Short takes

• Here's hoping Connor Cook's right shoulder injury isn't a factor Saturday, when Michigan State plays at Ohio State on Saturday. The game lost some luster when Nebraska upset the Spartans two weeks ago, but Michigan State still controls its own destiny. Wins over Ohio State and Penn State would send the Spartans to Indianapolis for the Big Ten title game.

• Ohio State has been sleep-walking this season, and continued to look lethargic, even with J.T. Barrett back at QB, in last week's 28-3 win at Illinois. Michigan State has been wracked with injuries, and the defense is just ordinary now. But the Buckeyes won't underestimate Mark Dantonio's squad.

• Wisconsin might not have Corey Clement for next week's game at Minnesota, but the Badgers expect tight end Austin Traylor back this week. Traylor had three touchdowns in five games before breaking his arm against Iowa. Wisconsin also boasts the nation's No. 1 scoring defense (12.3 points per game).

• Big Ten West teams hold a 7-6 edge over the Big Ten East in interdivision play this year with one more crossover game to go: Indiana at Purdue.