Top Three Big 10 Games: 11/22-11/23

Another weekend of college football is upon us and the Big Ten has a weekend loaded with good or at least interesting matchups, including a top 5 showdown in Columbus. This weekend presents a unique opportunity for many of the teams to show what they are made of just in time for bowl season. There are three games that stand above the rest in terms of matchups and storylines this weekend.

Top Three Big Ten Matches This Weekend

No. 2 Ohio State vs No. 5 Indiana

Big ten, Indiana Hoosiers — Nov 9, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke (9) talks to a reporter after the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Indiana has everything to prove this game. They have been questioned all season about the legitimacy of their undefeated record. They have had one of the easiest schedules in college football so far and haven’t faced a top opponent. A win against Ohio State will go a long way to legitimizing their CFB bid and it will more than likely earn them a spot in the Big Ten championship game.

USATSI 24722040 168400517 lowres — Big Ten Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) scores a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio State also has everything to prove as well. The last time Ohio State played a top 5 opponent this season they lost by one point. They also want to play themselves back into the Big Ten title game picture. They need to beat Indiana to do that. If they can pull off a decisive win against Indiana and make it to the Big Ten championship game, it will go a long way toward legitimizing Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach.

Nebraska vs Wisconsin

Nov 2, 2024; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first quarter at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

A good old fashion midwestern fight, one of the trademarks of the old Big Ten conference. (Despite Nebraska being a recent addition) This game is a win and clinch scenario for both teams who are both sitting at 5-5 on the year. For Nebraska, it would mean their first bowl appearance since 2016 and the first under Matt Rhule. A lot will be said about the progress of his rebuild, the tone of which depends on if Nebraska can stop their losing streak, and if they can clinch a bowl here.

For Wisconsin, it means an end to their losing streak and being bowl eligible for the second year in a row. Another matchup where both teams have to show a step in the right direction.

Rutgers vs No. 25 Illinois

Oct 26, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass during warm ups before a game against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Illinois has to win this game to stay in the top 25. If Illinois can finish in the top 25 and get to a higher bowl game, it would be huge for what they are building in Champaign. Rutgers just made clinched bowl eligibility and will be looking to knock off a top 25 team for the first time in 15 years. They have rebuild progress of their own they need to show. This game should be a fight to the finish.