THE LOCALS

ILLINOIS AT PURDUE

The facts: 11 a. m., BTN, 670- AM.

The records: Illinois 2- 6, 0- 5 Big Ten; Purdue 3- 5, 1- 4 Big Ten.

The storyline: Gone, it seems, are the days when Purdue week waited as the most promising time on the Illini’s Big Ten schedule. The Boilermakers aren’t exactly killing it in Jeff Brohm’s first season as coach, but they’ve been so much more competitive than the Illini, it isn’t even funny. Come to think of it, it’s actually quite sad. The line: Boilermakers by 14.

Greenberg’s pick: Purdue, 31- 7.

WAKE FOREST AT NO. 3 NOTRE DAME

The facts: 2: 30 p. m., Ch. 5, 1000- AM.

The records: Wake Forest 5- 3, 2- 3 ACC; Notre Dame 7- 1.

The storyline: Linebacker Nyles Morgan said he was studying when ESPN unveiled the first playoff top four of the season Tuesday. Running back Josh Adams claimed not to have been near a TV. Linebacker Greer Martini pointed out that the Irish’s No. 3 ranking wouldn’t help them beat Wake Forest, and darn it if he wasn’t correct. But these are exciting times in South Bend. The line: Irish by 14.

Greenberg’s pick: Notre Dame, 34- 17.

NORTHWESTERN AT NEBRASKA

The facts: 2: 30 p. m., BTN, 720- AM.

The records: Northwestern 5- 3, 3- 2 Big Ten; Nebraska 4- 4, 3- 2 Big Ten.

The storyline: The Wildcats are coming off an overtime victory against Michigan State and the Huskers off a stirring comeback victory at Purdue. This is a tough one to forecast. Both quarterbacks have put up impressive numbers, but the Huskers’ receiving corps is easily better. The Wildcats can’t protect the passer. The Huskers can’t stop the pass. Neither team runs the ball well. But I’m rambling.

The line: Huskers by 1. Greenberg’s pick: Nebraska, 27- 24.