An abbreviated Big Ten schedule has Ohio State, USC, Maryland and Penn State idle this week, but the remaining games offer interest in different ways.
You want potential blowouts? Try Wisconsin at Oregon. You seek a feel-good comeback story? Try UCLA at Indiana. And you like intrastate rivalries? Try Michigan at Michigan State.
(Note: All games Saturday. The Gophers-Iowa prediction will run in the GameDay preview package):
Three with intrigue
UCLA at No. 2 Indiana, 11 a.m., FOX
- The Bruins have won three consecutive games after an 0-4 start that led to the firing of coach DeShaun Foster. They’re having more fun under interim coach Tim Skipper and offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel, but it’s midnight, Cinderella. The Hoosiers and coach Curt Cignetti are on a mission to make a deep playoff run. Indiana 38, UCLA 14
Wisconsin at No. 6 Oregon, 6 p.m., FS1
- On one side, you have a Badgers team that’s been outscored 71-0 in back-to-back home losses. On the other side, you have a Ducks team that’s averaging 44.1 points in Big Ten play. This should follow that form. Oregon 45, Wisconsin 6
No. 23 Illinois at Washington, 2:30 p.m., BTN
- In this matchup of 5-2 teams, the winner will gain bowl eligibility. The Huskies have won 23 of their past 24 at home, and that’s the difference. Washington 31, Illinois 28
Keep an eye on
No. 25 Michigan at Michigan State, 6:30 p.m., NBC
- The reeling Spartans have lost four consecutive games but can put a positive spin on their season if they beat the Wolverines. That won’t happen. Michigan 28, Michigan State 17
Northwestern at Nebraska, 11 a.m., FS1
