Critical week looms for Big Ten schools

By Kareem Copeland (ag, g2)

Daily Sports Writer

There will be no undefeated Big Ten champion. And, sorry to say, there will be no Big Ten representative in Miami on Jan. 4.

Yet there are still roses in Pasadena, and everyone wants a smell. In all probability this year's Big Ten champion will have two losses when it faces the Pac-10 winner. Ohio State will almost surely pick up another loss after overlooking a Minnesota team with the second- ranked defense in the Big Ten. Michigan will be lucky to stay at two losses with rivals Michigan State and Ohio State on the horizon. And keep in mind that after this week, Wisconsin will have the easiest schedule of all. It's a critical week with four teams tied for first place - week eight could be the turning point.

No. 17 Purdue (3-1 Big Ten, 5-2 overall) at Wisconsin (1-3, 4-3): After two big wins in a row Purdue is all set to keep the ball rolling. Heisman candidate Drew Brees is back to form after getting the monkey off his back against Michigan and outscoring Northwestern's spread offense.

For Purdue, racking up points through the air should be the main goal - they face a secondary that's plagued with concussions. Wisconsin defensive backs Jason Doering, Devery Hughes and Mike Echols were all day-to-day at midweek. A key for Wisconsin will be if Jamar Fletcher can shut down both sides of the field with a trio of groggy teammates. But Wisconsin is not the type to roll over, and it's a good bet that Barry Alvarez will have the boys ready to run at Camp Randall. Michael Bennett is one yard away from being the ninth Badger to rush for 1,000 yards.

Wisconsin 24, Purdue 21

No. 13 Ohio State (2-1, 5-1) at Iowa (1-2, 1-6): If you would like to know how practice in Columbus was this week, just ask any Michigan player how theirs went last week - it couldn't have been fun.

In Buckeye territory, the fans and press had been looking to the Michigan game to finalize Ohio State's national championship run. Last week it looked as though the players were doing the same thing.

But they forgot about the five games before the Michigan game. Ohio State coach John Cooper took the blame for not being prepared and surely corrected the situation at practice.

Now, if you would like to know how the game will go this week just replay last week's Michigan game. Ohio State will come out with a statement to make.

Ohio State 49, Iowa 10

No. 23 Minnesota (5-2, 3-1) at Indiana (2-4, 1-2): Life is rough for sports fans living in Bloomington these days. Everyone in town is defensive except the football team. The Indiana defense has given up more than 40 points in four out of six games this year. This is a team that gives up 479.17 yards and 38.5 points per game.

Minnesota coach Glen Mason is just trying to keep his squad focused on a team that lost 58-0 last week. First place is unfamiliar territory for this group of Gophers, so concentration is a must. Once again, Minnesota will rely on its defense to lead the way.

Minnesota 29, Indiana 13

Illinois (4-2, 1-2) at Penn State (2-5, 1-2): Penn State coach Joe Paterno will struggle through another game Saturday.

Meanwhile, his counterpart Ron Turner is turning his attention to the Rose Bowl race. With only two losses, the Fighting Illini are just as much in the hunt for the Big Ten championship as anyone.

Fred Wakefield caused havoc for Iowa last week from his defensive end position, earning Big Ten defensive player of the week honors. Look for another dominating performance against a decimated offensive line and a team dead last in total offense.

Illinois 20, Penn State 7