No. 7 Wisconsin vs. The Citadel
When: Noon today
TV: Big Ten Network
Last week: defeated UNLV, 20-13
Wisconsin (2-0) managed to edge UNLV last week when quarterback Tyler Donovan scored on a 29-yard run with 1 minute, 53 seconds left in the fourth quarter. P.J. Hill was the star for Wisconsin, rushing for 147 yards on 30 carries. The Badgers defense allowed 258 passing yards.
"The Citadel -- with the history of that school, and what [it] represents and the military influence and background -- kids a very, very structured and very disciplined and extremely tough," Wisconsin coach Brett Bielema said this week. "For them to win six of their last seven and their only loss to Appalachian State, you could understand that we have a very hard week of preparation in front of us and we're excited to play Saturday."
No. 10 Ohio State at Washington
When: 3:30 p.m. today
TV: ESPN
Last week: defeated Akron, 20-2
The Buckeyes are 2-0, but they've been underwhelming. Today's game should be a stiff test: Washington (2-0) upset Boise State last weekend, asserting itself on a national scale.
"This is a veteran team that's going to be a challenge for our young Buckeyes but it's exactly what needs to occur right now," Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said of Washington.
Keep an eye on the Huskies' new stud quarterback, sophomore Jake Locker. Through two games, Locker is 24 of 44 for 335 yards, with a touchdown and an interception.
Michigan vs. Notre Dame
When: 3:30 p.m. today
TV: ABC
Last week: lost to Oregon, 39-7
Michigan is 0-2. Notre Dame is 0-2. What is the world coming to?
Despite the fact that this contest pits two winless teams against each other, this is still one of the weekend's most intriguing matchups.
Both are traditionally two of the nation's top programs.
Both have young quarterbacks. Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen will be making second his second career start. Ryan Mallett will be making his first career start in place of the injured Chad Henne.
Both have porous defenses.
If nothing else, tune in to see one of these teams get a win.
Purdue vs. Central Michigan
When: Noon today
TV: ESPN 2
Last week: defeated Eastern Illinois, 52-6
Boasting one of the conference's top quarterbacks, Curtis Painter, Purdue steamrolled Eastern Illinois last week. Painter went 38 of 49 for 348 yards and six touchdowns, tying a Purdue record. Only two Purdue quarterbacks, Drew Brees and Kyle Orton, passed for six touchdowns in a game.
Indiana vs. Akron
When: Noon today
TV: Big Ten Network
Last week: defeated Western Michigan, 37-27
The good news for Indiana: The Hoosiers are compiling nearly 500 yards of total offense per game.
The bad: The Hoosiers are allowing nearly 300.
It'll be interesting to see how Indiana handles Akron, a team that gave Ohio State fits until the fourth quarter.
Michigan State vs. Pittsburgh
When: Noon today
TV: ESPN
Last week: defeated Bowling Green, 28-17
Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer went 17 of 29 for 250, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Not fantastic, but enough for the win against Bowling Green.
"He started a couple games last year and did well. So he's not lacking for confidence coming into the season or going into last spring," Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said. "He's not like some guys who haven't played. His experience is a plus for him."
Northwestern vs. Duke
When: 8 p.m. today
TV: Big Ten Network
Last week: defeated Nevada, 36-31
C.J. Bacher hit Ross Lane for a 13-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds on the clock to lift Northwestern past Nevada. The Wildcats gained 431 total yards on offense but relented 529 to Nevada.
The good news for Northwestern? Duke is on a 22-game losing streak.
Iowa at Iowa State
When: 1:37 p.m. today
TV: Versus
Last week: defeated Syracuse, 35-0
Rivalry? Kirk Ferentz knows about this rivalry already.
"Certainly it's not the best place to travel to," said the Iowa coach. "I'm sure we'll be warmly greeted by their fans. And we'll just try to play hard and hopefully play a good football game."
Gene Chizik is Iowa State's new head coach, bringing in a new staff and employing new schemes. That's what's unpredictable about this rivalry.
Illinois at Syracuse
When: Noon today
TV: ESPNU
Last week: defeated Western Illinois, 21-0
Syracuse may have one of the nation's worst teams this season. The saving grace for Orange fans is that coach Greg Robinson has only two years left on his contract.
Keep an eye on Illinois' freshman wideout Arrelious Benn.
Minnesota at. Florida Atlantic
When: 1 p.m. today
TV: ESPN 360
Last week: defeated Miami (Ohio), 41-35 (3 OT)
Both of Minnesota's two opening games have gone to overtime. Will the Gophers make it three?
Keep an eye on Minnesota's freshman quarterback, Adam Weber, who was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after leading Minnesota to a three-overtime victory last Saturday. Weber had 368 yards of total offense, going 26 of 40 for 271 yards with four touchdowns.
