The nonconference appetizers are over, so it's time for the main course in the Big Ten. The nine-week march to Indianapolis begins Saturday with all 14 conference teams playing. (Note: The Gophers-Purdue pick will be published later this week).
Big Ten Picks: Can Bret Bielema upset Wisconsin? Is Michigan headed for a stumble at Iowa?
Bielema will take Illinois and its stingy defense into Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, as No. 4 Michigan visits Iowa in a pair of 11 a.m. games.
September 30, 2022 at 2:16AM
Three with intrigue
No. 4 Michigan at Iowa, 11 a.m., Ch. 9
- Since 2010, the Hawkeyes are 4-1 at Kinnick Stadium against teams ranked in the top five. That stout defense gives them a chance, but will they have enough offense? Michigan 17, Iowa 10.
Illinois at Wisconsin, 11 a.m., BTN
- Former Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema returns to Madison for the first time with the Fighting Illini. He leaves with a 'W', thanks to a stingy defense. Illinois 24, Wisconsin 20.
Michigan State at Maryland, 2:30 p.m., FS1
- Spartans are reeling from back-to-back losses to Washington and the Gophers. They find a way to stop the bleeding in a shootout with the Terrapins. Michigan State 35, Maryland 31.
And the rest
Rutgers at No. 3 Ohio State, 2:30 p.m., BTN
- Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud has back-to-back games with five touchdown passes. Scarlet Knights won't let that happen; they'll hold him to four. Ohio State 45, Rutgers 17.
Northwestern at No. 11 Penn State, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
- After consecutive losses to Duke, Southern Illinois and Miami (Ohio), things don't get any easier for the Wildcats. Nittany Lions go into bye week undefeated and preparing for Michigan. Penn State 38, Northwestern 10.
Indiana at Nebraska, 6:30 p.m., BTN
- The Cornhuskers had a week off to regroup after all the commotion following the firing of Scott Frost. Interim coach Mickey Joseph puts his stamp on the team with a win. Nebraska 31, Indiana 27.
Gopher basketball coach Ben Johnson signed three recruits who have similarities with the program’s last two impact freshmen, Isaac Asuma and Cam Christie.
