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Here's what to watch in the Big Ten this week:
BEST GAME
# 4 Michigan to # 10 Ohio State
The signs herald a breakthrough for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines (10-1, 8-0 Big Ten, No. 4 CFP). Michigan has lost six straight games and 13 of the last 14 games, but is the four-point road favorite on Saturday. Win here and again next week against Northwestern at the Big Ten Championship match, and the Wolverines should be eliminated. It's easier said than done. After all, it's the "game". Ohio State (10-1, 7-1, No. 10 CFP) did not seem to be going well in the second half of the season, but it still needs help. viable hopes in the playoffs if he can beat Michigan and win the Big Ten.
BEST MATCHUP
Nebraska offense against the defense of Iowa
The Huskers' offense totaled more than 450 yards in seven consecutive games, before being slowed down in the snow and cold during a win against Michigan State last week. Rainfall and temperatures in the 40s are expected Friday in Iowa City. Adrian Martinez is one of the best freshmen in the country and senior Devine Ozigbo is a 1,000-yard runner. WR JD Spielman, injured, will return to complete Stanley Morgan Jr. Iowa is second in the Big Ten and sixth in the country's total defense, and only two opponents have accumulated more than 400 meters. The defense of Iowa ends, especially A.J. Epenesa, presents a huge challenge.
IN THE ISSUES
With a win over Illinois, Northwestern will sign its 15th win in 16 games of Big Ten, which is the best 16-game round in the history of the program. … RB D.J. Knox, WR Rondale Moore and quarterback David Blough could make their first 130 years of Purdue football: a 1,000-yard rider, a 1,000-yard receiver and a 3,000-yard passer. Knox needs 174 meters to get there. The other two have achieved their goals. RBS rookie Steve Scott became the 19th Hoosier to reach 1,000 yards in a season. … Lovie Smith made his mark as the NFL's defensive coach, but his Illinois defenses have deteriorated each of his three seasons. The Illini national ranking went from 61st to 86th in the 128th. This year's unit awards 520 yards per game. … Michigan State has had four starting punters this season and is the only school in the country to have five punters. … If Rutgers lost to MSU, it will be the fourth time since 1997 that the Scarlet Knights finished with a total of one or zero wins.
LONG SHOT
Maryland is a 13-point underdog at Penn State
The Terrapins (5-6, 3-5) need a win to qualify for the bowl, which would be quite a feat in a tumultuous season. The question is whether the Terps still have a lot to do in the tank after losing a little less last week in the 52-51 overtime loss to Ohio State. Penn State (8-3, 5-3) defeated Maryland in two consecutive years. If Terps player Anthony McFarland continues to play as he has done recently (508 yards in the last two games), it could become interesting.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin.
The national leader needs 131 yards against Minnesota to hit 2,000 yards for the season after losing 23 yards last season. Taylor has collected 714 yards in her last three games, including a 321-yard high for the national season against Purdue. Minnesota allowed more than 300 meters to three opponents.
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More AP University Football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25
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