Big Ten Football Week 12 Preview: 5 Teams Battling for Bowl Eligibility
Rutgers (6-4, 3-4) vs. Penn State (8-2, 5-2)
- When/Where: Noon ET, State College, Pa.
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Series Record: Penn State leads 31-2
About Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights have already secured bowl eligibility but have yet to knock off one of the power programs in the Big Ten. Running back Kyle Monangai has proven to be a problem for a lot of defenses this season and is on the verge of becoming Rutgers' first 1,000-yard rusher since Jawan Jamison in 2012. Rutgers is going to need a lot of help from its offensive line to beat Penn State, though.
About Penn State: Unfortunately for James Franklin, it almost doesn't matter how the season ends. Fans are frustrated with a program that still can't beat Ohio State and Michigan. Nevertheless, Penn State has an opportunity to reach the 10-win mark in the regular season. At times, Rutgers' defense can be feisty, so the Nittany Lions need a better performance from quarterback Drew Allar.
Michigan State (3-7, 1-6) vs. Indiana (3-7, 1-6)
- When/Where: Noon ET, Bloomington, Ind.
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Series Record: Michigan State leads 49-18-2
About Michigan State: Michigan State enters the Old Brass Spittoon game averaging the lowest point total (16.7 points per game) in the Big Ten. Running back Nathan Carter and wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. can be effective weapons, especially against an Indiana defense that was carved up by Illinois last week.
About Indiana: Can Brendan Sorsby put together another passing performance like he did against the Illini? He completed 22-of-33 passes for 289 yards with three touchdowns. He also rushed for 53 yards and hit pay dirt twice on the ground. The Spartans have gaping holes in the secondary, which should allow the Hoosiers to move the ball through the air.
Michigan (10-0, 7-0) vs. Maryland (6-4, 3-4)
- When/Where: Noon ET, College Park, Md.
- TV: Fox
- Series Record: Michigan leads 10-1
About Michigan: In every category, Michigan has the upper hand. This is a team that ran the ball 32 consecutive times a week ago in a 24-15 win over Penn State. The only concern? If the Wolverines get caught looking ahead to Ohio State and come out flat. Otherwise, Michigan's dominance at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football could overwhelm the Terrapins.
About Maryland: Play loose, play free. That should be Mike Locksley's message to his team, which clinched a bowl berth last weekend. Now, the Terrapins have nothing to lose. Don't be surprised if the offense tries to take deep shots early in the game in an attempt to catch Michigan napping. It's the only way the Terps have a shot at the upset.
Purdue (3-7, 2-5) vs. Northwestern (5-5, 3-4)
- When/Where: Noon ET, Evanston, Ill.
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Series Record: Purdue leads 53-33-1
About Purdue: The Boilermakers are coming off their best offensive outing of the year, scoring 49 points in a win over Minnesota. Running backs Devin Mockobee and Tyrone Tracy Jr. helped put Purdue over 300 yards on the ground. Northwestern's defense has given up its fair share of yards on the ground. If the Boilers can run the ball, they have a chance for back-to-back wins.
About Northwestern: With Ben Bryant back under center, the Wildcats actually have an offense that can move the ball through the air. Plus, Purdue's secondary has been suspect at times. Northwestern can clinch a bowl berth with a home victory on Saturday, something that seemed like a pipe dream at the start of the year.
Illinois (5-5, 3-4) vs. Iowa (8-2, 5-2)
- When/Where: 3:30 p.m. ET, Iowa City, Iowa.
- TV: Fox Sports 1
- Series Record: Illinois leads 39-37-2
About Iowa: Even with one of the worst offensive units in college football, Iowa sits one victory away from a second Big Ten West title in three seasons. The Hawkeyes will be without defensive back and return specialist Cooper DeJean, a huge blow. This will be another grind-it-out game for Iowa, just like the other 10 contests.
About Illinois: As poorly as Illinois started the season, the Illini seemed to have turned a corner. They've won three of their last four games and carry a lot of momentum into the final two weeks of the season. Plus, Bret Bielema knows Iowa's defense pretty well, setting up an interesting matchup on Saturday.
Minnesota (5-5, 3-4) vs. Ohio State (10-0, 7-0)
- When/Where: 4 p.m. ET, Columbus, Ohio.
- TV: Big Ten Network
- Series Record: Ohio State leads 46-7
About Minnesota: After a win over Iowa, Minnesota was in the driver's seat of the Big Ten West race. Things have changed drastically. The Gophers suffered back-to-back losses to Illinois and Purdue and could potentially miss bowl eligibility. Minnesota likes to grind games out, but it needs to take some shots to have any chance at upsetting Ohio State.
About Ohio State: Just like Michigan's game against Maryland, the Buckeyes shouldn't have much of an issue. But if Ohio State is caught looking ahead, perhaps the Gophers can stick around. Otherwise, it feels like the Buckeyes will be able to cruise to 11-0.
Nebraska (5-5, 3-4) vs. Wisconsin (5-5, 3-4)
- When/Where: 7:30 p.m. ET, Madison, Wis.
- TV: NBC
- Series Record: Wisconsin leads 12-4
About Nebraska: The Huskers continue chasing that all-important sixth win. Losses to Michigan State and Maryland have delayed a potential bowl berth. Nebraska's defense continues to impress on a weekly basis. If the offense can control the football, and not turn it over, Nebraska will be in a great position to get to the postseason this weekend.
About Wisconsin: Injuries and poor offensively play have seriously hindered Wisconsin in recent weeks. The Badgers have dropped three straight games, turning a 5-2 start into a .500 record. The offense will have a tough time against Nebraska's defense, so this game might come down to Wisconsin's defense making a play.
Big Ten Related Stories
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