Michigan at Iowa
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Iowa City, Iowa
Line: Michigan by 3
TV: ABC
Records: Michigan (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten), Iowa (4-1, 0-1)
What’s at stake: For No. 9 Michigan, Saturday’s game marks a chance to get back on track against a top-notch opponent. The No. 23 Hawkeyes are looking to rebound from last week’s disappointing loss to Michigan State.
Overview: The Wolverines haven’t played well for two weeks, losing to Oregon and beating Indiana in unspectacular fashion, while committing four first-half turnovers. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes’ defense, heralded as one of the nation’s best , was torn apart by Michigan State in the first quarter. Iowa still ranks as the Big Ten’s best scoring defense with an average of 10.6 points allowed per game, but Michigan’s ‘D’ is right behind them with an 11.6 average. An intriguing battle promises to be Perry — the Big Ten’s rushing leader — going up against Iowa linebacker Chad Greenway, the conference’s leading tackler.
Illinois at Purdue
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: West Lafayette, Ind.
Line: Purdue by 13 1/2
TV: ESPN
Records: Illinois (1-4, 1-0), Purdue (3-1, 0-0)
What’s at stake: If No. 22 Purdue wins its conference opener, Joe Tiller will become the second coach in school history to win 50 games. Illinois hopes to snap a three-game losing streak.
Overview: The Boilermakers have gone 6-0 in Big Ten openers under Tiller. Purdue has looked sharp thus far in its first four-game homestand since 1893. Despite the Illini’s record, Illinois boasts the conference’s top passing offense. Illinois running back E.B. Halsey has been one of the nation’s best true freshmen, but the Illini defense has been a liability, ranking 10th in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin at Penn St.
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: State College, Pa.
Line: Wisconsin by 1 1/2
TV: ESPN Plus
Records: Wisconsin (4-1, 1-0), Penn State (2-3, 0-1)
What’s at stake: A win is key for Wisconsin to stake its claim as one of the Big Ten’s best. The Nittany Lions are still searching for a victory against a legitimate opponent.
Overview: On paper, Wisconsin possesses a varied offensive attack. Lee Evans — the Big Ten’s top receiver with 93.4 yards per game — commands the respect of opposing defenses. Nevertheless, the Badgers haven’t strayed from the running game, running the ball 63 times against Illinois and 50 times against North Carolina. Running backs Anthony Davis, Dwayne Smith and Booker Stanley have each posted 100-yard games this season. Penn State freshman running back Austin Scott has been a pleasant surprise for, rushing for 343 yards and five touchdowns. Zack Mills and backup Michael Robinson have struggled, posting quarterback ratings of 84.7 and 79.2 respectively.
Indiana at Michigan St.
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: East Lansing, Mich.
Line: Michigan State by 15 1/2
TV: ESPN Plus
Records: Indiana (1-4, 0-1), Michigan State (4-1, 1-0)
What’s at stake: Following their upset of Iowa, the Spartans will try to avoid a letdown. With a win, the Hoosiers could climb out of the Big Ten basement.
Overview: Michigan State is on a roll. Quarterback Jeff Smoker has been one of the conference’s best, boasting a quarterback rating of 133.3 and 1,150 passing yards. Spartans linebacker Mike Labinjo was named co-defensive player of the week for his four-tackle, one-sack, one-interception effort last week. As for Indiana, things could hardly get worse: the Hoosiers rank 10th in the Big Ten in total offense and last in total defense.
