Big Ten out to prove itself as conference season begins

With five teams in the Associated Press top 25 and an overall record of 24-10, the Big Ten has asserted itself as a conference to be reckoned with. But maybe it's too early to say that, considering teams like Iowa and Penn State have played opponents that would have trouble beating high school practice squads.

It's time for the real season to open. The Big Ten schedule kicks off this weekend with three conference games on the slate. Meanwhile, Ohio State and Minnesota aim to improve on overall records before starting Big Ten play.

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Mike Hawthorne and the rest of the Boilermakers aren't used to being favorites. But after a surprising 2-1 start, Purdue finds itself in a strong position as it opens its Big Ten season against another team used to being the underdog - Northwestern.

Illinois (0-3) at No. 11 Iowa (3-0): Illinois has won three of the past four meetings between these schools. This year, Iowa has a clear advantage in the matchup. Iowa is undefeated and shows no signs of slowing down, especially at home. Illinois, on the other hand, has been struggling.

The Fighting Illini have lost nine in a row dating back to last season, their longest losing streak in 26 years. Illinois is still looking for its first win under rookie coach Ron Turner. The offense has looked better in recent weeks, but Turner has still opted to bench starting quarterback Mark Hoekstra due to lack of production.

Iowa is red hot. The Hawkeyes have outscored their opponents 183-36 in their first three games - a 66-0 drubbing of Northern Iowa, a 54-16 win over Tulsa and a 63-10 victory over Iowa State.

Iowa is first in the nation in total offense and ninth in total defense. Running back Tavian Banks leads the country in rushing and scoring, averaging more than nine yards per carry.

The passing attack is also on target. Quarterback Matt Sherman is second in the country in passing efficiency. Even worse for Illinois, wide receiver and Heisman Trophy hopeful Tim Dwight woke up last week, catching eight passes for 187 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Illinois's top receiver, Lenny Willis, has 13 receptions for 142 yards - in just three games. Illinois will need to find some way to stop Iowa's many offensive weapons.

This game could get ugly.

Iowa 56, Illinois 13

Indiana (1-2) at Wisconsin (3-1): The Hoosiers make the trip north to Camp Randall Stadium to face a rejuvenated Wisconsin team. The Badgers have quietly won three in a row after losing in the Kickoff Classic to Syracuse, 34-0. Indiana comes in with a bad taste in its mouth following a 49-7 loss at the hands of Kentucky.

The Hoosiers have plenty of offensive weapons, but they were all stopped by the Wildcats. Sophomore quarterback Jay Rodgers threw three interceptions, and freshman receiver O.J. Conner came up with only one catch for nine yards in the game. Sophomore running back Jason Spear also struggled, carrying 12 times for only 31 yards. These players must be heard from for Indiana to have any chance this week.

Wisconsin has been led by running back Ron Dayne, who is averaging more than 7.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Mike Samuel has been on target, completing 18 of 22 passes over the past two games. The Badgers' defense has given up only 10 points in each of the past two games and is led by linebacker Donnel Thompson.

Indiana will bounce back this week, but the Hoosiers will not play well enough to knock off the Badgers at home.

Wisconsin 34, Indiana 21

Houston (0-3) at Minnesota (2-1): Houston, a Conference USA team, meets Minnesota for the first time. Houston is 2-3 all-time versus the Big Ten, while Minnesota is 2-0 against Conference USA members.

The running game has been the only bright spot for the Cougars, highlighted by running backs Ketric Sanford and Vaughn Innis. The problem this year has been a missing defense, giving up a total of 112 points in three games.

Minnesota's problem has been a faltering offense that is ranked 106th out of 112 Division I-A teams. Senior quarterback Cory Sauter has only passed for 315 yards in three games, and the Gophers barely held on to beat Memphis, 20-17, last week. The player to watch on the Gophers is wide receiver and kick returner Tutu Atwell, who has returned two kickoffs for touchdowns this season.

This game may be worth watching if Houston gets to have the ball all game. That way fans don't have to see a lowly Houston defense face an even worse Minnesota offense.

Big Ten still beats Conference USA.

Minnesota 26, Houston 20

Northwestern (2-2) at Purdue (2-1): This week's most appetizing game takes place in West Lafayette and features the struggling Wildcats against the upstart Boilermakers.

Two weeks ago Purdue beat Notre Dame, 28-17. Could the Boilermakers be smelling roses?

Get real. But it should turn out to be this week's most competitive conference game.

Northwestern scored 34 points last week and lost. No one knows what to expect when Northwestern takes the field. Running back Adrian Autry will need to assert himself on the ground to make receiver Brian Musso more of a threat. The Wildcats hope to get another big game from linebacker Barry Gardner, the leader of the Northwestern defense. But the secondary is depleted by two injured cornerbacks, which should prompt Purdue quarterback Billy Dicken to put the ball in the air more often.

The Boilermakers' defense has been solid, surrendering only 180 total yards last week. Running back Ed Watson and wide receiver Brian Alford are the main offensive weapons.

Who wins this game depends on what type of game it is. A high scoring contest will give the advantage to Northwestern, but a close game will favor Purdue.

Purdue wins at home.

Purdue 28, Northwestern 23

No. 7 Ohio State (3-0) at Missouri (2-1): John Cooper isn't especially happy with the way the Buckeyes won their first three games of the season. And an upset Cooper means trouble for Missouri.

Ohio State got a minor scare last week from Arizona and their Desert Swarm Defense, but Missouri doesn't have a defense with a cool nickname. Ohio State's offense is based around its two quarterbacks, Stanley Jackson and Joe Germaine. Jackson left last week's game in the third quarter with a sprained left knee, but he should be fine this week. The same goes for Andy Katzenmoyer, the star linebacker who sprained his right ankle against Arizona.

The Buckeyes have not played mistake-free football, fumbling 10 times in their first three games. Michael Wiley has turned into the Buckeyes top running back and is averaging almost eight yards per carry - when he holds onto the ball. He committed two second-half fumbles against Arizona, helping the Wildcats creep back into the game.

Missouri is coming off a 42-21 victory at Tulsa. The Tigers are led by quarterback Corby Jones, who is a threat to run or pass. Jones leads Missouri in rushing, but the passing game has been lacking. Missouri's leading receiver, Eddie Brooks, has only 75 yards in three games. The defense is progressing, but the Tigers haven't exactly faced an offense of Ohio State's caliber. Missouri does have one bright spot on defense, however - cornerback Shad Criss, who is a true NFL prospect.

The Tigers are tamed.

Ohio State 35, Missouri 10

09-25-97