them and FSU took advantage of every opportunity. Wisconsin had over 200 yards rushing but like other Big Ten games before, the stat lines make it look close, the final score–not so much.

Here is how I think the rest of the Big Ten games will go:

Missouri vs. Northwestern

Tough game for the Wildcats who lost to Ohio State by 35, Indiana by 2 and Michigan State by 17. They never had to play Penn State (or Wisconsin FWIW). The best win came at Iowa, which is a good win. But really, I expect the final score to resemble the one against MSU. If Northwestern can get pressure on Chase Daniel and limits big plays (and Mizzou has more big play potential) they have a chance. They also need to control the ball with their rushing attack.

41-24 Missouri wins

Kansas vs. Minnesota

Minnesota lost their last 4 games, including the final game to Iowa 55-0. Yeah, 55-0. They are a well coached team who overachieved early and stumbled late. Kansas is not all that great this year either but Todd Reesing should be ready to light up the Gopher D, who should be facing a MAC team at best this bowl season.

45-27 Kansas rolls

Iowa vs. South Carolina

At this point of the Bowl season I fully expect the Big 10 is 0-3. I have some hope for Northwestern. Teams just always underestimate them and they can be gritty and gimmicky, but still, 0-3 is the likely future. That is what makes this game so big for the Big 10. Iowa must win. This is the one game where Vegas thinks a Big Ten team will win.  Iowa has been playing well and gave Penn State their only loss. They did not have to play OSU and to me they are on par with Michigan State consistently and their potential may be a little greater. The Big 10 needs Kirk Ferentz to maintain a high level at Iowa, especially with Michigan and Wisconsin down. Lose this game and a winless bowl season is possible.

27-17 Iowa wins, Spurrier probably wishes he coached somewhere else. This game could get wild.

Georgia vs. Michigan State

Many expect a blowout. MSU has looked bad against the only top level teams they’ve played; PSU and OSU. They also lost @ Cal in week 1 in a close game. Georgia lost to UF by 39 and was down big to Alabama before making it look like a game. Georgia Tech ran all over the Bulldogs in a 3 point win in their last game. Georgia is the favorite and should win but don’t count out Mark Dantonio’s Spartans. With Javon Ringer at tailback, they could control the clock against a vulnerable DLine. Georgia will score points though, so the question will be whether they can keep up or not. I say not and that’s why they must play smash mouth football all 4 quarters.

34-28 Geogia wins a good game

Penn State vs. USC

PSU has a diverse offense.  They have a great defense. They won’t beat USC in the Rose Bowl. They just won’t. I hope they keep it within 2 touchdowns.

31-20 Penn State gives the Big Ten a "Moral Victory" by ONLY losing by 11

Ohio State vs. Texas

I think this will be a good game. Terrelle Pryor is the only chance Ohio State has. He must throw the ball well for the Buckeyes to have a chance. Texas’ D has not faced a running attack like OState’s, so as long as they can utilize their receivers it will be close. Even so, Texas is loaded and angry. They have Colt McCoy, who the rest of the Big 12 is dreaming he leaves for the NFL. This game could truly be a classic. Or, it could turn into a Big Ten embarrasment. We may look at the stat lines and say, "damn, the score should have been closer."  I’m giving OSU and the Big Ten the benefit of the doubt on this one (not to win but to keep it close). I think (or hope) Pryor emerges as a legit Heisman candidate after this game.

31-27 Texas goes up 2-1 on a now heated Texas-Ohio State match-up of 2 huge athletic budgets 

So there it is. I think MSU has a chance. Northwestern maybe sort of has a chance. I think Ohio State has a chance. I think Penn State could not embarrass themselves completely. And oh yeah, Iowa wins! This makes 1-6 likely. 2-5 possible. 3-4 a best case scenario. 3-4 with a BCS win almost seems irrational at this point.