Big Ten football schedule, week 4.

This is the final week before Big Ten play begins next week. The afternoon slate leaves something to be desired, but all of the night games are at least somewhat intriguing.

Noon

Ohio State (-36.5) v. UAB (BTN): The Buckeyes are the only Big Ten team that has looked impressive, yet OSU is ineligible for postseason play. UAB has lost to Troy and South Carolina. This should be a bloodbath.

Wisconsin (-18) v. UTEP (ESPN2): The Badgers are 18 point favorites at home, but the defending conference champs haven't played a good game yet. The Miners are 1-2 with losses to Oklahoma and Ole Miss and a win over New Mexico State. We will see if a QB change is what the Badgers need.

Iowa (-14.5) v. Central Michigan (BTN): Iowa is another team that has not yet been impressive. CMU isn't in its Dan LeFevour heyday, but would anyone be surprised if they pull the upset?

3:30

Northwestern (NL) v. South Dakota (BTN): The Wildcats are ranked and have three major conference wins. South Dakota upset Minnesota a couple of years ago. I'll be surprised if it happens again.

Michigan State (-32) v. Eastern Michigan (BTN): The Spartans should make easy work of the Eagles, who already have a loss to an FCS program.

Nebraska (NL) v. Idaho State (BTN): Thankfully, I believe this is the last week of FCS-Big Ten matchups. What can I say about this one?

Penn State (-7) v. Temple (ABC): Penn State hasn't lost to Temple since 1941, but Penn State, which got its first win over Bill O'Brien against Navy last week, is only a seven point favorite at home against the Owls. Can former IU offensive coordinator Steve Addazio's squad pull off the upset?

7:30

Michigan (+5) at Notre Dame (NBC): After 20 seasons with no home night games, Notre Dame will host a home night game for the second year in a row. This series is always a highlight of September, and Michigan has won the game in spectacular fashion in each of the last three seasons.

8:00

Minnesota (+1) v. Syracuse (BTN): I'm somewhat surprised to to Syracuse, which is 1-2 but did sorta hang with USC on a neutral field, as a road favorite in Minneapolis. The Gophers and Northwestern are the only undefeated teams in the conference that could be eligible for postseason play.

Illinois (-3) v. Louisiana Tech (BTN): LaTech has scored exactly 56 points in each of its first two games, wins over Houston and Rice, so perhaps that's why this game is essentially an even matchup according to the oddsmakers. That and the health of Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase.