Teams hit home stretch

By Chris Burke

Daily Sports Writer

Purdue put itself in the Rose Bowl driver's seat with its win over Ohio State last week. But there are several teams that have a chance to go to bowl games, and this week of competition will go a long way toward deciding who gets in, and who stays home.

Michigan State at No. 16 Ohio State: Ohio State looks to recover from last week's devastating loss to Purdue, when the Buckeyes' defensive backfield seemingly forgot to cover wide receiver Seth Morales on a 64-yard touchdown pass that gave Purdue a 31-27 lead with 1:55 left.

Michigan State seems like the perfect candidate for a recovery. Despite earning their first Big Ten win of the season last weekend, 14-10 over Illinois, the Spartans sit in a three-way tie for last in the conference.

Running back T.J. Duckett returns to the starting lineup for Michigan State this week. That should help freshman quarterback Jeff Smoker get a little bit more time to throw against the Ohio State defense. If only he had someone to throw to.

Quarterback Steve Bellisari could have some trouble passing against the Michigan State defense, but running backs Derek Combs and Jonathon Wells should have some success on the ground.

Ohio State looks for revenge of last year's 23-7 loss to Michigan State, and they should get it.

Ohio State 27, Michigan State 13

Minnesota at Wisconsin: Well, at least Wisconsin won't go to the Rose Bowl this year. That's about the only sure thing in the Big Ten this season.

After a 3-0 start immediately following the "Shoegate Scandal," the Badgers have faltered, going just 2-4 so far in conference play.

Minnesota seemed to have its program ready to enter the big time in the Big Ten. Losses to Indiana and Northwestern have burst that dream bubble. But with a win over the Badgers or Iowa, Minnesota survives to play in a bowl game.

Wisconsin running back Michael Bennett has had a very good season, and that looks to continue this week, while quarterback Brooks Bollinger should have some success as well against a shaky Minnesota defense.

Minnesota needs to establish its offense and keep it rolling through the entire game, instead of a 45-minute performance like last week in a devastating loss to Northwestern.

Wisconsin 31, Minnesota 28

Iowa at Penn State: In case anyone truly doubted Penn State coach Joe Paterno's ability to bring his team back from a 1-4 start, the Nittany Lions now stand three wins away from a bowl bid.

This should be win number one in that quest.

Iowa is, well, not good. It has one win so far on the season, knocking off Michigan State 21-16 in Iowa City. Regardless of that, Iowa has not shown too many signs of promise and catches a Penn State team with ever-increasing confidence.

Penn State should be able to use Rashard Casey's ever-improving skills to pick apart the Iowa secondary. Running back Eric McCoo also will find some openings against the Iowa front. The only hope for the Hawkeyes is to eat the clock with a good offensive performance.

Penn State's not a great team, and Iowa thinks it has a shot to win this one. But...

Penn State 17, Iowa 10

Indiana at Illinois: Illinois became Michigan State's first Big Ten victim last week and must beat Indiana in its search for bowl eligibility with Ohio State and Northwestern left on the schedule.

The Illini have struggled since getting off to a promising 3-0 start, winning once, 31-0 over Iowa. Meanwhile, after a 3-5 start, Indiana has its back to the wall concerning bowl hopes.

The quarterback matchup is the main focus of this game. Kurt Kittner of Illinois and Indiana's Antwaan Randle El have both fallen short of the expectations they had placed on them this year. Only a big performance in an important game can help salvage their pride.

The winner keeps thinking bowl game; the loser starts thinking basketball season.

Unless Indiana loses, then it just throws in the towel all together.

Illinois 34, Indiana 24