Mich. St. (4-0, 0-0) at No. 9 Wisc. (4-0, 1-0)
Time: 2:30 p.m.
Place: Madison, Wisc.
Line: Wisconsin by 7.5
TV: ABC
What’s at stake: In a meeting between two of the four remaining undefeated Big Ten teams, something’s got to give. Without a doubt, Bret Bielema and his Badgers will be feeling the most pressure to keep the loss column spotless as they remain contenders for both the conference and national championships. But the rabid fan base of the upstart Spartans – led by rookie coach Mark Dantonio – will have their measuring sticks at the ready as Mich. St. faces its schedule’s toughest opponent.
Overview: Everyone in Lansing, Mich. is on the cusp of crowning Dantonio as its program’s savior after the Spartans start. But the Spartans have yet to face a secondary as fast and athletic as Wisconsin’s. Junior Brian Hoyer might have a little trouble raising his quarterback rating at its 140.5 mark. Focus on the match-up between the Badgers’ powerful o-line and the Spartan’s defensive front four. Wisconsin boasts an impressive 202.8 rushing yards per game with the always punishing P.J. Hill getting the bulk of the the carries. However, with Mich. St. averaging 5.25 sacks per game, look for junior Justin Kershaw and his fellow linemen to give the Badgers problems.
Indiana (3-1, 0-1) at Iowa (2-2, 0-1)
Time: 11:05 a.m.
Place: Iowa City, Iowa
Line: Iowa by 12
TV: BTN
What’s at stake: The Hawkeyes couldn’t have picked a better time for homecoming. Although the panic button hasn’t been pressed yet, Iowa is in desperate need of a win after falling to rival Iowa State and slipping up against Wisconsin last week. The Hoosiers are aiming to the play the role of spoilers during the celebration as they shoot for their first conference victory.
Overview: The game should be closer than the line indicates because of Iowa’s inefficiencies on offense and Indiana’s better-than-average defense. However, Iowa should be able to handle business with its running attack as Indiana gave up 217 yards to Illinois’ Rashard Mendenhall last week.
No. 21 Penn State (3-1, 0-1) at
Illinois (3-1, 1-0)
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Champaign, Ill.
Line: Penn State by 3
TV: BTN
What’s at stake: Although coach Paterno’s Nittany Lions’ don’t plan on playing with a basketball on Saturday, “rebound” is the name of the game against the Illini. Coach Ron Zook arrives back in Champaign, Ill., having collected two road wins and confidence for his young, unpolished squad. If “The Zooker” can keep his kids cool, there’s a possibility their streak could continue.
Overview: After dropping its ninth straight against Michigan last week, Penn State hopes to prove it deserves its current ranking by barreling over Illinois at Memorial Stadium. But it won’t be easy. No longer considered the Big Ten’s easiest pushover, the Illini have actually shown some fight so far this season. Having given up 153 yards to Mike Hart, tailback Rashard Mendenhall and his backfield compatriots aren’t exactly the types of runners the Lions’ defense is happy to see. Expect the score to be close.
No. 8 Ohio State
(4-0, 1-0) at
Minnesota (1-3, 0-1)
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Minneapolis, Minn.
Line: Ohio State by 23
TV: ESPN 2
What’s at stake: There is not much to brag about in Minnesota these days. The twins are below .500. The Vikings can’t find somebody to throw the ball. And the Gophers are doomed to be basement dwellers of the Big Ten. Well, at least Jay Thomas is leading the conference in kick return average!
Overview: The Buckeyes haven’t lost at the Metrodome since 1982 and don’t intend on being tripped up there this time around. After putting up 45 points in the first half against a lackluster NU D, look for those same monster
numbers against the Gopher’s pathetic defense that’s yielding 543.2 yards per game.
