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Big Ten Week 3 picks: Badgers take down BYU on the road

The Big Ten had another week on the positive side of the win column, going 10-4 overall. Ohio State was on the main stage and lost to Oklahoma in dramatic fashion, but Penn State avenged last season’s loss to Pitt by winning 33-14 while Iowa came out on top of Iowa State in overtime.

Week 3 shouldn't be as dramatic -- Wisconsin-BYU is the biggest matchup involving the conference -- but there could be an upset or two brewing.

Visit our college football PickCenter page for additional information on these games and many more. Here's our forecast for Week 3.

Air Force at Michigan, Saturday, noon, BTN
Dan Murphy: Defensive coordinator Don Brown says he's been preparing to stop Air Force's triple option since April. Thanks to a 62-0 win to start the year, the Falcons currently have the No. 1-ranked offense and No. 1-ranked defense in college football. That will change at the Big House. Michigan 31, Air Force 10

Mitch Sherman: Don’t put much stock in the Falcons’ opening game win over VMI. It was 62-0 and really not a fair fight. Look hard, though, at Michigan’s lackluster showing in a Week 2 win over Cincinnati. The Wolverines will be ready to play well this week. Michigan 35, Air Force 10

Tom VanHaaren: I’m with you guys, I think Michigan’s defense will be prepared for Air Force’s ground attack on Saturday. Michigan’s offense has been the center of attention, so this is probably a good bounce-back game to get everyone in sync and settled in. Michigan 42, Air Force 13

Wisconsin at BYU, Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Sherman: BYU continues its annual tradition of loading up on power programs in September. Losses to LSU and Utah ought to embolden the Cougars, but Wisconsin freshman running back Jonathan Taylor will extend his early-season success in Provo. Wisconsin 28, BYU 20

Murphy: The Badgers' first road test of the season comes in what would normally be an upset-alert environment at BYU. With quarterback Tanner Mangum dealing with an injured ankle and the rest of the Cougar offense struggling, though, Wisconsin should be just fine finishing its nonconference slate. Wisconsin 34, BYU 21

VanHaaren: Taylor is No. 7 in rushing yards among FBS backs through the first two games, and BYU ranks No. 88 in rushing yards allowed per game. Wisconsin should be able to get its offense rolling even though this is a road game. Wisconsin 31, BYU 17

Purdue at Missouri, Saturday, 4 p.m., SEC Network

Murphy: This may wind up as the most entertaining Big Ten game of the week. There should be a lot of points and a lot of big plays, but the Boilermakers will come up just shy of beating a Power 5 opponent for the second time in September. Missouri 42, Purdue 39

VanHaaren: I am boilering up, boiling up, boiled up? I don’t know, but coach Jeff Brohm already has made Purdue more exciting in two weeks than it has been in two seasons. I’m going to overreact and say Purdue wins this game. Missouri gave up 43 points to Missouri State, lost to South Carolina 31-13 and then fired the defensive coordinator. Purdue 38, Missouri 35

Sherman: Here arrives an early chance for Brohm to make a big statement with the Boilermakers and throw a scare into upcoming Big Ten foes. The setup is perfect, with quarterback David Blough starring in his role off the bench last week and Mizzou reeling after the ousting of defensive coordinator DeMontie Cross. Purdue 38, Missouri 31

Army at Ohio State, Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Fox
VanHaaren: It’s tough to think an Urban Meyer-led team sees the same problems persist for more than a few weeks in a row. Unfortunately for Army, the Buckeyes are probably looking to right the ship in a big way. This one will be lopsided in Ohio State’s favor. Ohio State 42, Army 10

Sherman: All is not well in Columbus. But you won’t see much trouble brewing this week. The Buckeyes’ dominant D-line will handle Army’s ground game. Offensively for Ohio State, look for J.T. Barrett to bounce back. Most interesting, perhaps, will be the play of backup quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Ohio State 42, Army 7

Murphy: The Black Knights (2-0) have completed a grand total of two passes for 17 yards so far this season. That should be a welcome break for the Buckeyes' beleaguered secondary, and a bad matchup for Army. Ohio State 45, Army 3

Other games:

  • USF over Illinois

  • Nebraska over NIU

  • Minnesota over Middle Tennessee

  • Iowa over North Texas

  • Penn State over Georgia State

  • Northwestern over Bowling Green

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