The Big Ten kicks off conference play this week, and there are some great matchups in week one.
Some lingering questions will get answered this week.
Is Minnesota really that good, or is their 4-0 record a product of weak scheduling? Is Northwestern good or lucky? Will Penn State look as good as they have looked against a team that has the talent to fight back? Can Ohio State finally get their offense clicking?
Big Ten offensive players to watch this week—the running backs: Ohio State's Chris "Beanie" Wells, Michigan State's Javon Ringer, Iowa's Shonn Greene, Purdue's Kory Sheets, and Wisconsin's P.J. Hill.
Big Ten defensive players to watch this week—the defensive lines: Minnesota's defensive line, Michigan's defensive line, Northwestern's defensive line, Penn State's defensive line, and Illinois' defensive line.
MINNESOTA at No. 14 OHIO STATE (12:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
Ohio State's quarterback of the future has become the quarterback of now, as freshman Terrelle Pryor has taken over the starting position from sixth-year senior Todd Boeckman. The Buckeyes still have plenty of questions on offense, including whether Brian Robiskie is 100 percent healthy and what happened to Ray Small.
Jim Tressel announced on Tuesday that Beanie Wells is "probable" for the game, and that has fans in Columbus salivating at the thought of having Wells and Pryor together in the backfield.
Minnesota is 4-0 and one of only three teams still undefeated in the Big Ten. But the Gophers are still a big question mark. Are they really as good as their record indicates, or did Tim Brewster's team benefit from an easy schedule?
No matter, the Gophers are riding high and brimming with confidence. The trash talk has already started pouring out of Minneapolis. A defensive player was quoted as saying, "They're just regular. We're not worried. Number Two (Terrelle Pryor), he's just regular too. The only one we're worried about is 28 (Chris Wells)."
Who to Watch
For Ohio State: the much-anticipated tandem of Beanie Wells and Terrelle Pryor. These two in the backfield will keep Minnesota's defense guessing all game long.
For Minnesota: Quarterback Adam Weber has been spectacular this season, throwing for 967 yards and seven touchdowns with only one interception. If the Gophers hope to win in the Shoe, Weber will have to keep those numbers up. The Buckeyes have put special emphasis on turnovers this season and have been picking the ball off with regularity.
Prediction: Ohio State, 31-14
MICHIGAN STATE at INDIANA (12:00 PM ET, ESPN)
The Spartans have found their identity, and his name is Javon Ringer. Mark Dantonio and his team seem content to ride on the back of their stud tailback, who has rushed for an FBS-leading 699 yards and 11 touchdowns in four games.
An area that should be concerning for Michigan State is the play of quarterback Brian Hoyer. Eventually someone will stop Ringer. When they do, will Hoyer be able to put the game on his back?
Indiana looked dreadful in last week's lopsided loss to Ball State.
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