The races in the Big Ten's Leaders and Legends divisions heat up Saturday afternoon with a slate of games involving several heavy favorites. In fact, only the Michigan vs. Iowa game has less than a double-digit spread, so the top teams in each division will need to avoid an upset today that could send them tumbling down the standings in their respective division. Let's take a look:
Indiana vs. Ohio State (12 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
The Ohio State Buckeyes find themselves stuck in the middle of the Big Ten's Leaders division with a 2-2 conference record as they prepare to host the Indiana Hoosiers. The Buckeyes are tied for second place with Purdue and Wisconsin, 2.5 games behind Leaders leader, Penn State Nittany Lions.
The 5-0 Nittany Lions have the week off which gives Ohio State a chance to pick up a half game in the division race while building on two strong wins over Illinois and Wisconsin. Indiana arrives in Columbus as four-touchdown underdogs and struggling mightily in the Big Ten.
Ohio State can't afford a let down on any level today to give the Hoosiers life and a shot at the upset.
Purdue vs. 19 Wisconsin (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
The Purdue Boilermakers and Wisconsin Badgers meet on Saturday afternoon in another Leaders division matchup that will alter the standings. While Purdue has struggled against strong opponents this season, they head into Madison tied with Ohio State and Wisconsin for second place in the leaders division with a 2-2 conference record.
Wisconsin will be looking to get better after two devastating, late-game losses to Michigan State and Ohio State has dropped them 2.5 games behind Penn State. With the schedule easing for the Badgers, this is the first of three games they should be heavily favored to win before closing out conference play at home against Penn Sate.
But there's no time for Wisconsin to look ahead. As 26-point favorites, they need to focus on taking care of business against Purdue.
Other Big Ten Matchups
The Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans and Nebraska Cornhuskers share the lead in the Big Ten's Legends division with a 3-1 conference record. All three teams try to keep pace today.
Michigan vs. Iowa (12:00 PM ET, ESPN)
Minnesota vs. 15 Michigan State (12:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
Northwestern vs. 9 Nebraska (3:30 PM ET, Big Ten Network)