By Michael Schlossberg
No. 4 Mich. (6-0, 3-0) at Penn St. (4-2, 2-1)Time: 7:00 p.m.Place: University Park, Pa.Line: Michigan by 6.5TV: ABC
What’s at stake: In the Big Ten game of the week, Michigan can continue to emerge from Ohio State’s shadow with a convincing victory against a tough Penn State team, while Penn State can complicate matters in the Big Ten with an upset.Overview: Whenever Michigan and Penn State square off, people will notice. This year will be no different. Michigan has been playing among the best football in the nation over the last month. Penn State is coming off an emotional overtime victory against Minnesota and is anxious to take on Michigan at home. Michigan’s standout receiver Mario Manningham will not play this week, which could aid Penn State in its bid for a potential upset.
Minnesota (2-4, 0-3) at No. 25 Wisconsin (5-1, 2-1)Time: 11:00 a.m.Place: Madison, Wis.Line: Wisconsin by 8TV: ESPN
What’s at stake: Ranked for the first time all season, Wisconsin can validate its new Top-25 position with a strong showing, while Minnesota seeks to win its first conference game. Overview: Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa have been getting most of the attention, but Wisconsin has been flying under the radar all season long. And with four of their final six games at home, the Badgers could be sleepers. Minnesota’s winless Big Ten record is a bit deceiving, with the Golden Gophers playing tough in all of their losses. With a six-point loss to Purdue and a loss to Penn State on Saturday due to a missed extra point, Minnesota just as easily could be 2-1 heading into this game.
No. 15 Iowa (5-1, 2-1) at Indiana (3-3, 1-1)Time: 11:00 a.m.Place: Bloomington, Ind.Line: Iowa by 17.5TV: ESPN2
What’s at stake: Iowa is looking for an easy conference win on the road, while Indiana has an opportunity to carry over its momentum from last week’s comeback against Illinois.