Big Ten roundup: Spartans can disrupt run for roses

November 11, 2004

No. 4 Wisconsin

at Michigan State

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: East Lansing, Mich.

Line: Wisconsin by 8

TV: ABC

Records: Wisconsin 9-0, 6-0 Big Ten, Michigan State 4-5, 3-3

What’s at stake: Wisconsin is only two wins away from its first undefeated season since 1912. Michigan State must win its remaining three games to become bowl eligible.

Overview: The run-first offense in Wisconsin may be going the way of the Kyle Orton Heisman-candidacy train. Last week, quarterback John Stocco racked up career numbers in the passing game, throwing for 297 yards and one touchdown. But give credit to running back Anthony Davis, who rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns last week and has been a steady force since his return from an eye injury at the start of the season. The Spartans are riding a two-game losing streak after losing starting quarterback Drew Stanton to a separated shoulder two weeks ago. Backup Damon Dowdell has been decent but hasn’t provided same spark as Stanton.

No. 19 Iowa

at Minnesota

Time: 11 a.m.

Place: Minneapolis, Minn.

Line: Minnesota by 3.5

TV: ESPN

Records: Iowa 7-2, 5-1, Minnesota 6-4, 3-4

What’s at stake: The Hawkeyes can all but lock up a position in a New Year’s Day bowl with a win. In their final regular-season contest, the Gophers will attempt to send their seniors out with a victory in their final home game.

Overview: The Hawkeyes continue to prove the saying, “It doesn’t matter where you start. It’s where you finish.” Iowa is putting all the pieces together at the right time. After starting the season 2-2, the Hawkeyes followed up with a five-game winning streak. Quarterback Drew Tate is playing better than he has all season, and the Iowa defense, is ranked 10th in the nation. On the other hand, Minnesota started 5-0 but has dropped four of its last five games. Even the Gophers’ ever-potent running attack appears to be in shambles, with Laurence Maroney and Marion Barber III no longer ranked atop the conference in rushing.

Ohio State at Purdue

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: West Lafayette, Ind.

Line: Purdue by 4

TV: ESPN

Records: Ohio State 6-3, 3-3, Purdue 5-4, 2-4

What’s at stake: The Buckeyes just may be able to crawl back into a New Year’s Day bowl game after starting the conference season 0-3. Purdue still needs one more victory to even become bowl eligible.

Overview: Everyone in the Big Ten is taking note of Ohio State freshman Ted Ginn. He stars at wide receiver and special teams for the Buckeyes after being one of the most sought-after high school seniors in the nation last year. Ginn has already made a seamless transition to offense after starting the season at cornerback, and he also has tied the conference record for career punt returns for a touchdown with his third of the season last week. Starting with a loss to Wisconsin on Oct. 16, Purdue has lost four straight games and may be in jeopardy of missing a bowl after being ranked No. 5 earlier in the season. Quarterback Kyle Orton did not play last week because of injuries to his hips and is questionable for this week’s contest.

Penn State at Indiana

Time: 11 a.m.

Place: Bloomington, Ind.

Line: Penn State by 3.5

TV: ESPN Plus

Records: Penn State 2-7, 0-6, Indiana 3-6, 1-5

What’s at stake: The Nittany Lions will be trying to snap an eight-game conference losing streak dating back to last season. Indiana is playing for pride now after missing out on a potential bowl berth last week with a loss to Illinois.

Overview: Now that Illinois snapped its 14-game conference losing streak last week, that leaves Penn State as the bearer of the “biggest loser in the Big Ten” label. The struggles of the program in recent years have only added to the number of critics calling for Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s resignation. Indiana quarterback Matt LoVecchio should be back this week after he left last week’s game in the third quarter with a head injury. The Indiana defense will also be looking to shore up holes after allowing Illinois to come back in the waning moments.

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Big Ten Overall

Team Record Record

Wisconsin 6-0 9-0

Michigan 6-0 8-1

Iowa 5-1 7-2

NU 4-2 5-4

Michigan State 3-3 4-5

Ohio State 3-3 6-3

Minnesota 3-4 6-4

Purdue 2-5 5-4