Red-hot Wisconsin is off this weekend which means a slate of just three Big Ten contests. The marquee of the weekend will be the battle between Minnesota and Michigan in Ann Arbor, but the other two series have compelling storylines of their own.

As expected, a weekend full of Big Ten matchups was about as predictable as a coin flip, but I still managed to come out on top thanks to a Minnesota-Duluth shootout win. I think I’ll fare better this week, but with only six total games, there’s not much room for error. As always, let me know your thoughts on the picks in the comments.

Last week’s results: 5-3 Season Total: 42-13

Penn State at Michigan State

Michigan State is coming off a dominating performance against OSU last weekend and returning home, where they are undefeated, to take on Penn State. A week ago, the Nittany Lions looked out-of-whack against an improved, but still struggling, Notre Dame squad. Catching Michigan State after a surge of momentum and on the road is not a recipe that the Lions can stomach. I think they’ll show some fight, but the Spartans ultimately prevail. Prediction: MSU 2-0

Ohio State at Notre Dame

This is an intriguing matchup, but for all the wrong reasons. With the way these two teams are trending, a sweep will put the loser on the fast-track to the basement of the conference. Ohio State did not play well last week, but has shown the ability to control tempo and flow in previous weeks. Notre Dame plays a similar, slightly more aggressive style that will leave them open to mistakes. I think the Buckeyes win a close one and lose one after letting it get out of hand late. Prediction: Split 1-1

Minnesota at Michigan

Two titans of the college hockey world collide this weekend and battle for second-place behind Wisconsin. Both teams have already been swept by the Badgers so I can’t use that one as a measuring stick. The Wolverines possess the firepower to beat anyone and Minnesota has looked inconsistent and susceptible to potent offenses in prior games. Look for Michigan to get the job done at home, but the Gophers to give them all they can handle. Prediction: Michigan 2-0