IN FOCUS
WISCONSIN AT MICHIGAN STATE
Forget finesse. A slugfest looms between two of the nation’s most physical teams.
“We’ve got good players, and they dream of these opportunities,” Spartans coach Mike Dantonio said. “They’re not afraid to step into the light.”
Michigan State quarterback Tyler O’Connor isn’t always flashy, but he’s efficient. The fifthyear senior is 2-0 as a starter on the road.
The No. 8 Spartans offensive line was rock solid in the win at Notre Dame, and RB Gerald Holmes took advantage for a 100-yard, two-touchdown day. Now Michigan State faces the Big Ten’s second-best run defense and the overall best defense.
Michigan State (2-0) has national title aspirations. Winning at Notre Dame was a start.
“We needed to measure up, and I thought we did,” Dantonio said. “We take it from here and start to develop an identity.”
Tenth-ranked Wisconsin (3-0) needs a healthy Corey Clement at tailback, which is why coach Paul Chryst rested him and his sore ankle against Georgia State. Michigan State has the Big Ten’s No. 1 run defense, allowing 72.0 yards per game
Do the Badgers have a quarterback controversy? Backup Alex Hornibrook took over for Bart Houston in the second half to lead the win against Georgia State. He was 8-for-12 for 122 yards.
“I thought we needed a spark,” Chryst said.
As far as who will start against Michigan State, Chryst said, “Bart’s our starter right now. I’m proud of what Alex did. I’m not planning anything other than appreciating this win.”
IOWA AT RUTGERS
Saturday, noon, ESPN2
Iowa’s stunning home loss to Football Championship Subdivision power North Dakota State severely hurts its College Football Playoff hopes. The No. 25 Hawkeyes (2-1) must restore a run defense that got gashed for 239 yards.
Quarterback C.J. Beathard can handle the offensive load, but he needs more help from the running game than he got against North Dakota State. Iowa had 34 yards on 25 carries.
Rutgers WR Janarion Grant threw for a touchdown and returned a punt for a score as the Scarlet Knights (2-1) beat New Mexico. He’s among the Big Ten leaders in catches (15), punt returns (16.0 yards) and kickoff returns (32.5 yards).
Inconsistent QB Chris Laviano might share time with Zach Allen.
COLORADO STATE AT MINNESOTA
Saturday, noon, ESPNU
Minnesota (2-0) is coming off a bye. The growing chemistry between QB Mitch Leidner and WR Drew Wolitarsky is huge. In their last game, a win against Indiana State, they combined for eight catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.
Minnesota’s Ryan Santoso, one of the Big Ten’s best kickers over the last two years, has become one of the top punters.
His kicking replacement, Emmit Carpenter, is 4-for-4 on field goal attempts.
Colorado State (2-1) seems to have found its quarterback and its offense in freshman Colin Hill. He threw for 315 yards and four touchdowns in a win against Northern Colorado and added a 51-yard TD run. He sparked the kind of pass-run yardage balance (324-245) that coach Mike Bobo expects for the season.
NEVADA AT PURDUE
Saturday, noon, ESPNews
Purdue (1-1) has had a bye week to address two main issues that cost it against Cincinnati — too many interceptions and bad third-down defense.
QB David Blough has six interceptions against three touchdown passes, but coach Darrell Hazell continues to have faith in him. If Hazell doesn’t turn around fast, the coach might have to go with backup Elijah Sindelar, which would mean continuing the quarterback revolving door that has contributed to a 7-31 record over the last three-plus seasons.
Nevada (2-1) is led by RB James Butler, who averages 115.7 rushing yards. QB Tyler Stewart completes 64.2% of his passes for 154 yards per game.
PENN STATE AT MICHIGAN
Saturday, 3:30 p.m., ABC
Michigan has been a fourthquarter beast all season, which in part reflects an early schedule Saturday, 7:30 p.m., BTN
No. 20 Nebraska (3-0) is back in the national conversation after upsetting then-No. 21 Oregon, its first win against a ranked nonconference team in 15 years.
QB Tommy Armstrong is a threat to run and pass for more than 100 yards each. The defense, which has struggled in recent years, has made big stops.
Northwestern (1-2) finally got the quarterback play it needed from Clayton Thorson (320 yards, three touchdowns) in a win against Duke. The Wildcats, who have the Big Ten’s worst offense (17.3 points), need another strong performance. Northwestern allows 14.7 points, third best in the conference.
Pete DiPrimio Times Eastern