We've got a full slate of Big Ten conference games on Saturday, highlighted by two MONSTER Top-20 matchups. We're here to get you ready for a day of couch surfing with our Big Ten Weekend Preview -- Everything You Need To Know About Each Game On Saturday.
12:00 PM EST
#17 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at #20 Northwestern Wildcats (5-1, 1-1)
This boils down to a battle of Northwestern's running game (213 ypg, 2nd Big Ten) and Iowa's rush defense (78 ypg, 1st Big Ten). Wildcats RB Justin Jackson ran for 120 yards or more in four of the team's first five games, but finished with just 25 in Northwestern's 38-0 loss at Michigan last week. He'll need to get going again to hand Iowa their first loss.
Purdue Boilermakers (1-5, 0-2) at Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 1-1)
Purdue hasn't beat Wisconsin in 12 years. It doesn't look promising that they'll end said streak on Saturday sporting the league's worst run defense (215 ypg). The Boilermakers are a week removed from watching Minnesota hang up a 28-point third quarter in a 41-13 Gophers win. Wisconsin's offense has been spotty, but they should find a groove here.
3:30 PM EST
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2-3, 0-2) at Indiana Hoosiers (4-2, 0-2)
Both Indiana starting QB Nate Sudfeld and tailback Jordan Howard missed last week's 29-7 loss to Penn State because of ankle injuries. Their statuses are still up in the air, and Rutgers' chances of grabbing their first Big Ten win of the year likely hinge on whether or not they play. They still might not be able to upend Indiana either way considering that the Hoosiers have one of the most opportunistic defenses in all of college football (+9 turnover margin, 6th in nation).
#7 Michigan State Spartans (6-0, 2-0) at #12 Michigan Wolverines (5-1, 1-1)
Here's you Big Ten Game of the Day and one of three marquee Top-12 games on the college football slate this week (#10 Alabama vs. #9 Texas A&M, #8 Florida vs. #6 LSU). Michigan State QB and Heisman candidate Connor Cook has thrown for 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions this year, but he has an extremely tough task against a Jabrill Peppers/Jourdan Lewis-led secondary that's key three straight shutouts for the Wolverines. Whatever the outcome, this promises to be one of the most memorable rivalry games of the entire 2015 schedule.
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-4, 0-2) at Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-2, 1-1)
All four of Nebraska's losses have come on their opponent's final play, either in overtime or regulation. That's been the difference between Nebraska as a Big Ten (and College Football Playoff) contender and their current status in bowl-eligibility purgatory. Nebraska has more firepower on offense than Minnesota has, but they'll only be able to fully take advantage of it if they can finish late.
8:00 PM EST
Penn State Nittany Lions (5-1, 2-0) at #1 Ohio State Buckeyes (6-0, 2-0)
Penn State's chances for a massive upset comes down to the work in the trenches. On the defensive end, PSU leads the nation with 4.1 sacks per game. If they can get pressure on Cardale Jones and JT Barrett, they may be able to force some critical mistakes. On the other side, QB Christian Hackenberg will only go so far as his offensive line lets him. If they buckle against OSU's front seven, Ohio State wins this one going away.
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