Big Ten Preview: Week Ten

The bowl picture is starting to get clearer, even if the playoff picture is a bit hazier, but there's a number of teams still trying to sneak in.

Illinois (4-4, 1-3) @ Purdue (2-6, 1-3)

When: Saturday, 12pm BTN

Line: Illinois -5

Over/Under: 53

In a bit of a rarity, it's been a good week for Purdue. Darrell Hazell got the upset of Nebraska and gets news he'll be back next year. Illinois, on the other hand is on a slide, dropping their last three games. At this point, the Illini now need this game to maintain their chance a bowl, however, the line doubled in their favor overnight, so that's a positive.

#9 Iowa (8-0, 4-0) @ Indiana (4-4, 0-4)

When: Saturday, 3:30pm ESPN

Line: Iowa -7

Over/Under: 60.5

Indiana is also on the edge of eligibility, probably needing the last two games so if they can steal a game like this it'll help. Iowa is now officially in the game of impressing the playoff committee with the release of the first rankings. The Hawkeyes cannot afford the slightest slip up with their weak strength of schedule working against them.

Wisconsin (7-2, 4-1) @ Maryland (2-6, 0-4)

When: Saturday, 3:30pm BTN

Line: Wisconsin -11.5

Over/Under: 48

Maryland has crashed back to earth hard this season and the hits keep coming, but will probably ruin some team's season before the year is out. Corey Clement is back for Wisconsin and tore up Rutgers even on limited carries. The Badgers defense has been their saving grace this season, which isn't a good sign for the Terps.

Rutgers (3-5, 1-4) @ #17 Michigan (6-2, 3-1)

When: Saturday, 3:30pm ET BTN

Line: Michigan -25

Over/Under: 51

Michigan was Rutgers' biggest win last year, it would be even bigger this year. The Wolverines were fortunate to escape last week with the LIttle Brown Jug and looked very vulnerable in the process. Jake Rudock is most likely back under center this week after getting knocked out of the game against Minnesota, meanwhile Leonte Carroo is probably out and, with him, the Scarlet Knights' chances.

#7 Michigan State (8-0, 4-0) @ Nebraska (3-6, 1-4)

When: Saturday, 7pm ET ESPN

Line: Michigan State -6

Over/Under: 57.5

Nebraska is outside of the bowls looking in following the surprising loss to Purdue. In order to save their season, the Huskers need an upset of their own. I wouldn't think Nebraska parts ways with Mike Riley after one season, but they let Frank Solich and Bo Pelini go for questionable reasons. There's just not much to cheer about in Huskerland at the moment. Michigan State is on the other end of the spectrum, getting ready for a playoff run, building toward the homestretch and their opportunity to climb the rankings.

Minnesota (4-4, 1-3) @ #1 Ohio State (8-0, 4-0)

When: Saturday, 8pm ET ABC

Line: Ohio State -23.5

Over/Under: 53.5

Minnesota absolutely butchered the end of the game against Michigan and dropped the first game after Jerry Kill's retirement and in the process might have put themselves out of the bowls. The Gophers may a shot at redemption this week as Ohio State has moved Cardale Jones back to the starter with Braxton Miller is now the back-up quarterback. J.T. Barrett's legal troubles have removed the Buckeyes best option on offense, opening themselves up for a potential upset.