No. 9 Ohio State at No. 17 Michigan
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Place: Ann Arbor, Mich.
TV: ABC
Line: Ohio State, -3
Records: Ohio State (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten), Michigan (7-3, 5-2)
What’s at stake: As if the history isn’t enough incentive, the winner gets at least a share of the Big Ten title and possibly a trip to a BCS bowl if Penn State loses to Michigan State.
Overview: In the most relevant rivalry of “rivalry week,” the Buckeyes and Wolverines don’t need to play for a peculiarly named trophy. As if the mutual hatred weren’t enough, there’s a share of the Big Ten title on the line for Ohio State, and a possible BCS bid for Michigan. With the Wolverines’ Mike Hart and LaMarr Woodley expected back, Troy Smith and the Buckeyes will be entering an electric Big House on senior day. Still, Jim Tressel has led Ohio State to four victories in its five meetings with Michigan during his tenure.
No. 5 Penn Stateat Michigan State
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Place: East Lansing, Mich.
TV: ESPN
Line: Penn State, -7.5
Records: Penn State (9-1, 6-1), Michigan State (5-5, 2-5)
What’s at stake: A win for the Nittany Lions brings them their second Big Ten championship and a trip to a BCS bowl. the Spartans hope to clinch a postseason berth.
Overview: Penn State and Michigan State have a lot more to worry about than a rivalry prize. After all, the Land Grant Trophy is slightly less legendary than its various predecessors since it’s only been around since 1993. But chances are Michael Robinson and Tamba Hali are more interested in a conference title than a bulky staTuesday, especially since a loss means they may not get a share of the championship and will lose a trip to a BCS bowl. Drew Stanton and company are probably on the same wavelength as they’re fighting to reach the postseason, but it won’t be easy against Penn State’s staunch defense.
Minnesota at Iowa
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Iowa City, Iowa
TV: ESPN2
Line: Iowa, -4
Records: Minnesota (7-3, 4-3), Iowa (6-4, 4-3)
What’s at stake: A pig. A bronze pig.
Overview: With Minnesota and Iowa already having clinched bowl berths and out of the conference race this game is more for pride than anything else. Pride takes shape in the Floyd of Rosedale, a statue of a pig that the two schools have fought for since 1935. The Gophers may be a little more eager to win the swine since they’ve lost the last four meetings in this series, but there is also bowl positioning at stake as the teams’ final records will determine their postseason destinations. After two narrow losses in the last three weeks, the Hawkeyes will want more to show for their season than a flight to Detroit.
Purdue at Indiana
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Place: Bloomington, Ind.
TV: ESPN 360
Line: Purdue, -13
Records: Purdue (4-6, 2-5), Indiana (4-6, 1-6)
What’s at stake: The Old Oaken Bucket and not much else.
Overview: Don’t be fooled by the records of the teams in this rivalry. The bragging rights are so important in Indiana that Hoosiers coach Terry Hoeppner has had former players drive to Bloomington to make sure he understands the gravity. Of course in the end what the winner really gets is the Old Oaken Bucket. This is fitting since a rotting wooden pail is probably about as valuable as a ticket to this game. But don’t tell that to the Hoosiers and the suddenly resurgent Boilermakers, who just three weeks ago were merely trying to finish the season without anyone dying. They’ve been playing for the century-old receptacle since 1925, and its been kidnapped several times in the interim. Some people really need a place to put their trash. Ironic, isn’t it?
