3 games to watch in the Big Ten: Northwestern faces Michigan in epic showdown
The Big Ten’s depth is creating unique matchups each week and this Saturday will be no different. Highlighting this slate is an intriguing cross-divisional matchup that could have playoff implications.
No. 13 Northwestern vs. No. 18 Michigan
Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m. EST (BTN)
When the season began there weren't many who thought Northwestern and Michigan would be two of the conference's surprise teams let alone two of its highest ranked. A big reason for the emergence of both teams onto the national stage is the play of their defenses.
Michigan's ranked second nationally in total defense, only surrendering 184 yards per game. What has made the Wolverines so impressive is their consistency, as they've only given up 14 points in their past four games. While the front seven has been a consistent strength, it's the emergence of their secondary that has made them one of the country's best units.
Similarly, Northwestern's defense has shut down good offenses all season. They're fifth in the nation, allowing only 247 total yards per game, despite some injury woes.
Third-down conversions will be a focal point of this game and presumably hard to come by, as Michigan and Northwestern are first and second nationally in third-down defense.
Because of this, consistent offensive line play will be crucial. Northwestern relies predominantly on its rushing game, whereas Michigan has a more balanced offensive attack. Considering the Wolverines give up 71 yards on the ground per game, it's vital the Wildcats have success early running the ball or else they'll become one-dimensional, which plays into the hands of what the Wolverines want to achieve.
Wisconsin at Nebraska
Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m. EST (ABC regional or ESPN2)
This game's important for the psyche of both teams, which are coming off difficult losses. The Badgers suffered a rare home defeat to Iowa while the Cornhuskers lost another game in the final minutes, this time to Illinois.
The Badgers have a substantial edge due to Nebraska's struggles with defending the pass. The only way the Cornhuskers can gain an edge defensively is by shutting down Wisconsin's rushing game to force the pass. If they don't, the Badgers will have the balance they like and will use it to dictate the tempo of the game.
The one issue to watch as game time approaches is the status of Wisconsin's top receiver Alex Erickson. He suffered a head injury during the Iowa game and has been undergoing concussion protocol this week. If he can't play, replacing his production will be difficult, as he was on the receiving end of 28 percent of quarterback Joel Stave's completed passes.
Meanwhile, this is gut-check week for Nebraska. There's no doubt the Cornhuskers have played hard and lost games in heartbreaking fashion. A good indication of this team's mentality will be how it starts this rivalry game. If the players come out hitting hard and playing with enthusiasm it may help them overcome their unfortunate start to the season.
Illinois at No. 22 Iowa
Saturday, Oct. 10, 12:00 p.m. EST (ESPNU)
The Hawkeyes are coming off their biggest victory of the season while Illinois continues to find ways to win close games with its solid defense. This midseason battle could have surprising ramifications in the Big Ten West division race.
The Hawkeyes forced Wisconsin to commit four turnovers in Iowa's 10-6 victory last Saturday. That was an impressive statement in a heated rivalry game. Can they maintain that consistency? Or will they see a drop in production due to the physical game they just had?
Illinois is no slouch. Its offense might be erratic at times, but the defense has been better than average. Currently, the Fighting Illini are 21st nationally in total defense, as they allow 303 yards per game. One of the reasons for this group's emergence is the strength of the defensive line, which faces its biggest challenge of the season in Iowa.
This game will come down to whichever unit - Iowa's offensive line or Illinois' defensive line - can gain the edge and dictate the pace of the game. Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard has been a difference maker because of his mobility and that could play a big factor in this game. Containing him and Iowa's rushing attack will be a formidable challenge for Illinois. If the Fighting Illini rise to the occasion, they could pull off the upset and throw the West division race into chaos.