For some Big Ten teams, this weekend marks the end of a very emotional and enduring season, while for others, it is another weekend in preparation for the postseason. This weekend will showcase four games, one battle for the conference crown, one team hoping for bowl eligibility, another looking to gain better bowl standing and lastly, a bout with a historic trophy on the line.
No. 4 Ohio State (6-1, 10-1) vs. No. 5 Michigan (6-1, 10-2)
The battle royale this weekend will be in Ann Arbor, Mich. Winner takes all as the Buckeyes and Wolverines are playing for the real trophy in the conference; that is, the Big Ten championship and an automatic bid into the Bowl Championship series. These teams have been in this situation before, as this is the 20th time the Big Ten championship has come down to the two teams during the final weekend.
The matchup to watch is the all-star Buckeye defense against the red-hot Michigan offense. Ohio State has had no trouble stopping offenses, allowing only 15.1 points and 275 yards per game (both lead the Big Ten). The Wolverines have the weapons to break through with senior running back Chris Perry and senior quarterback John Navarre. Perry is leading the conference with 130.5 rushing yards per game and Navarre is second best with his 252.9 passing yards per game.
Northwestern (5-6, 3-4) vs. Illinois (1-10, 0-7)
This interstate competition might give Northwestern its necessary sixth victory to become bowl eligible. Besides that, this marks the 57th year the two teams are competing for the \Sweet Sioux Tomahawk.""
If the Wildcats find their sixth win against the Illini, there is still however a chance they could miss the bowls. Since seven conference teams sit ahead of Northwestern, it will be difficult to receive a bid over other Big Ten schools unless they win a tie-in.
Northwestern will look to senior running back Jason Wright's 114.8 yards per game, while Illinois will welcome back healthy freshman running back E.B. Halsey, who has been out since Oct. 18 due to a knee injury.
Penn State (3-8, 1-6) vs. No. 21 Michigan State (7-4, 4-3)
Although Michigan State is still in contention for a New Year's Day bowl game, the most important thing on the line in this Big Ten rivalry is the ""Land Grant Trophy.""
In a season of disappointment, the Nittany Lions tallied their first conference victory last weekend as they slaughtered Indiana 52-7. The Spartans, on the other hand, are seeking their fifth Big Ten win and are looking for redemption after their 56-21 trouncing on the road against Wisconsin.
The Spartans will look to their fire-starter senior quarterback Jeff Smoker who leads the conference with 253.3 total offensive yards per game to ignite the offense.
No. 16 Purdue (8-3, 5-2) vs. Indiana (2-9, 1-6)
Another interstate trophy battle will take place at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. These two teams are hoping to put either a golden ""P"" or ""I"" on the Old Oaken Bucket.
In a tale of complete opposite teams, Indiana has failed to produce more than a couple of victories the entire season. Despite minimal success, the Hoosiers have stuck to their goal of averaging four yards per carry, as they are averaging 4.15 a run.
Purdue has had all-around strength this season but most notably on the offensive end with junior quarterback Kyle Orton. In last week's defeat against Ohio State, Orton threw for 249 yards and completed 50 percent of his passes. His quick throws can be found landing in the hands of conference leader and junior wide receiver Taylor Stubblefield (6.91 receptions per game) and senior John Standeford (5.82 receptions per game).
