Big Ten: Orton Express heads to South Bend

Zach Silka

September 29, 2004

No. 15 Purdue

at Notre Dame

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Place: South Bend, Ind.

Line: Purdue by 2

TV: NBC

Records: Purdue 3-0, 1-0 Big Ten, Notre Dame 3-1

What’s at stake: Purdue is looking for its first win at Notre Dame Stadium since 1974. Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham needs this win to shake recent criticism that he can’t consistently win big games with players he recruited.

Overview: The Purdue offense leads the nation with 49.3 points per game and is second in the country with 561.7 yards per game. The Boilermakers have outscored their opponents 148-37 this season, and Heisman candidate Kyle Orton averages 356 passing yards per game. But the Irish are riding a three-game winning streak after upsetting then-No. 8 Michigan at home three weeks ago. Notre Dame sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn is settling into his position after tossing four touchdown passes a week ago .

No. 19 Michigan

at Indiana

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: Bloomington, Ind.

Line: Michigan by 19

TV: ABC

Records: Michigan 3-1, 1-0, Indiana 2-2, 0-1

What’s at stake: The Wolverines cannot afford to overlook Indiana on the road like they did Iowa last season in their only loss. Indiana still is trying to regain the momentum from its upset of then-No. 24 Oregon three weeks ago.

Overview: The Wolverines start true freshmen at quarterback — Chad Henne — and running back — Mike Hart — but Indiana coach Gerry DiNardo said any advantage that may have given his team has worn off after four weeks of action. Henne looked flustered at Notre Dame, Michigan’s only other road game, and his offense disintegrated in the second half. After starting the season 2-0, Indiana has struggled, especially at defending the run. The Hoosiers’ defense allowed Michigan State quarterback Drew Stanton to rush for 134 yards and two touchdowns last week, and two Kentucky running backs rushed for more than 100 yards against the Hoosiers two weeks ago.

Penn State at No. 18 Minnesota

Time: 7 p.m.

Place: Minneapolis

Line: Minnesota by 14

TV: ESPN Plus

Records: Penn State 2-2, 0-1, Minnesota 4-0, 1-0

What’s at stake: Minnesota is looking for its second consecutive 5-0 start and its fourth straight win over Penn State. The Nittany Lions will try to limit their turnovers and develop depth at quarterback after injuries to Zack Mills and Michael Robinson.

Overview: The Gophers’ offense ranks third in the nation with 542.8 yards per game and is sixth in scoring with 44.2 points per game. They also are fourth in rushing with 332.2 yards per game, thanks to Marion Barber III and Laurence Maroney, who both average more than 125 yards per game. Penn State coach Joe Paterno said Tuesday that Mills is questionable with a mild shoulder separation. With Robinson out with a concussion, Chris Ganter and Anthony Morelli may be left to battle for the starting job.

Illinois at

No. 20 Wisconsin

Time: 1 p.m.

Place: Madison, Wis.

Line: Wisconsin by 15.5

TV: None

Records: Illinois 2-2, 0-1, Wisconsin 4-0, 1-0

What’s at stake: If the Badgers can find rhythm on offense to complement their tenacious defense, they could be one of the most dominant teams in the conference. Illinois hits the road for the first time this season and will be looking to keep it close.

Overview: Wisconsin starting tailback Anthony Davis will be back after missing three and a half games with an eye injury. The Badgers lead the nation with 4.8 points allowed per game and are second in total offense, surrendering just 190 yards per contest. Wisconsin defensive end Erasmus James leads the conference with five sacks and has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week the last two weeks. Illinois will be without its second-leading receiver, Ade Adeyamo, who broke his left leg last week.

Michigan State at Iowa

Time: 11 a.m.

Place: Iowa City, Iowa

Line: Iowa by 7.5

TV: ESPN Plus

Records: Michigan State 2-2, 1-0, Iowa 2-2, 0-1

What’s at stake: Michigan State is seeking its second consecutive 2-0 start in the Big Ten. Iowa will attempt to bounce back after two consecutive defeats.

Overview: The Spartans seem to have found stability and consistency on offense, and Drew Stanton appears fully healed from an offseason knee injury. Iowa needs to get its season back on track after getting clobbered at Arizona State and Michigan. Hawkeyes quarterback Drew Tate has not shown much poise, and the Iowa secondary has struggled.

Big Ten Overall

Team Record Record

Minnesota 1-0 4-0

Wisconsin 1-0 4-0

Purdue 1-0 3-0

Michigan 1-0 3-1

Michigan St. 1-0 2-2

Ohio St. 0-0 3-0

Illinois 0-1 2-2

Indiana 0-1 2-2

Iowa 0-1 2-2

Penn St. 0-1 2-2