Four Big Ten teams are in action this weekend – Penn State, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State.

The Big Ten has continued struggling out of conference, and now holds an 11-16-5 record against non-Big Ten opponents. When you exclude the five wins against Atlantic Hockey opponents, the record drops to 6-16-5.

Michigan State and Minnesota are on byes.

Wisconsin vs. Arizona State: Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. CT; Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. CT

The still winless Badgers host fledgling Division I program Arizona State. The Sun Devils do have a win, a 2-1 decision against Alaska on Oct. 9. After that, Arizona State took a trip out East that resulted in three straight losses by a combined score of 13-1. The Sun Devils have four Division I losses this season.

Wisconsin tied and lost to Ferris State last week, dropping a 2-1 contest after engaging in a 5-5 shootout. The Badgers are still struggling, and have a young roster plus a young goaltender. Matt Jurusik has started the last three games and played in the five of six contests and has played well in net.

The Badgers are by no means a Quinnipiac, but they’ve shown improvement from last year’s squad.

Prediction: Wisconsin sweeps

Michigan vs. Robert Morris: Oct. 30 at 7:35 p.m.; Oct. 31 at 3:05 p.m.

The Wolverines return home to face Robert Morris. Michigan is undefeated on the season, with two wins over Mercyhurst, a win over RPI and a tie against Union. Michigan has averaged 4.75 games so far and carries one of the nation’s best offenses.

The Colonials are also undefeated after earning a win and tie against both Air Force and Niagara. This is Robert Morris’ first non-conference series. While the Colonials are one of the better teams in Atlantic Hockey, Michigan has a very powerful offense that’s difficult to stop.

Prediction: Michigan sweeps

Ohio State vs. Mercyhurst: Pct. 30 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 at 4 p.m.

The Buckeyes are still winless this season. They are on a six-game losing streak but have faced a tough out-of-conference schedule against Bowling Green, Miami and Providence. Ohio State’s offense has struggled as well, but scored four times in its last loss. Matt Tomkins has startd the last five games for Ohio State and has a .902 save percnentage.

Mercyhurst travels to Ohio after sweeping Army. The Lakers’ only out-of-conference win came in a wild 9-7 victory over Colgate on opening weekend. Against Michigan, its only other Big Ten foe this season, Mercyhurst dropped a 6-4 and 3-2 decision.

While the Buckeyes haven’t had amazing offensive success, there’s still talent on the front end. Ohio State should be able to pull out its first win this weekend.

Prediction: Series split

Penn State vs. St. Lawrence: Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.

The Nittany Lions have one of the best offenses in the country, but their goals per game reflects on their strength of schedule so far. The Nittany Lions have defeated Notre Dame, AIC and Canisius.

St. Lawrence will probably be the biggest test for Penn State so far with a strong defense and a strong netminder in Kyle Hayton in net. The Saints allow two goals per game, tied for 9th in the nation, and Penn State may not be able to continue its offensive outbreak. St. Lawrence has four wins on the season, including a 5-3 victory over Miami.

(Note – St. Lawerence is opting for the freshman Art Brey in net on Thursday.)

Prediction: Series split

Thursday, October 29th, 2015 - 5:44 pm | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings