Gophers seek surprise win

Jim Martinho

October 31, 2002

Minnesota at Ohio St.

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: Columbus, Ohio

Line: Ohio State by 13

TV: ABC

Records: Minnesota (7-1, 4-1 Big Ten), Ohio State (9-0, 4-0)

What’s at stake: The Golden Gophers bring a three-game winning streak into Columbus while the Buckeyes try to maintain their unbeaten record.

Overview: No. 23 Minnesota has run off its best record since 1961 due to a relatively soft schedule that will get much tougher — the Gophers’ last four opponents have a combined record of 29-6. Running back Terry Jackson II leads the conference in rushing yards per game and has run for more than 200 yards in his last two contests. The No. 4 Buckeyes’ defense was exceedingly stingy in last week’s win over Penn State, holding the Nittany Lions to just 68 yards in the second half. Tailback Maurice Clarett returns to the lineup after suffering a a shoulder stinger in the first half last week. WR/CB Chris Gamble was on the field for 95 plays against Penn State.

Wisconsin at Iowa

Time: 11:05 a.m.

Place: Iowa City, Iowa

Line: Iowa by 8

TV: ESPN

Records: Wisconsin (6-3, 1-3), Iowa (8-1, 5-0)

What’s at stake: Iowa won its biggest game of the season last week at Michigan behind quarterback Brad Banks, who threw for 222 yards and three touchdowns. Banks has 18 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season. Junior running back Fred Russell was held to 28 yards last week but needs just 75 yards to crack 1,000 yards for the season. Wisconsin defensive back Jim Leonhard leads the conference with six interceptions. Senior quarterback Brooks Bollinger will need to replicate last week’s three-touchdown performance against an Iowa run defense that allows just 2.1 yards per carry.

Michigan St. at Michigan

Time: 11:05 a.m.

Place: Ann Arbor, Mich.

Line: Michigan by 16

TV: ESPN2

Records: Michigan State (3-5, 1-3), Michigan (6-2, 3-1)

What’s at stake: Both teams are looking to get back in the winning column in this battle for in-state bragging rights.

Overview: The Wolverines look to rebound from last week’s loss to Iowa when they face the hapless Spartans. John Navarre is making his 25th career start after throwing for just 113 yards against the Hawkeyes. Michigan State’s defense has allowed opponents to complete just 46.8 percent of their passes. Damon Dowdell will start at quarterback for the Spartans in place of suspended Jeff Smoker.

Illinois at Penn St.

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: State College, Pa.

Line: Penn State by 14 1/2

TV: ESPN

Records: Illinois (3-5, 2-2), Penn State (5-3, 2-3)

What’s at stake: Illinois is trying to win three straight for the first time this season. The Fighting Illini bring the Big Ten’s most prolific offense into Happy Valley. Illinois averages 463.9 yards per game, tops in the Big Ten. Antoineo Harris has rushed for 175 yards in two straight games and Dustin Ward threw for 197 yards and two touchdowns last week. The Nittany Lions’ offense struggled last week, missing several chances for a game-winning score at Ohio State, but still averages 33.1 points per game. Running back Larry Johnson needs 58 yards to reach 1,000 for the year.

Big Ten Overall

Iowa 5-0 8-1

Ohio St. 4-0 9-0

Minnesota 3-1 7-1

Michigan 3-1 6-2

Illinois 2-2 3-5

Penn St. 2-3 5-3

Purdue 2-3 4-5

Wisconsin 1-3 6-3

Indiana 1-3 3-5

Michigan St. 1-3 3-5

NU 0-5 2-7