The tiers in the Big Ten standings are starting to come into focus with Ohio State, Indiana and Oregon looking good to make the College Football Playoff, while Michigan, USC, Iowa and Washington aim to improve their position. Oregon’s trip to Iowa is the best of a solid lineup this week.
(Note: All games Saturday unless designated. Ratings are College Football Playoff.)
Three with intrigue
No. 9 Oregon at Iowa | 2:30 p.m. | CBS
- The defending Big Ten champion Ducks must keep winning if they want to return to the playoff. This might be their most challenging game remaining — traveling two time zones east to face the Hawkeyes at raucous Kinnick Stadium, where championship dreams go to die. Both teams lost to Indiana — Oregon by a 30-20 score and Iowa by a 20-15 final. Take Iowa and its talented offensive line for the win. Iowa 24, Oregon 21
No. 2 Indiana at Penn State | 11 a.m. | FOX
- A trip to Happy Valley is the Hoosiers’ last big test before a potential matchup with Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Nittany Lions have won 25 of 27 in this series. Make that 25 of 28. Indiana 34, Penn State 27
Northwestern at No. 19 USC | 8 p.m. Friday | FOX
- The Trojans are riding high after winning at Nebraska, and they still have playoff aspirations. The Wildcats and USC are meeting for the first time since the Rose Bowl following the 1996 season. The Trojans prevail again. USC 31, Northwestern 20
Keep an eye on
No. 1 Ohio State at Purdue | Noon | BTN
- Pushed for a half against Penn State, the Buckeyes found a higher gear and dominated after halftime. The Boilermakers are improving but Ohio State is at another level. Ohio State 45, Purdue 10
Nebraska at UCLA | 8 p.m. | FOX
- With QB Dylan Raiola out for the season because of a broken leg, the Cornhuskers will start true freshman TJ Lateef against the Bruins. That’s a tall order for the youngster, especially on the road. UCLA 27, Nebraska 17
And the rest
No. 23 Washington at Wisconsin | 3:30 p.m. | BTN
