There’s a headline game in the Big Ten this weekend…and some other games, too.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Washington (3-3, 0-3) at Purdue (3-3, 2-1), 8 p.m. on FOX
Details: Who is the more surprising 0-3 Big Ten team? Washington or Penn State? Well, the Huskies travel west to take on a Purdue team that suddenly has momentum after winning back-to-back Big Ten conference games. Last week, the Boilers emerging offense shelled Minnesota at Ross-Ade Stadium. Can the Boilers do that again and put themselves in discussion for a bowl game?
Line: PUR -3.5, Total 50.5
Should I watch this one: Yes. These are Penn State’s next two opponents and it will be top notch football weather in West Lafayette.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
No. 4 Ohio State (5-1, 3-0) at No. 5 Indiana (6-0, 3-0), 12 p.m. on FOX
Details: It’s the biggest game of the Big Ten season to date and a rematch of last year’s Big Ten title game in Indianapolis. Ohio State missed a late field goal and the Hoosiers bled out the final few minutes of clock on their way to the conference title. A lof of the names have changed, but Curt Cignetti’s group will be tasked with trying to slow Heisman favorite Jeremiah Smith. Meanwhile, Indiana has looked beatable in recent close wins against Northwestern and Nebraska. They’ll have a big home field advantage as Indiana has yet to lose at home under Cignetti.
Line: OSU -3.5, Total 50.5
Should I watch this one: Absolutely 100 percent yes.
No. 25 Northwestern (4-1, 1-1) at Michigan State (2-4, 0-3), 12 p.m. on Peacock
Details: The Wildcats face their former coach. Northwestern has climbed into the rankings, partly thanks to its rout of Penn State to open the new Ryan Field. Meanwhile, Michigan State is coming off an overtime home loss to Illinois. Along with UCLA, it’s easy to say that Northwestern is the good surprise of the conference. Their newlook Navy-inspired running game could score a lot of points against the Spartans.
Line: NW -7, Total 49.5
Should I watch this one: I wouldn’t spend much time worrying about this one.
Rutgers (1-4, 0-2) at Maryland (2-4, 0-3), 12:30 p.m. on BTN
Details: How about the losing coach is fired midfield after this game? No, really. Both teams seem bound for the basement of the Big Ten and both should be in the market for new coaches unless this win sparks a huge winning streak for either Mike Locksley or Greg Schiano.
Line: MD -5.5, Total 56.5
Should I watch this one: Absolutely not.
SATURDAY NIGHT
Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0) at No. 12 UCLA (5-0, 3-0), 7:30 p.m. on NBC
Details: There’s no way you had this one pegged as a battle between Big Ten unbeatens in the offseason, or even a few weeks ago. But, here were are with the Bruins looking a lot like 2024 Indiana. Meanwhile, the Badgers have played good football since waking up at the half in Beaver Stadium.
Line: UCLA -2.5, Total 42.5
Should I watch this one: I would at least have it on in the Quad Box.
Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) at Oregon (3-2, 1-1), 11 p.m. on BTN
Details: While as mentioned above, UCLA seems destined to recreate some of Indiana’s 2024 magic, Oregon is trying to avoid winding up like Penn State last season. The Ducks have some major question marks on offense ahead of this late night kick. The Huskers had Indiana dead to rights in the fourth quarter last week, but what will they have left in the tank for the trip to Autzen?
Line: ORE -7, Total 51.5
Should I watch this one: Sure, but Oregon’s offense mind end up putting you to sleep.