Big Ten preview
By MARK STEWART
mstewart@journalsentinel.com
Posted: Sept. 20, 2007
PENN STATE (3-0) at MICHIGAN (1-2)
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC).
Player to watch: Mike Hart, Michigan - The senior, who ranks third in the nation with 167.3 yards rushing per game tries to bring the nation's No. 1 run defense (opponents average 0.6 yards per carry) to its knees.
Recent history: Michigan won, 17-10, last season for its eighth straight victory in the series. The Wolverines lead, 9-3, overall.
Key statistic: Michigan held Notre Dame, the first non-spread team it faced this season, to 79 total yards and 10 first downs last week.
Bottom line: The Wolverines struggled mightily against spread teams, but that's not Penn State's style. The Nittany Lions' pro-style offense is just what the doctored ordered for the Wolverines, who should build off of last week's victory if quarterback Chad Henne (leg) plays.
ILLINOIS (2-1) at INDIANA (3-0)
When: 11 a.m. Saturday (Big Ten Network).
Players to watch: Kellen Lewis, Indiana and Juice Williams, Illinois - This matchup pits two of the league's most athletic and entertaining quarterbacks, although Lewis is the more accomplished player at this point.
Recent history: Indiana's Austin Starr hit a 33-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Hoosiers to a 34-32 victory in Champaign, Ill., last season. It was Indiana's second straight victory and third in the last four meetings.
Key statistic: The Hoosiers, which ranked last league in rushing in 2006, lead the Big Ten in rushing with 258.7 yards per game.
Bottom line: Thanks to the newfound teeth in its defense, Indiana will improve to 4-0 for the first time since 1990.
NORTHWESTERN (2-1) at OHIO STATE (3-0)
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN).
Player to watch: Chris Wells, Ohio State - The Buckeyes have a running game thanks to the play of the sophomore the past two weeks. He has gained 278 yards in 44 carries during that stretch.
Recent history: Ohio State scored a 54-10 victory last season in Evanston, Ill., and has won the last two meetings, 102-17.
Key statistic: The Buckeyes rank eighth in the league in total offense with 420.3 yards per game but have been remarkably balanced. They've gained 606 yards rushing and 655 passing.
Bottom line: Northwestern won't escape Columbus with a victory.
MICHIGAN STATE (3-0) at NOTRE DAME (0-3)
When: 2:30 p.m. Saturday (NBC).
Player to watch: Jonal Saint-Dic, Michigan State - The senior defensive end, who had three sacks entering the season, already has five and ranks second in the nation with 1.67 sacks per game.
Recent history: Notre Dame rallied for a 40-37 victory last season, but Michigan State has won five straight in South Bend, Ind., and seven of the last 10 overall.
Key statistic: The Spartans are tied with Indiana and Penn State with a nation-best 17 sacks. Notre Dame has allowed a nation-worst 23 sacks.
Bottom line: Look out Jimmy Clausen, it's going to be another long day.
PURDUE (3-0) at MINNESOTA (1-2)
When: 8 p.m. Saturday (ESPN2)
Player to watch: Curtis Painter, Purdue - If Florida Atlantic's Rusty Smith can burn the Gophers' defense for 463 yards and five touchdowns, Painter, the Big Ten's leading passer, should also feast on their defense.
Recent history: Purdue has won eight of the last 10 meetings, but these teams have put on some entertaining shootouts the past decade, especially in Minneapolis. The last two games there went to overtime.
Key statistic: Minnesota's defense ranks 116th out of 119 teams, allowing an average of 556.3 yards per game.
Bottom line: The Boilermakers' defense will be tested by a Minnesota unit that averages almost 500 yards per game, but will leave town with their second road victory of the season.
