INSIDE THE NUMBERS

No. 25 Wisconsin at No. 19 Iowa

The reflex is to make Michigan-Ohio State the game of the week when it comes around each year, if only for the rivalry’s rich vein of storylines.

“The Game” has been canceled because of an increase in COVID-19 cases at Michigan.

That’s OK. WisconsinIowa was going to be the best game in the Big Ten this week even if Michigan-Ohio State were played.

Iowa (5-2, 5-2 Big Ten) has won five straight for the first time since going 12-0 in 2015. Wisconsin (2-2, 2-2) has battled the virus and poor offensive play and still is only a one-point underdog on the road.

That’s because the Badgers’ defense is as good as any in the country. Wisconsin will be the biggest challenge to date for Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras.

He benefits from Iowa having a strong defense, too. Still, he’s going to have to be at his best to beat Wisconsin in what should be a close and lowscoring game.

BEST MATCHUP

Illinois defensive end Owen Carney Jr. vs. Northwestern offensive line. Carney is tied for the Big Ten lead with five sacks and has seven tackles for loss. Northwestern’s offense struggles to generate yards, and if Carney is disruptive, that gives Illinois its best chance to win the Land of Lincoln Trophy.

Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown is tied for first in the FBS with five interceptions, including four in the last three games . ... Rutgers plays Maryland looking for its third Big Ten win, which would equal the program high set in 2014 and 2017. ... Illinois has started four quarterbacks for the first time since the program’s starters records began being tracked in 1975 . ... Nebraska’s Connor Culp has made nine consecutive field goals heading into the Minnesota game. Culp is 12 for 13 this season.

IMPACT PLAYER

Penn State running back Keyvone Lee goes into the game against Michigan State having rushed for 229 yards the last two weeks. Penn State has run for more than 200 yards in two straight games, and the Spartans have been vulnerable against strong running teams.