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We have a full slate of B1G action this week, though there are two non-conference games of varying interest. One if the renewal of an old rivalry between Michigan and Notre Dame, which has helped decide national titles. The other is Rutgers against Liberty, which is definitely a college football game happening this weekend.
#13 Wisconsin (6-1, 3-1) at #3 Ohio State (7-0, 4-0) Noon, FOX
This looked like a Big Ten title game preview until a week ago. Now is Wisconsin definitely still favored in the West? Could they drop a game to Iowa? Minnesota? Even a Purdue team that gets Rondale Moore and Elijah Sindelar back by then? These are questions that need to be asked when you lose as a 31-point favorite to Illinois of all teams. The Buckeyes are going to win this because they look excellent at the moment, and that opens the door for Iowa and Minnesota. Ohio State 35, Wisconsin 24
#20 Iowa (5-2, 2-2) at Northwestern (1-5, 0-4) Noon, ESPN2
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Iowa can move the ball a little, kick a lot of field goals, and rely on a solid but not spectacular defense. Northwestern is completely averse to throwing the football. For a team with a 5-star quarterback they have the worst passing offense in the Big Ten (TWO PASSING TOUCHDOWNS!), and this year the defense is not up to the task of bailing them out. Ferentz might try to win this game with three safeties. Iowa 17, Northwestern 7
Illinois (3-4, 1-3) at Purdue (2-5, 1-3) Noon, BTN
The schedule gets significantly easier this week, but Illinois is still a little scary after what they did last week. Fortunately, Jeff Brohm knows how to take care of antiquated cover 2 defenses. Last season Purdue fell behind 7-0, then torched them for 46 unanswered points on its way to an easy win. I think Illinois is still Illinois despite last week, and Purdue gets rolling at home on its way to a bowl comeback. Purdue 38, Illinois 24
Liberty (5-2) at Rutgers (1-6) Noon, BTN Alternate
You can tell this is the “We’re contractually obligated to broadcast this game in some form” game when it is on the Big Ten alternate channel opposite Purdue-Illinois. Would anyone complain if it were moved to BTN Plus? Rutgers is so bad it is a touchdown home underdog to Crazy Fundamentalist Evangelical University. At least they don’t have to worry about another Big Ten shutout this week. Liberty 24, Rutgers 21
#6 Penn State (7-0, 4-0) at Michigan State (4-3, 2-2) 3:30pm, ABC
It’s Land-Grant Trophy time! The Nittany Lions have been very business-like so far and they just dismissed Michigan this week. This is a bit of a trap game with a surprisingly tough trip to Minnesota next week. Michigan State, like so many other teams in the league, is quite offensively challenged. I don’t think they can catch up to KJ Hamler. Penn State 24, Michigan State 17
Maryland (3-4, 1-3) at #17 Minnesota (7-0, 4-0) 3:30pm, ESPN
Maryland is not a good team. Minnesota has gotten it done and while I don’t think they will win the West because of a tough four game stretch to close the year, A 10-win season is very possible. The Gophers should hold serve at home in this one before Penn State comes to town. Minnesota 37, Maryland 14
Indiana (5-2, 2-2) at Nebraska (4-3, 2-2) 3:30pm, BTN
It will shock you to know that Indiana leads the all-time series with Nebraska 9-8-3. What’s even more shocking is that it opened as a road favorite this week. It is only the second time these two have played since Nebraska joined the Big Ten and Indiana hasn’t won since 1959, but the Hoosiers could win this one. Nebraska seems like a mess at the moment and this is the game that could fully tip them over. Indiana 27, Nebraska 24
#8 Notre Dame (5-1) at #19 Michigan (5-2) 7:30pm, ABC
It is the game between two fanbases full incapable of enjoying watching their respective programs. These two don’t celebrate their success, they mourn it. Neither team has won a national title in 20+ years, but they demand to be right there as a blueblood. That said, I still hate Notre Dame than I do Michigan. I would love for the Wolverines to win, but Notre Dame is an excellent team and Michigan’s offense blows. Notre Dame 27, Michigan 24