[UPDATE: The action has moved to a Live Blog located here.]
Two significant things have happened since we published our Wisconsin preview Friday morning and neither of them bode well for the Badgers.
First came word that the team's leading receiver, tight end Garrett Graham, is not likely to play. Yes, Beckum is definitely a better tight end, but anytime you lose your team's leading receiver, that's not a good thing.
Then news hit that the entire Badger Marching Band (Marching Badgers?) has been suspended from performing due to hazing by way of alcohol consumption and "inappropriate sexual behavior". They will not be playing tonight, marking the first time in at least 40 years that the marching band has been suspended from a game.
There must be something about those trips to Ann Arbor:
In October 2006, the university put the band on probation for seminude dancing, sexualized banter and hazing that occurred during a road trip to the University of Michigan.
The band is a huge part of the atmosphere at Camp Randall and this can only be classified as a bonus to the Buckeyes' chances.
Another night game means another long day of filled with the agonizing task of watching the game I love while plopped on my couch, remote in hand and beverages at the ready. The slate this weekend will probably go down as the worst of the season as there just aren't that many compelling matchups. Then again, I would watch Delaware battle Alcorn State on a Tuesday afternoon if I could. And you know there's another upset -- or three -- in there somewhere.
Illinois at Michigan, 3:30PM - ABC
Will Michigan be able to build on last weekend's comeback win? Will we see the dynamic Juice Williams that showed up against Missouri and Eastern Illinois or will we see the Juice Williams that was held under 200 yards passing and an four yards per carry like he was against Louisiana-Lafayette and Penn State? Will Steven Threet break another 50+ yarder off? So many questions and to top it off, I can't decide which one of these teams I would like to see humiliated more.
Kentucky at #2 Alabama, 3:30PM - CBS
These folks (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) will be going nuts for their beloved Crimson Tide and Bear Saban as they welcome the crew back to Bryant-Denny to take on an undefeated (and probably underrated) Kentucky team. The Tide resurgence rests squarely on the fact that they've been able to kick ass on both sides of the line. Look no further than the fact that through five games, they're out-rushing their opponents by a whopping 800 yards. The Wildcats will have their work cut out for them, but Baby Hartline is quietly putting together a pretty good season at quarterback at quarterback for Rich Brooks.
#14 Auburn at #16 Vanderbilt, 6:00PM - ESPN
College GameDay is coming to Vandy for the first time ever and it appears as if they had some trouble finding a location close to the venue. Fans are encouraged to "wear comfortable walking shoes". Tony Franklin's spread hasn't exactly been firing on all cylinders for Auburn, but the Tigers are getting the benefit of the doubt from Vegas entering the game as 4.5 point favorites. However, I don't think any of us would be surprised to see Vanderbilt win this one.
#23 Oregon at #10 USC, 8:00PM - ABC (West Coast)
The Ducks took out a tough loss to Boise State two weeks ago on Washington State last week to the tune of 63-14 (that score should ring bells associated with great pain and humiliation for Buckeye fans) last week. Today, it's USC's turn to vent, fresh off their own bad loss to Oregon State. The game is in LA and it's against a ranked foe, so you gotta love USC.
#4 Missouri at Nebraska, 9:00PM - CBS
Nebraska and the fighting Pelinis will have a great opportunity to put the new regime on the map. A lot of Buckeye fans are pulling for Bo and though they may have a tough time stopping Chase Daniel and that point-a-minute offense, he'll have the Cornhuskers ready. Ready or not, look for Missouri to get their first win in Lincoln in 30 years.
Kick back, have fun and stay soberish until at least 8PM and you should be golden. It's almost time for the Pryor and Beanie show.
