Big Ten football picks: USC can make statement against Notre Dame

Three with intrigue

• The Fighting Irish have won six of the past seven in this series, and they need a win to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. The Trojans are in a similar situation in regard to the playoffs. Go with the home team. Notre Dame 27, USC 24

• The Huskies’ only blemish this season is a 24-6 home loss to Ohio State. A win at Michigan would be their first in Ann Arbor since 1984. The Wolverines, meanwhile, seek to rebound from a 31-13 loss to USC. Huskies in a close one. Washington 23, Michigan 21

• The Badgers have been outscored 126-34 in their active four-game losing streak. Facing the nation’s best team suggests Wisconsin’s misery will continue. Ohio State 45, Wisconsin 13

Keep an eye on

• The Spartans have won 50 of 71 in this series, but they won’t beat this title-seeking version of the Hoosiers. The Old Brass Spittoon remains with Indiana. Indiana 45, Michigan State 13

• Reeling from losses to Oregon, UCLA and Northwestern, the Nittany Lions will start a new QB and will be led by interim coach Terry Smith. That will be too much to overcome in a night game at Kinnick. Iowa 24, Penn State 13

And the rest

• The Scarlet Knights, who are allowing 35.7 points per game in Big Ten play, face a Ducks team angry over its home loss to Indiana. Go with the team in a fowl mood. Oregon 45, Rutgers 20

• The Boilermakers had 456 yards against the Gophers yet still found a way to lose. The Wildcats found a way to win at Penn State. Northwestern’s consistency prevails. Northwestern 27, Purdue 23

• The Bruins stunned Penn State and Michigan State, amassing 80 points in the two upsets. It continues against a Terrapins team that’s been outscored 31-0 in the past two fourth quarters. UCLA 35, Maryland 28

Season record

• Week 1: 18-0
• Week 2: 18-0
• Week 3: 13-2
• Week 4: 5-3
• Week 5: 5-1
• Week 6: 4-2
• Week 7: 5-3