Penn State doesn’t play until Saturday night, meaning you have plenty of time to watch the other games in the Big Ten on Friday and Saturday…if you want. Or, more to the point, if they’re worth watching. Here’s what is scheduled for the weekend.
FRIDAY NIGHT
Illinois (6-3, 4-2) at No. 4 UCLA (9-0, 6-0), 9 p.m. on FOX
Details: Illinois might be on the sneakiest four-game win streak in the country. After losing to Purdue at home, the Illini knocked off Michigan State by one, buried Oregon, and have now
beaten typical hot starters turned pumpkins Maryland and Nebraska in the last two weeks. They’ll still be a heavy road underdog in Pasadena, but the Illini have a shot at upsetting the Bruins. UCLA is in position where two wins to close out the season likely lock up a spot in Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game and a spot in the playoffs.
Line: UCLA -10, Total 47.5
Should I watch this one: Yes. The UCLA story is worth following and it wouldn’t be shocking to see Illinois keep this one close into the second half.
SATURDAY EARLY AFTERNOON
Northwestern (6-3, 3-3) at No. 20 Ohio State (6-3, 4-2), Noon on FOX
Details: Here are two teams who have been derailed by quarterback injuries. Ohio State’s loss of Julian Sayin is obviously much more documented, but Northwestern was riding high until Aiden Chiles missed last week’s game against Iowa with an injury. His status seems up in the air, meaning that the Buckeyes might catch a break against Chip Kelly’s offense. Meanwhile, Ohio State is in an odd spot – playing out the string in what seemed like a potential national title season just a few weeks ago.
Line: OSU -12.5, Total 45.5
Should I watch this one: Probably. There’s the car wreck quality to it.
Wisconsin (6-3, 4-2) at Maryland (3-6, 1-5), Noon on FS1
Details: Six weeks later and I’m still shaking my head about Wisconsin. That was the first Matt Campbell loss and it’s hard to fathom how Penn State blew a 17-0 lead. Well, the Badgers are in great shape to get another win as they travel to College Park. Maryland did show some life in beating Purdue last week, but much of that seemed to be Purdue getting in its own way for the better part of the first half.
Line: WIS -8.5, Total 43.5
Should I watch this one: No.
Nebraska (5-4, 2-4) at Rutgers (2-7, 1-5), 12:30 p.m. on BTN
Details: Matt Rhule canned his offensive coordinator after another putrid offensive display – this time in a loss at Illinois. Know who isn’t getting canned? Greg Schiano. Rutgers announced that they are sticking with him for 2027. Maybe that fires up the Scarlet Knights?
Line: NEB -14, Total 52.5
Should I watch this one: Absolutely no – until the fourth quarter when Nebraska screws up everything.
SATURDAY LATE AFTERNOON
No. 18 USC (7-2, 4-2) at No. 9 Indiana (8-1, 5-1), 3:30 p.m. on CBS
Details: It’s a playoff elimination game for USC and Lincoln Riley. The Trojans can score points, but their defense hasn’t traveled well this season. That’s good news for an Indiana team that has had trouble scoring points. The Hoosiers were off last week, but somehow tumbled down to No. 9 from No. 4 in the playoff rankings. That means this is a statement game for Curt Cignetti’s bunch.
Line: IU -10, Total 50.5
Should I watch this one: Yes – last chance to stay alive for USC and maybe even Indiana, too.
Michigan (5-4, 2-4) at Oregon (6-3, 4-2), 3:30 p.m. on FS1
Details: Oregon has seemed to pull itself out of the abyss, while are there vultures circling in Ann Arbor already? The Wolverines have one of the conference’s best defenses, but their offense was utterly lifeless in a 15-6 loss at home to rival Michigan State. Maybe getting out of town will help? But, it’s a cross country flight to Eugene to play against a Duck team that just waxed Ohio State. Is it possible that Oregon could maybe play itself back into playoff talk in a wacky season?
Line: ORE -10.5, Total 38.5
Should I watch this one: I would have more eyes on the IU/USC game, but throwing this one on in the Quad Box wouldn’t be a bad play.
Washington (5-4, 2-4) at Michigan State (3-6, 1-5), 4:15 p.m. on BTN
Details: Here’s a buried Big Ten game that won’t draw a lot of attention. Washington can get bowl eligible, while Michigan State is just playing for pride – and this game won’t elicit the same amount that last week’s win against Michigan did. That’s the kind of win that salvages something of a season, but oddsmakers seem to think that momentum won’t carry over at home for the Spartans against Washington.
Line: WASH -3.5, Total 43.5
Should I watch this one: No.
SATURDAY EVENING
Purdue (3-6, 2-4) at No. 15 Iowa (7-2, 4-2), 7:30 p.m. on NBC
Details: Purdue had a little momentum until Cam Wallace was introduced to the Big Ten world. Now, the Boilermakers will play out the string with only the hopes of being a spoiler to someone else. Classic Spoiler maker vibes. Well, Iowa is playing well and there is a chance that they’ll wind up in the playoffs if they win out.
Line: IOWA -17.5, Total 47.5
Should I watch this one: No – you’re busy.
