Adam Rittenberg is THE Big Ten football reporter for ESPN and always has a TON of information that he keeps Big Ten fans updated on as the stories hit. Now that I’ve built him and given him some respect, it’s time for me to throw the gauntlet down in terms of picking games–he picks games every Thursday, and I am going to start doing the same. Going into week six, Rittenberg has posted a 37-8 straight up record, while if you look at my stats, I have picked a 17-3 slate since the season began. Yes–that means I have an overall better percentage than he does–85 to 82!!

So, let’s see if the lowly Big Tenet, avid fan and would-be Jimmy the Greek (minus the racism), can upend the big and bad Adam Rittenberg! Here’s the link to his picks: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/ncfnation/0-2-664/Big-Ten-picks-for-Week-6.html

Adam’s pick: Michigan State 24, Iowa 23

Big Tenet’s pick: Michigan State 28, Iowa 17

Quick Comment: Michigan State defends the run well at home, and Iowa is still having problem with chemistry at QB. Ringer runs rampant again.

Rittenberg’s Pick: Minnesota 38, Indiana 31

Big Tenet’s Pick: Minnesota 42, Indiana 34

Quick Comment: Indiana can’t seem to stop anyone and Minnesota, while losing to Ohio State, showed heart in the 2nd half, something missing from last year.

Rittenberg’s Pick: Penn State 41, Purdue 27

Big Tenet’s Pick: Penn State 48, Purdue 24

Quick Comment: Simply the best team in the Big Ten at this point, the Nittany Lions just continue to roll, and after Purdue gives up 38 to a Notre Dame team that is not that great offensively, look for the Lions to feast.

Rittenberg’s Pick: Illinois 27, Michigan 24

Big Tenet’s Pick: Illinois 21, Michigan 17

Quick Comment: Michigan may have a bit of confidence now after beating Wisconsin, but their offense is still pathetic. The Wolverines will not be able to stop the Juice-Benn combo.

Rittenberg’s Pick: Ohio State 24, Wisconsin 21

Big Tenet’s Pick: Wisconsin 28, Ohio State 20

Quick Comment: The only game separating the Tenet and Rittenberg. I’ve already made my bigger commentary on the game on another post dedicated to that, check it out!