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For Wisconsin: Allan Evridge. The Wolverine defense has stopped the run fairly well this season. They will most definitely put eight in the box and force Evridge to beat them. He had trouble against Fresno and the Badgers stole a win, but he can't afford to do that against the Wolverines.
For Michigan: Morgan Trent. I'm still waiting for a breakout performance from the talented corner. This may be the week it happens. Forcing a big turnover just may be the momentum the Wolverines need to get a win.
Prediction: Wisconsin, 28-23
PURDUE at NOTRE DAME (3:30 PM ET, NBC)
Purdue, following a heartbreaking loss to Oregon and a closer than expected game against Central Michigan, is looking to end the streak of bad luck they've had at Notre Dame Stadium. The Boilermaker passing game hasn't been quite as explosive as it was in years past, but the emergence of Kory Sheets has fans in West Lafayette buzzing.
Notre Dame followed their blowout win against Michigan by laying an egg against Michigan State. The Irish have struggled mightily at stopping the run and will have their hands full against Purdue. Kory Sheets is great in space, and tackling has been a problem area for Notre Dame.
Who to Watch
For Purdue: Kory Sheets. Expect a big game from the talented tailback. Joe Tiller will get the ball in Sheets' hands in many different ways, and Sheets has the ability to make Notre Dame look foolish.
For Notre Dame: Jimmy Clausen. For all the hype, it's time for Clausen to step up and put a complete game together.
Prediction: Purdue, 34-17
No. 22 ILLINOIS at No. 12 PENN STATE (8:00 PM ET, ABC)
Illinois is coming off two sluggish wins over Louisiana-Lafayette and Eastern Illinois, followed by a bye week, and Ron Zook says his team is refreshed and feel like they are starting a new season.
Illini fans are hoping that's true and that the defense will show improvement against a Penn State offense that is putting up gaudy numbers, and that the offense will show the consistency that it has lacked in the last two games.
Penn State looks like the team to beat in the Big Ten, and the team is overflowing with confidence. But is it premature? The Nittany Lions have faced four teams that have a combined record of 5-10, and two of those five wins were over FCS schools. Not the toughest of competition. The Nits have yet to be tested, and how they react to adversity remains to be seen.
Who to Watch
For Illinois: Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn. The Illini need to get big games out of their quarterback-receiver combo. Penn State will put points on the board, and Illinois will have to keep up.
For Penn State: the defensive line. There's no doubt that containing Williams will be a key for Penn State and defensive coordinator Tom Bradley. The Lions have not faced a quarterback with his scrambling skills this season. Defensive end Aaron Maybin leads the team with six sacks, while defensive end Josh Gaines and outside linebacker Navorro Bowman have three each.
Prediction: Penn State, 45-31
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