Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

48° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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One-loss wonders face off

Badgers battle Nittany Lions for conference supremacy (Big Ten Preview)

No. 14 Wisconsin at No. 10 Penn State

Penn State

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: State College, Penn.

TV: ABC

Line: Penn State, -10

Records: Wisconsin (8-1, 5-1 Big Ten), Penn State (8-1, 5-1)

What’s at stake: Pretty much everything.

Overview: With only one game left for both of these teams after this week, the winner of this week’s match up will be in first, and will likely have at least a piece of the Big Ten title. Ohio State lurks right behind with just one conference loss, but they also have an extra game to play. This could be an epic clash of a balanced Badger offense, led by conference-leading rusher Brian Calhoun, against a stingy Penn State defense. While they are missing freshman Derrick Williams, Penn State’s offense can not be discounted as the versatile Michael Robinson is likely to give Wisconsin’s defense fits.

Michigan State at Purdue

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: West Lafayette, Ind.

TV: ESPN Gameplan

Line: Michigan State, -5

Records: Michigan State (5-3, 2-3), Purdue (2-6, 0-5)

What’s at stake: A victory for Michigan State makes them bowl eligible. Purdue, already assured of its first losing season under Joe Tiller, tries for its first Big Ten win.

Overview: A win this week for the Spartans would finally qualify them for the postseason, a lot later than most expected. Michigan State got off to a 4-1 start, including a thrilling win against then-unbeaten Notre Dame, but soon the Spartans were mired in a three game slide. They ended the streak last week against Indiana, but need to be wary of Purdue, which is better than its record. The Boilermakers, who have played well in their last two games, will have to deal with the third best offense in the country, but they are solid, having held Wisconsin’s Brian Calhoun to a mere 62 yards two weeks ago.

Minnesota at Indiana

Time: 11:00 a.m.

Place: Bloomington, Ind.

TV: ESPN2

Line: Minnesota, -13

Records: Minnesota (5-3, 2-3), Indiana (4-4, 1-4)

What’s at stake: Minnesota is searching for that elusive sixth win. Indiana, not yet out of postseason contention, is also aiming for bowl eligibility.

Overview: At one point this year the Gophers and their vaunted rushing attack were 5-1, with seemingly no worries about the postseason. But after losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Minnesota has gone three weeks without a win. To become bowl eligible this week, the Gophers have to win at Indiana, not an easy task considering that the oft-maligned Hoosiers are 4-4. If Indiana can win two of its last three the Hoosiers will be eligible for their first bowl in 12 years.

Illinois at No. 12 Ohio State

Time: 2:30 p.m.

Place: Columbus, Ohio

TV: ESPN

Line: Ohio State, -34

Records: Illinois (2-6, 0-5), Ohio State (6-2, 4-1)

What’s at stake: Ohio State needs to beat Illinois to keep pace with the winner of Penn State and Wisconsin. Illinois needs a reason to travel for a few days.

Overview: To say the Illini have been bad this year is probably an understatement, and last week’s revelation that they will be put on probation for a year only adds insult to injury. The Buckeyes have lost only twice, once to conference leader Penn State, and once to Rose Bowl contender Texas. It is important for Ohio State to win in order to keep them in a first place tie in the conference, but don’t expect it to be difficult for them. This one shouldn’t be close, just look at the line.

Reach David Kalan at [email protected].

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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
One-loss wonders face off