Big Ten Schedule, week 7.

Michigan State (-10) v. Iowa (noon, ESPN). The Hawkeyes opened Big Ten play with a blowout win over Minnesota. The Spartans flirted with 0-2 before finishing off IU. This one may be interesting, but I suspect the Spartans will roll.

Minnesota (+3) v. Northwestern (noon, ESPN2). Nary a clue what to expect from this one. Northwestern has four wins over major conference teams, but stumbled in its first chance against a non-cellar dweller. This is a big game for the 4-1 Gophers' bowl hopes.

Purdue (even) v. Wisconsin (noon, BTN). Hey, if only Michigan had flown 5,000 miles a week before the game, maybe they would have let the Boilers stay within moral victory range. The Purdue fan base seems to be in open revolt about the quarterback situation. All that said, the winner of this game probably will become the front-runner for the Leaders Division's title game bid, if not the division title. It's not crazy to think that it could be Purdue, and the oddsmakers obviously agree.

Michigan (-23) v. Illinois (3:30, ABC/ESPN). If ABC ceases to be viable as a broadcast network in the next few months, it will be because of some of the absolute dogs that the Big Ten has sent over the air.

Indiana (+17) v. Ohio State (8 p.m., BTN). Lots more discussion elsewhere.