Week 9 in the Big Ten has the look of another messy, revealing Saturday, with contenders trying to pad their résumés and a few underdogs positioned to make life difficult. The league has already shown it can turn the expected script upside down, and this slate feels built for more of the same.
Wisconsin and Iowa set up as a classic Big Ten grinder. Both defenses are elite, both offenses have had their share of trouble, and the game figures to come down to which side blinks first.
Wisconsin’s offense managed to beat USC last week while throwing for only 58 yards, and that result is being treated as a springboard here. The Badgers are picked to carry that momentum into Iowa and leave with a 21-14 win.
Illinois also gets a favorable setup on the road at Maryland. True freshman quarterback Michael Clayton made a strong first impression against Oregon, and that debut is expected to carry over against a Terrapins defense that looks more like a team already thinking about next season. Illinois is projected to handle business comfortably, winning 35-17.
Michigan’s trip to Rutgers has upset written all over it. The Wolverines’ defense has kept them alive, but the offense continues to sabotage the effort with mistakes and uneven play, and those issues are expected to follow them again in Week 9. Rutgers, powered by KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond, is forecast to seize its statement win of the season and stun Michigan 20-17.
Minnesota draws another chance to lean on defense against Indiana. The Gophers were strong on that side of the ball against Iowa last week, and Josh Hoover’s struggles are expected to give them more openings. Minnesota is not projected to light up the scoreboard, but fewer mistakes should be enough for a 17-10 win.
Northwestern’s offense has been one of the more entertaining units in the country, and that firepower is enough to finally get the Wildcats a legitimate win on the résumé. Oregon entered the year expected to have one of the Big Ten’s best defenses because of all its returning players, but opposing offenses have had too much success against the Ducks. Northwestern, led by Aidan Chiles, is picked to win 30-24.
UCLA should have one of the cleanest afternoons of the week against Nevada. The Bruins are expected to post their most dominant win of the season, and backup quarterback Ty Dieffenbach is projected to have his best game yet in a 45-10 rout.
Penn State, meanwhile, is not getting the benefit of the doubt against Purdue. The Nittany Lions have been one of the league’s most disappointing teams, and that trend is expected to continue with Purdue pulling the upset. The Boilermakers are predicted to win 30-21.
Ohio State’s visit to USC is not being framed as a runaway. The Buckeyes are still expected to win, but USC is viewed as capable of hanging around, especially with the Julian Sayin injury in the picture. The game should stay tight until the end, with Ohio State edging it 24-21 and leaving more clarity about its quarterback situation.
Washington closes the slate at Nebraska, and the Huskies are expected to start Elijah Brown. Nebraska has not shown it can finish games, and that weakness is expected to show up again. Brown is projected to give Washington’s offense a lift and help the Huskies leave with a 31-20 victory.
In Other News...
Arizona Just Got A Painful Reality Check In The Rankings
Ohio States trip to the Coliseum turned into one of the more jarring results of the college football weekend, and it came with an added layer of intrigue because true freshman Luke Fahey was forced into the start at quarterback with Julian Sayin sidelined by injury. Even with the Buckeyes out-gaining USC, the game kept tilting toward the Trojans as Ohio State piled up missed tackles, penalties and special teams mistakes, the kind of self-inflicted problems that can turn a ranked heavyweight into a vulnerable road team in a hurry.
The ripple effects were felt well beyond Los Angeles, with Georgia steadying itself after a loss by beating Florida, though the Bulldogs still left questions about their passing game. Floridas offensive issues only deepened in another defeat, putting the Gators in line to tumble out of the rankings after a third loss, while Texas Techs win over Arizona gave the Red Raiders a much-needed boost in their College Football Playoff push. For USC, though, the headline is simpler: a statement win over a national power that should keep the Trojans very much in the conversation. [Read more 🡒]
USC Faces A Massive Test That Could Shape Lincoln Rileys Season
USC is back in the spotlight this week with No. 2 Ohio State coming to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a matchup that carries real weight for Lincoln Rileys season. The Trojans are trying to steady themselves after a loss, and the pressure is on for Jayden Maiava and the running game to show they can hold up against one of the nations most complete teams.
Ohio States quarterback situation adds another layer to the game, with true freshman Luke Fahey set to make his first start because of an injury to the Buckeyes starter. Even with that change, the challenge remains steep for USC, especially with Jeremiah Smith expected to be a major factor in the passing game and the Trojans needing a response that can reset the tone of their season. [Read more 🡒]
Ohio State Heads To USC With A Huge Pregame Injury Twist
USC is getting ready for one of the biggest home dates of its Big Ten era, with No. 2 Ohio State coming to town for the first matchup between the programs as league opponents. The buildup already has a different feel because the Buckeyes are dealing with a major quarterback change, with Julian Sayin sidelined and Luke Fahey expected to take over under center.
For the Trojans, the injury picture is still shifting as kickoff approaches. Tight end Mark Bowman is a game-time decision because of a hamstring issue, while running back Shahn Alston and guard Hayden Treter are among the USC players listed as questionable or out, leaving the staff to juggle both the offense and the line play against a top-tier opponent. [Read more 🡒]