Short takes

• Wisconsin's defense will be the best Ohio State has seen. But to upset the Buckeyes on Saturday, the host Badgers need a lights-out performance from redshirt freshman quarterback Alex Hornibrook. He delivered one in the win at Michigan State but was 9-for-25 with three interceptions in the 14-7 loss at Michigan. Ohio State ranks second nationally in pass efficiency defense and has 10 interceptions in five games.

• With Michigan's do-everything defender Jabrill Peppers emerging as a Heisman candidate, here's a look back at the voting when Michigan DB/WR Charles Woodson won it in 1997: 1. Woodson, 2. Peyton Manning (QB-Tennessee), 3. Ryan Leaf (QB-Washington State), 4. Randy Moss (WR-Marshall), 5. (Tie) Curtis Enis (RB-Penn State), Ricky Williams (RB-Texas).

• Rutgers, next week's homecoming opponent for the Gophers, faces Illinois on Saturday, after losing to Ohio State and Michigan by a combined 136-0. Rutgers' four defeats have come against teams (including Washington and Iowa) with a combined record of 21-2. "I feel like we're probably a lot closer in terms of overall talent with the next six teams than we were in three of the four games we lost for sure," coach Chris Ash said. "And that's just being honest."