Michigan’s chance for top spot
Considering everything that is on the line with Ohio State’s visit to Michigan, the Big House should be renamed the Huge House. If the Buckeyes beat the Wolverines for the ninth consecutive time they will win the East and advance to the Big Ten Championship game in Indianapolis. The same goes for UM if it can finally win The Game. Wisconsin has the inside track to the West title but Minnesota and Iowa remain possibilities. Don’t be surprised if Penn State wins at Michigan State, which is still smarting from its blowout loss in Columbus. Then there is hard-luck Nebraska, which just might be the best “At least we kept it close” team in the nation. It’s not much, Huskers fans, but better than nothing.
(Note: results from Friday’s game between Iowa and Nebraska are not included in team records)
1. Ohio State (10-1)
Last week:1
This week: at Michigan
What to know: The Buckeyes needed only two quarters to dismantle Michigan State. They’ll need three to put the Wolverines on ice. Slackers.
2. Michigan (10-1)
Last week:2
This week: vs. Ohio State
What to know: The Wolverines must choose wisely — focus on stopping OSU’S run game or passing attack? — if they are to escape with the Holy Grail that is a rare “W” in The Game.
3. Wisconsin (8-3)
Last week:3
This week: at Minnesota
What to know: The final step in what would be a remarkable season turnaround comes against a Gophers’ defense allowing an average of 17 points over the past five games.
4. Penn State (7-4)
Last week:6
This week: at Michigan State
What to know: Penn State smells blood in the water after Sparty got cut to pieces against Ohio State. Look for the Nittany Lions to feast.
5. Purdue (7-4)
Last week:4
This week: vs. Indiana
What to know: Purdue can’t win the West, but still can win bragging rights by turning the Hoosier State into the Boilermaker
State.
6. Michigan State (9-2)
Last week:5
This week: vs. Penn State
What to know: Mel Tucker is frantically searching for the instruction manual on how to better defend the pass. If he can’t find it, the Spartans will stumble for the second straight week.
7. Iowa (9-2)
Last week:7
This week: at Nebraska
What to know: We’re not saying the Hawkeyes are the Michigan State of the West (i.e. overrated) but, well, I guess we are saying that.
8. Nebraska (3-8)
Last week:8
This week: vs. Iowa
What to know: The 2021 Cornhuskers will be remembered for keeping games close.
9. Minnesota (7-4)
Last week:9
This week: vs. Wisconsin
What to know: The Golden Gophers row their boat off a waterfall and go down the drain against a tough-as-nails Badgers defense.
10. Rutgers (5-6)
Last week: 11
This week: vs. Maryland
What to know: The latest Battle of the Big Ten Add-ons ends with the Scarlet Knights showing Maryland who is boss.
11. Illinois (4-7)
Last week: 10
This week: vs. Northwestern
What to know: The Fighting Illini won’t go bowling this season but still roll close to a perfect game — for them anyway — against the woeful Wildcats.
12. Maryland (5-6)
Last week: 12
This week: at Rutgers
What to know: Someday the Terrapins will find a defense to go with what most years starts out looking like a dynamic offense. But this is not that day.
13. Northwestern (3-8)
Last week: 13
This week: at Illinois
What to know: Ending the season with six consecutive losses is a good way to blow away fan support.
14. Indiana (2-9)
Last week: 14
This week: vs. Purdue
What to know: The Hoosiers are about to go winless in the Big Ten.