Rivalry has added meaning

Jim Martinho

November 7, 2002

Michigan at Minnesota

Time: 6:45 p.m.

Place: Minneapolis

Line: Michigan by 6 1/2

TV: ESPN2

Records: Michigan (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten), Minnesota (7-2, 3-2)

What’s at stake: The Wolverines have held the Little Brown Jug for the past 13 years and 21 of the last 22 years.

Overview: Minnesota leads the Big Ten and ranks ninth in the nation in rushing despite being shut down in a 34-3 loss at Ohio State last week. Terry Jackson II has rushed for 1,079 yards on the season. No. 13 Michigan will attack the Golden Gophers through the air with quarterback John Navarre and receiver Ronald Bellamy, who caught five passes for 132 yards last week against Michigan State. Minnesota’s defense is second in the Big Ten in total defense (315.4 yards a game).

Ohio St. at Purdue

Time: 11 a.m.

Place: West Lafayette, Ind.

Line: Ohio State by 6 1/2

TV: ABC

Records: Ohio State (10-0, 5-0), Purdue (4-5, 2-3)

What’s at stake: The Boilermakers need to win two of their final three games to become bowl eligible.

Overview: The No. 3 Buckeyes’ defense held Minnesota to just 112 total yards last week and hasn’t allowed a second-half score in the last three weeks. Purdue is coming off a bye week after rushing for 409 yards in its last game, a 42-13 win over Northwestern. The Boilermakers are averaging 449.3 total yards per game, best in the Big Ten.

Illinois at Wisconsin

Time: 11:10 a.m.

Place: Madison, Wis.

Line: Wisconsin by 6 1/2

TV: None

Records: Illinois (3-6, 2-3), Wisconsin (6-4, 1-4)

What’s at stake: Both teams have a chance to become bowl eligible. The Badgers need one more win while the Fighting Illini must win out.

Overview: Jon Beutjer regained Illinois’ starting quarterback job and probably will start for the rest of the season. Senior running back Antoineo Harris needs 68 yards to reach 1,000 for the season. Wisconsin linebacker Alex Lewis had 13 tackles (four for losses) in last week’s loss to Iowa.

Michigan St. at Indiana

Time: Noon

Place: Bloomington, Ind.

Line: Indiana by 2 1/2

TV: None

Records: Michigan State (3-6, 1-4), Indiana (3-6, 1-4)

What’s at stake: Former offensive coordinator Morris Watts makes his debut as the Spartans’ head coach.

Overview: Michigan State wide receiver Charles Rogers became the first Big Ten receiver to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark with 102 yards last week. Indiana ran for a season-high 232 yards last week behind a pair of 100-yard performances. Hoosiers linebacker John Kerr leads all Big Ten freshmen with 81 tackles.

Virginia at Penn State

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: State College, Pa.

Line: Penn State by 15

TV: ABC

Records: Virginia (6-3, 4-2 ACC), Penn State (6-3, 3-3 Big Ten)

What’s at stake: The Nittany Lions will try to avenge a 20-14 loss to Virginia last season that cost them a bowl game.

Overview: Penn State’s Larry Johnson leads the Big Ten in rushing with 1,221 yards and 7.1 yards per carry. Virginia’s offense revolves around quarterback Matt Schaub, who has competed 68 percent of his passes for 2,093 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Big Ten Overall

Team Record Record

Iowa 6-0 9-1

Ohio St. 5-0 10-0

Michigan 4-1 7-2

Minnesota 3-2 7-2

Penn St. 3-3 6-3

Purdue 2-3 4-5

Illinois 2-3 3-6

Wisconsin 1-4 6-4

Michigan St. 1-4 3-6

Indiana 1-4 3-6