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After two straight weeks where all 14 teams were in action this week we have a few byes. Ohio State has a week off to rest their weary hindquarters after getting thumped by our Boilermakers. Michigan and Rutgers are also off, while Nebraska filled its bye week with a last minute game against Bethune Cookman. It all starts tonight in Minneapolis.
Friday
Indiana (4-4, 1-4) at Minnesota (3-4, 0-4) 8pm, Fox Sports 1
This could be a bowl elimination game for the loser. Minnesota already lost a winnable game to Nebraska and probably has a long path to a bowl game with Illinois, Purdue, Northwestern, and Wisconsin after this. Indiana only needs two wins, but has Maryland, Michigan, and Purdue after this. The Hoosiers have been the better team overall, but have faded after a 3-0 start. They almost certainly need this win and I think they get it tonight. Indiana 24, Minnesota 20
Saturday
#20 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1) at Northwestern (4-3, 4-1) Noon, FOX
Speaking of elimination games, the winner of this one has the best chance to win the West. I say that because the winner will be 2-0 against the other three teams in the division that currently have one loss. Wisconsin has already beaten Iowa and Northwestern has beaten Purdue. Alex Hornibrook may also miss the game after getting a concussion last week. The Wildcats have shown a propensity to win ugly this year. Their four conference wins are by 20 points total. If they get this one they might just win the West. Wisconsin 27, Northwestern 21
Bethune Cookman (4-4) at Nebraska (1-6) Noon, BTN
As always, no Big Ten team has a valid excuse to lose to an FCS team. This game was a purchased win for the Cornhuskers. Plain and simple. Nebraska 56, Bethune Cookman 10
Purdue (4-3, 3-1) at Michigan State (4-3, 2-2) Noon, ESPN
Dare we dream? Can we win the West? Can Purdue be ranked some time Sunday afternoon? With a win in this game both things are possible. Purdue seems like a team built to beat the Spartans. Their defense can’t defend the pass and we’re passing as well as anyone in America. Their offense is not built for a comeback. If Purdue gets ahead early I don’t see Michigan State having enough firepower to make a comeback. Purdue 31, Michigan State 17
#18 Iowa (6-1, 3-1) at #17 Penn State (5-2, 2-2) 3:30pm, ESPN
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Here is the game of the day in the league and, if you’re a Purdue fan, you want Penn State to win. A second loss for the Hawkeyes gives Purdue more of a cushion in the West race, especially if they get a third loss later on to Northwestern. Iowa has looked really good in recent weeks while I don’t think Penn State is as good as their record indicates. They seem set up for a big fall, especially after barely escaping Indiana last week. Iowa 27, Penn State 21
Illinois (3-4, 1-3) at Maryland (4-3, 2-2) 3:30pm, BTN
The Terrapins are somehow still in bowl contention and can get a game away from that with a win over an Illinois team that looks broken. The Illini flat out cannot throw the ball at all. They can run it, however. Will that be enough after Maryland forgot to play offense last week? I don’t think so. The Illini are just flat out bad. Maryland 30, Illinois 17