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We have an extremely light schedule this week. There are only four games as six teams are enjoying their second bye of the season. None of the four seem especially compelling.
#14 Michigan (6-2, 3-2) at Maryland (3-5, 1-4) Noon, ABC
As fun as a Maryland upset would be, the Terrapins are one of the most exposed teams in America from the first two weeks of the season. Their two blowout wins and brief appearance in the top 25 seems like a distant memory now. At least they were kind enough to be good guests to Purdue on homecoming. Michigan 42, Maryland 17
Nebraska (4-4, 2-3) at Purdue (2-6, 1-4) Noon, FOX
I no longer have any idea what to think about this team. Whenever I get confident about them, they disappoint like last week. When I think they look awful, they come out and surprise. I guess that is part of playing so many mercurial freshmen. The bottom line is that we’re down to our last shot at bowl eligibility. We have to win the next four, and that includes a stunning upset in Madison. I think we find a way to keep hope alive for at least another week. I hope I am right. Purdue 31, Nebraska 28
Rutgers (2-6, 0-5) at Illinois (4-4, 2-3) 3:30pm, BTN
On the Banks Preview
Rutgers returns to Big Ten play and this is probably the deciding game in their quest to be the worst team in conference play during the modern era. They need 62 points total in the final four games. Illinois is definitely playing a lot better and now has some pretty solid bowl game hopes after winning two in a row. Illinois 28, Rutgers 7
Northwestern (1-6, 0-5) at Indiana (6-2, 3-2) 7pm, Fox Sports 1
Crimson Quarry Preview
Not only is Indiana already bowl eligible, they might even crack the top 25 this week for the first time in a quarter century. Northwestern is really, really bad offensively no matter who plays at quarterback. Even Rutgers has managed to put up some points against cupcakes to this point. The Hoosiers roll in this one. Indiana 34, Northwestern 10