The picks

Michigan at Iowa

MARC MOREHOUSE - Someone suggested spiking your hot chocolate with Southern Comfort. No. Go with tried and true peppermint schnapps. Iowa 19, Michigan 17

MIKE HLAS - Once, I took the train to Kinnick from Coralville. But I fell asleep and didn't wake up until it was rolling into Mount Pleasant. That made me mad. Iowa 24, Michigan 14

SCOTT DOCHTERMAN - Brady Hoke might want to grab a jacket today. It's a little chilly out there. Iowa 16, Michigan 13

SCOTT SAVILLE - The Hawkeyes are built for the Ice Bowl. Smash mouth football on the frozen tundra of Kinnick Stadium. Iowa 24, Michigan 14

BETH MALICKI - My favorite part of this time of year is that I get to say “Looks like cold, November rain,” when tossing to weather, and then giggle like a moron for the next three minutes. Iowa 27, Michigan 21

BOB BROOKS - Who would have thought in September that Iowa would be favored by 6? The running game will prevail over the 'Wolves. Iowa 21, Michigan 7

NICK PUGLIESE – Two good defenses, questionable offenses and wind-chill in the single digits add up to a no-offense day at Kinnick. Here's a vote for the home team. Iowa 10, Michigan 7

J.R. OGDEN – On one hand, Iowa isn't that good. On the other hand, neither is Michigan. Iowa 24, Michigan 18

JEFF JOHNSON – The sad part is there are lot of people around here who think Iowa is actually good. Iowa 24, Michigan 21 (OT)

SAM LOUWAGIE – Hawkeyes lose a heart-breaker. Michigan 20, Iowa 14

ROB GRAY – How much did the win at Northwestern do for the Wolverines? Not enough. Iowa 24, Michigan 20

Kansas at Iowa State

MOREHOUSE - This is a November night game at Jack Trice. This is where companies test long underwear. ISU 21, Kansas 13

HLAS - It will be so cold at this game tonight that when you ask someone if they're cold, they'll reply “Yes, I'm cold.” ISU 21, Kansas 20

DOCHTERMAN - This time the Big 12 gets the block-charge call right. ISU 90, Kansas 88

SAVILLE - The Clones are hungry for a win. The Cyclones still are playing hard for coach Rhoads and that will pay off with a win. ISU 28, Kansas 24

MALICKI - Speaking of cold, it's days like today I'm grateful I didn't choose TV sports journalism as a career. Those folks have to be outside shooting video, while the print people eat bonbons in the press box. ISU 38, Kansas 35

BROOKS - It will be cold in Ames, but the Cyclones should be able to heat it up and snap their losing streak. ISU 17, Kansas 7

PUGLIESE – Just when you thought the Cyclones had a chance at victory No. 2, the Jayhawks suddenly wake up. Kansas 24, ISU 20

OGDEN – This is a win for Paul Rhoads and a senior class that has shown class. ISU 28, Kansas 13

JOHNSON – You could give me tickets and $1,000, and I wouldn't go to this game. I'd tell you I was going just to keep the $1,000, but I wouldn't go. ISU 42, Kansas 41

LOUWAGIE – Miracle! ISU 27, Kansas 23

GRAY – Old-fashioned football with a touch of frostbite. ISU 10, Kansas 7

Wisconsin at Minnesota

MOREHOUSE - The Wisconsin Wife has practiced the Paul Bunyan Axe trophy run all week. She tripped once. I now have eight toes and half a nose. Wisconsin 42, Minnesota 21

HLAS - Jimmy Buffett never sings songs about November days spent sailing in Minnesota. It would be weird if he did. Because, who does that? Wisconsin 42, Minnesota 21

DOCHTERMAN - Hate week round II for the Gophers ends just like the first. As roadkill. Wisconsin 37, Minnesota 17

SAVILLE - This just in: Wisconsin is good. The Axe stays in Madtown for the 10th straight year. Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 14

MALICKI - I've recently switched to organic, non-homogenized whole milk in an effort to be healthy. Some blog told me to. I've gained three pounds. Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 17

BROOKS - Minnesota has been on a wonderful ride, but it's going to end here in the battle for the ax. Wisconsin may be the all-around best team in the Big Ten. Wisconsin 24, Minnesota 10

PUGLIESE – Both teams have been rolling, but this is the day the Gophers come down to earth. Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 17

OGDEN – Gophers have been a great story. Have been. Wisconsin 48, Minnesota 10

JOHNSON – Gophers are pretenders, like Iowa. Wisconsin 49, Minnesota 14

LOUWAGIE – Reality hits the Gophers hard. Wisconsin 42, Minnesota 17

GRAY – Badgers' punishing run game only outmatched by their more punishing defense. Wisconsin 30, Minnesota 13