Big Ten Football Week 13 Preview: All Eyes on Ohio State-Michigan

Everyone will be tuned into Saturday's game between Ohio State (11-0) and Michigan (11-0). But that's not the only Big Ten matchup with something on the line.

It all comes down Saturday. All eyes will be on No. 2 Ohio State (11-0) and No. 3 Michigan (11-0), as the two teams enter "The Game" undefeated and hoping to win a division title. That's what college football is all about.

The battle between the Buckeyes and Wolverines is easily the most impactful game on the schedule in Rivalry Week. But several other games have something at stake, as well.

Trophies are on the line across the Big Ten and Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska are still hoping to secure bowl eligibility. It makes for a fun end to the 2023 regular season.

Here's a quick preview for all seven games on the docket:

Iowa (9-2, 6-2) vs. Nebraska (5-6, 3-5)

• When/Where: Noon ET (Friday), Lincoln, Neb.
• TV: CBS
• Series Record: Nebraska leads 30-20-3

About Iowa: The Hawkeyes are playing with house money. Iowa already has a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game locked up, so there's no pressure entering the Black Friday matchup against Nebraska. With a win Iowa would secure its third 10-win season in five years and would get revenge on a Nebraska team that pulled off an upset last season. 

About Nebraska: Bowl eligibility hangs in the balance for the Huskers entering the final week of the season. Getting to the postseason would be an incredible feat in Matt Rhule's first season in Lincoln. The Huskers protected the football much better last week against Wisconsin, but still struggled to find the end zone. Nebraska needs another clean game to give itself a chance to knock off Iowa again.

Penn State (9-2, 6-2) vs. Michigan State (4-7, 2-6)

• When/Where: 7:30 p.m. ET (Friday), Detroit, Mich.
• TV: NBC
• Series Record: Series tied 18-18-1

About Penn State: For most of the season, Penn State has found success running the football. With Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, the Nittany Lions own the second-best rushing offense in the Big Ten. But because of Michigan State's secondary, James Franklin might give Drew Allar the opportunity to let it loose against the Spartans. 

About Michigan State: Harlon Barnett gets one last chance to make his case to get the full-time job with the Spartans. Ending the season with back-to-back rivalry wins would be a huge momentum builder after such a tumultuous season. Michigan State's offensive line is going to have its hands full against Penn State's defensive front, so look for the Spartans to get creative trying to move the football.

Indiana (3-8, 1-7) vs. Purdue (3-8, 2-6)

• When/Where: Noon ET, West Lafayette, Ind.
• TV: Big Ten Network
• Series Record: Purdue leads 76-42-6

About Indiana: Indiana has endured some serious heartbreak each of the last two weeks. The Hoosiers dropped one-possession games to Illinois and Michigan State, dropping to 3-8. The play of quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been a bright spot for Indiana. He has the chance to rack up big numbers against a struggling Purdue defense and help the Hoosiers end a disappointing year on a positive note.

About Purdue: Inconsistency has been a theme in Ryan Walters' first season in West Lafayette. After a dominating win over Minnesota, the Boilermakers laid an egg against Northwestern. So, what can we expect in the finale? Purdue will probably rely heavily on Devin Mockobee and Tyrone Tracy Jr. to run the football and wear down the IU defense.

Ohio State (11-0, 8-0) vs. Michigan (11-0, 8-0)

• When/Where: Noon ET, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• TV: Fox
• Series Record: Michigan leads 60-51-6

About Ohio State: There's no question Ohio State is looking for redemption after dropping the last two meetings to Michigan. The Buckeyes are running the football much better, with TreVeyon Henderson eclipsing 100 yards in three of the last four games. Plus, Ohio State has been stellar defensively all season long, presenting a major challenge to Michigan's offense.

About Michigan: Can Michigan win the biggest game of the season without Jim Harbaugh? The Wolverines have struggled in the last two games against Penn State and Maryland, showing a little weakness in the passing game and along the offensive line. Maybe the Wolverines have been looking ahead. Or maybe the offensive line isn't quite as dominant as we thought. 

Northwestern (6-5, 4-4) vs. Illinois (5-6, 3-5)

• When/Where: 3:30 p.m. ET, Champaign, Ill.
• TV: Big Ten Network
• Series Record: Illinois leads 57-54-5

About Northwestern: When Ben Bryant has been under center, Northwestern's offense has had some sort of balanced threat. He threw for 230 yards in a win over Purdue and 195 in the victory against Wisconsin. Bryant is more than capable of carving up Illinois' defense through the air and getting the Wildcats to win No. 7.

About Illinois: The Fighting Illini haven't played in back-to-back bowl games since 2010-11. This is their last chance to clinch a postseason spot. Illinois is another team with pressure to win the season finale, so don't be surprised if there are some trick plays and bold decisions at points throughout the game.  

Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4) vs. Minnesota (5-6, 3-5)

• When/Where: 3:30 p.m. ET, Minneapolis, Minn.
• TV: Fox Sports 1
• Series Record: Series tied 62-62-8

About Wisconsin: Luke Fickell's team ended a three-game skid last weekend with an overtime victory over Nebraska. Maybe that gives the Badgers some momentum entering the final game of the year. Tanner Mordecai showed off the ability to pick up yardage with his legs last week. It adds a different element to the offense, especially with Braelon Allen occupying the backfield.

About Minnesota: It's been a disappointing conclusion to the season for Minnesota. The offense remains one-dimensional and the defense has given up big point totals in losses to Purdue and Ohio State. The Gophers aren't winning a division title — something that appeared possible after that win over Iowa — but keeping Paul Bunyan's Axe would give P.J. Fleck's team something to celebrate, especially with bowl eligibility at stake. 

Maryland (6-5, 3-5) vs. Rutgers (6-5, 3-5)

• When/Where: 3:30 p.m. ET, Piscataway, N.J.
• TV: Big Ten Network
• Series Record: Maryland leads 11-7

About Maryland: Maryland didn't beat Michigan, but it played the Wolverines better than anyone else this season. The Terrapins have some serious weapons in the passing attack, but will face a tough Rutgers defense. Maryland will likely try to connect on some deep plays early in an attempt to keep the Scarlet Knights off balance.

About Rutgers: This has arguably been Greg Schiano's best coaching job since returning to Piscataway. The Scarlet Knights would love to end on a high note and secure a seventh victory. Plus, Kyle Monangai is less than 20 yards away from eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark. 

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