Big Ten Week Seven Preview
No. 18 Northwestern (4-1, 0-1 Big Ten) makes its first road trip since August, traveling to Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) for the first time since 2010. Both teams are coming off losses to Ohio State with Wisconsin dropping a seven point road decision two weeks ago and Northwestern falling by ten at home last weekend. The Wildcats and Badgers have alternated wins over their last six meetings, the most recent win coming by Wisconsin, 70-23, in 2010.
Indiana (3-2, 1-0 Big Ten) travels to East Lansing to face Michigan State (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten). The Hoosiers are riding high following their first ever win over Penn State in week six. Indiana looks to break a four-game losing skid to the Spartans, who defeated Iowa on the road, 26-14, last weekend. The Hoosiers offense ranks 12th nationally with 44.4 points per game, but the Spartans defense ranks 7th, allowing only 13.4 points.
Purdue (1-4, 0-1 Big Ten) hosts No. 24 Nebraska (4-1, 1-0 Big Ten) for the first time since 1958. The Huskers rolled past Illinois last weekend, 39-19, behind 225 rushing yards from RB Ameer Abdullah. Backup QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. got the start for Nebraska, tossing for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Purdue has not played since dropping a 55-24 decision to Northern Illinois in week five.
Penn State (3-2, 0-1 Big Ten) welcomes No. 16 Michigan (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) to Happy Valley. The Nittany Lions are coming off a road loss at Indiana, while Michigan opened Big Ten play with a home win over Minnesota. Michigan WR Devin Funchess had a career day in the victory, catching seven passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. Penn State has won three in a row over the Wolverines and has never had a four-game winning streak in the series.