Around The Big Ten Week 7
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Comradio's John McHugh, Jeff Capanelli, Dave Arroyo and Mike Wszolek break down the Week 7 Big Ten matchups to look out for this weekend.
This week offers another exciting week of college football, more specifically B1G football. Today we’ll look at each Big Ten team and their matchup for the weekend.
Purdue at Wisconsin - 12:00 p.m., BTN
It’s safe to say that Purdue is not a favorite in this one. They have lost four straight games. Wisconsin on the other hand is coming off a thrilling win against Nebraska. Quarterback Joel Stave threw for over 300 yards while running back Dare Ogunbowale and receiver Alex Erickson gained over 100 yards apiece. Purdue ranks 89th in offense, which won’t get the job done this week. Look for a possible blowout in this one.
No. 17 Iowa at No. 20 Northwestern - 12:00 p.m., ABC/ESPN2 Undefeated Iowa goes to Northwestern this week. Their defense is rolling, running back Jordan Canzeri is rushing for more than 100 yards per game, and they are receiving strong quarterback play from C.J. Beathard, who has thrown only two interceptions this year and has 1,239 yards passing to date. The one thing Northwestern has going for it, and maybe the only thing, is its defense. Their offense is shaky under quarterback Clayton Thorson, but if he can have a good day, look for this game to be an interesting one.
Indiana at Rutgers - 3:30 p.m., BTN Indiana is hopeful that their homecoming game against Rutgers can get them back on track. The Hoosiers face quarterback questions with Nate Sudfeld coming off of an ankle injury and Zander Diamont getting knocked out of last week’s game with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Freshman Danny Cameron finished the game. Sudfeld is 4-1 as a starter with seven touchdowns to only one interception. It’s preferred that he start this game, because Leonte Carroo is back from suspension for the Scarlet Knights and is looking to have another huge receiving game.
No. 7 Michigan State at No. 12 Michigan - 3:30 p.m., ESPN Michigan State is undefeated and Michigan is 5-1 going into this one. This is the first time in series history that both teams have been ranked when squaring off against one another. Michigan hasn’t allowed a point in each of their last three games, dominating their oppenents up-front. Connor Cook is having a great year with 1,334 yards and only two interceptions to 12 touchdowns. Running backs L.J. Scott and Madre London are also chipping in with almost 70 yards rushing per game each. This has all the makings for a thriller in Ann Arbor.
Nebraska at Minnesota - 3:30 p.m., ESPN2 These two teams are trending in opposite directions. Minnesota is coming off a crushing victory over Purdue, winning by a final of 41-13. Their run game was impressive, putting up 326 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, Nebraska lost another heartbreaker, losing on 46-yard field goal with four seconds remainimg, 23-21. The Jerry Kill ground-and-pound offense appears to be back for the Golden Gophers, but with Cornhuskers being dead last in pass defense this year, it will be interesting to see the Minnesota offensive gameplan. Nebraska desperately needs a win to salvage their season.
Brandon Stewart is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bis5306@psu.edu.
