THE LOCALS
INDIANA AT NORTHWESTERN
The facts: 11 a. m., BTN, 720- AM.
The records: Indiana 3- 3, 1- 2
Big Ten; Northwestern 3- 3, 2- 1.
The line: Wildcats by 1 ½ .
The storyline: Thirty- eight points scored at Iowa. Then 54 at Michigan State. And two real, live victories for the Wildcats, whose season has been turned around. The defense still isn’t playing well enough, but quarterback Clayton Thorson — where did he come from? — is slinging it around like he has done it before. Now, if only NU can win a game in its own backyard. The Hoosiers are better, especially on the defensive side of the ball, than you’ve seen them in recent years. Steve Greenberg’s pick: Indiana, 27- 24.
ILLINOIS AT NO. 3 MICHIGAN
The facts: 2: 30 p. m., BTN, 670- AM.
The records: Illinois 2- 4, 1- 2
Big Ten; Michigan 6- 0, 3- 0.
The line: Wolverines by 36.
The storyline: Why is this game being played again? Maybe Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh will reveal a gracious side and not run up the score too terribly against an old pal from the NFL. The Illini should seek modest victories in this game. Score an offensive touchdown. Force at least three punts. Don’t let Michigan Heisman Trophy candidate Jabrill Peppers into the end zone. Survive three- plus hours and get the heck out of dodge. Stuff like that. Greenberg’s pick: Michigan, 49- 7.
BUFFALO AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS
The facts: 2: 30 p. m., ESPN3, 560- AM.
The records: Buffalo 1- 5, 0- 2 MAC; NIU 1- 6, 1- 2.
The line: Huskies by 21 ½ .
The storyline: Both defenses are bad, but Buffalo’s run ‘ D’ keeps seeking out new levels of awful. Opponents of the Bulls almost don’t even bother to try to pass the ball. Huskies running backs Joel Bouagnon and Jordan Huff should have some fun out there. And did we mention Buffalo also has the lowest- scoring offense in the conference? No excuse for losing this one, NIU.
Greenberg’s pick: NIU, 45- 24.