As the Big Ten season is winding down and the conference rankings are beginning to take place, it is becoming more clear which teams will be representing the Big Ten in the college football playoff. With that being said, there are still a bunch of big games with even bigger implications for the teams playing. In many cases, teams will be fighting for their post-season life this weekend.
The Biggest Big Ten Games This Weekend
No.8 Indiana Vs Michigan
Indiana is an extremely well coached team looked to add another quality win over a national powerhouse. Michigan is a national powerhouse that’s having a down year and is fighting for bowl eligibility. Michigan does have the talent on their roster to play with anybody though. Indiana will most likely pull this one out with a win but Michigan wont make it easy on them as they have battled with most teams on their schedule this season. This game will be a lot closer than expected.
UCLA vs Iowa
Despite this game having no ranked teams featured, it does have the makings to be an entertaining showdown with big postseason implications for both of the teams involved. This game will see Iowa’s rushing attack pitted against UCLA’s potent passing game. If UCLA were to lose this one, they would have to go undefeated for the rest of the season just to make a bowl game. Iowa has already qualified for a bowl game but a loss here has a good chance to impact which tier of bowl they go to.
Despite Iowa being well known for having a good defense, this game could very well be decided in a shoot out. Iowa has been putting points on the board in bunches, scoring 82 points in their last two games. The same thing applies to the Bruins who have put up 62 points in their last two matches. The question is, will UCLA’s rush defense break before Iowa’s pass defense?
Rutgers vs Minnesota
This one had to be added on here because the other matchups this weekend have a strong chance to be complete blowouts with Penn State, Ohio State, and Oregon all playing teams with around 500. records or worse. With that being said, it is hard to imagine this one coming down to the wire.
Minnesota and Rutgers are on two different tracks. Minnesota is 4-0 in their last four matches while Rutgers is 0-4. If Rutgers can pull a win off here it will greatly help their bowl chances. If Minnesota pulls off the win, it just becomes more evidence of PJ Fleck’s successful turnaround of the program. It will also be the first time Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis lines up against his old school so their is a storyline. to this matchup.
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