Pretty strong day of football watching this coming Saturday.
Noon
Wisconsin at OSU, FOX: Sure, a lot of juice came off this game with the Illini pulling the shocker, but this is OSU's first test against a really good team. Wisconsin still has a great defense and a great attack. The key will be whether OSU can pull an Illini in stopping the run and then getting after Coan. Conversely, can Wiscy get after Fields and punish him when he waits too long in the pocket. Should be a great atmosphere.
Iowa at Northwestern, ESPN2: Iowa needs to hold serve in the West race, but this game feels destine to be 9-6 in favor of one team or the other.
Illinois at Purdue, BTN: Well, all of a sudden Illinois is in position to get to a bowl game, but they'll have their hands full here.
Liberty at Rutgers, BTN: This is a game that exists. You might think Rutgers has a chance for another victory. But they are 107 in the latest SP+, ten spots bhind #97 Liberty. Maybe they can interview Hugh Freeze while they play.
Oklahoma at Kansas State, ABC: Probably another blowout, but Kansas State is a legitimate team (SP #38), is at home, and tries to play defense. We'll see if they can slow down the Sooners.
3:30
Penn State at Michigan State, ABC: MSU has been beat upside the head twice on the road, and now welcomes PSU. Penn State had an up and down victory over Michigan where they had some big plays and then almost nothing else. The stars might align into a great game here.
Maryland at Minnesota, ESPN: Suddenly, the Gophers are in the driver's seat for the West. Of course they need to win games like this, and how much do we really trust the Gophers?
Indiana at Nebraska, BTN: The Hoosiers have been a legit squad all year, but now they go on the road for a chance at wrapping up a bowl berth? Not sure what Adrian MArtinez's status for the game is, but at some point Nebraska has to start looking like a decent team, right?
Auburn at LSU, CBS: Big time game where Auburn needs a win to stay in the mix, and that will require slowing down Joe Burrow, which hasn't happened yet this season. Also, a good test to see exactly what LSU's defense is made of this year.
Texas at TCU, FOX: TCU has been a disappointment this year, but they are still 30th in SP+ and Texas just barely escaped after giving up 48 to Kansas. So who knows what will happen here.
7 pm
Arkansas at Alabama, ESPN: A total mismatch, except that Tua is out for Bama. Could that open up a tiny crack for an upset? Probably not.
7:30
Notre Dame at Michigan, ABC: No time for Michigan to lick their wounds as they play another tough team, though this time at home. And don't look now, but Michigan is favored. ND has much less big play potential than Penn State, so Michigan might have more they can handle this game.
