The second-to-last weekend in Big Ten play features all six teams in action. The two biggest matchups will probably be between the Buckeyes and Wolverines and Wisconsin and Penn State. The Wolverines and Gophers are trying to hold onto their bye spots, while Penn State is trying to steal one.

I don’t think Minnesota will have any trouble beating Michigan State. Michigan, however, will have some trouble with Ohio State. And with Wisconsin’s it’s hard to tell – the weekend could be an easy sweep, or the Badgers could give the Nittany Lions trouble.

The Gophers have a seven-point lead over Penn State and Michigan has a six-point lead over the Wolverines.

Michigan vs. Ohio State: March 4 at 7:05 p.m.; March 6 at 3:05 p.m.

The big rivalry continues this weekend. This is a big series for the Buckeyes, who may be out of the running for a bye but have an opportunity to prevent Michigan from having that spot too. The Wolverines have lost just two games in February, both overtime losses.

The Wolverines and Buckeyes were engaged in a high-scoring affair last time, with a 5-5 tie and an 8-6 Michigan win. The Buckeyes don’t have the wins the Wolverines do, but Ohio State is unbeaten in its last three, including a win over Penn State. And they’ve played well against Minnesota. Ohio State also has a really dangerous offense.

Prediction: Series split

Minnesota at Michigan State: March 4 at 7:05 p.m.; March 5 at 7:05 p.m.

The Gophers have a one-point lead for first place. The Gophers managed to keep the spot after splitting last week’s series with the Wolverines. It was an overtime win from Hudson Fasching that returned the lead to Minnesota.

The Spartans just swept the Badgers last weekend. Michigan State has been winning more lately – including a 3-2 overtime win against Michigan. These two teams haven’t met since January, when the Gophers swept. This series may be a little closer than the last one.

Prediction: Minnesota sweeps

Wisconsin vs. Penn State: March 4 at 7 p.m. CT; March 5 at 7 p.m. CT

The last time these teams met, Penn State swept the series. The Nittany Lions won in overtime 4-3 before a convincing 4-1 win. The Badgers really struggled the second night. The Nittany Lions have won three out of their five games in February, including a win over Minnesota.

The Badgers are really inconsistent. They haven’t won a game in February, but have played in some close ones – including a 4-4 tie against Michigan and Ohio State, and a one-goal loss to Michigan State. I want to say the Badgers are a little better of late, but like I mentioned before, one weekend they can play well and they can struggle the next. So, who knows.

Prediction: Penn State sweeps

Friday, March 4th, 2016 - 9:00 am | Big Ten, Blogs, Notes, Thoughts, Ramblings