B10 East, playoff hopes on line when Michigan-Ohio St. meet

Posted November 23, 2016 6:00 am

By ERIC OLSON

FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2016, file photo, Michigan's Jabrill Peppers (5) breaks a tackle by Iowa defensive back Desmond King, rear, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Iowa City, Iowa. To upset No. 2 Ohio State and win at the Horseshoe for the first time since 2000, Jabrill Peppers will probably have to make big plays for No. 3 Michigan on defense, offense and special teams. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) The Associated Press

Some things to watch in the Big Ten in Week 13 of the season:

BEST GAME

No. 3 Michigan (No. 3 CFP) at No. 2 Ohio State (No. 2 CFP). The stakes for "The Game" haven't been this high since 2006, when Ohio State was No. 1 and Michigan was No. 2. The Buckeyes won and advanced to the national championship game, where they lost to Urban Meyer-coached Florida. Now Meyer coaches the Buckeyes, and they're facing a Michigan team looking to lock up the East Division's spot in the Big Ten championship game and remain on the path to the College Football Playoff. If Ohio State wins, the Buckeyes would go the Big Ten title game if Penn State loses at home to Michigan State. Ohio State has won four straight and 11 of the last 12 in the series.

BEST MATCHUP

No. 17 Nebraska at Iowa. The Cornhuskers' offense has injury issues at quarterback and will be going against an Iowa defense that has allowed a combined 399 yards the last two weeks against Michigan and Illinois. Terrell Newby has done some of his best and toughest running in recent games and he'll need to do more of the same. The Huskers' defense will focus on stuffing Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels Jr., the Nos. 8 and 9 rushers in the Big Ten, and see if C.J. Beathard can beat its much-improved secondary.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Rutgers' four shutout losses are the program's most since the 1936 team was shut out six times. ... Purdue's offense ranks 28th nationally third-down conversions at 44.8 percent; its defense ranks 121st in third-down defense, yielding first downs on 49.1 percent. ... Indiana has recorded 15 sacks and 52 tackles for loss over the last five games. ... Maryland has started seven true freshmen, tied with South Carolina for most in the FBS. ... Illinois LB Tre Watson is averaging 10.8 tackles in Big Ten games to lead the conference. He's made 41 stops in the last three games. ... Justin Jackson last week became the first Northwestern player to rush for 1,000 yards in three seasons.

LONG SHOT

Michigan State is a 13-point underdog at Penn State and, if Ohio State beats Michigan earlier in the day, would love to mess up the Nittany Lions' opportunity to go to the Big Ten championship game. The Spartans clinched the 2015 East Division title with a 39-point win over Penn State. They haven't had much to celebrate this year. They're 0-3 in Big Ten road games, have had 20 different starters and fielded nine freshmen. After losing by a point to Ohio State last week, a win here would make the season for Sparty.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Minnesota LB Blake Cashman has been coming up big since early November and played his best game last week, finishing with 10 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the win over Northwestern. Cashman began the season playing mostly on special teams. He has 19 tackles and five sacks in his last three games. The Gophers need him to keep doing what he's been doing if they hope to upset fifth-ranked Wisconsin (No. 6 CFP).

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More AP college football: http://collegefootball.ap.org

FILE - In this Nov. 5, 2016, file photo, Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) breaks up a pass intended for Maryland Terrapins wide receiver D.J. Moore (1) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Jim Harbaugh hopes to help Michigan upset Ohio State, a win that would put college footballâs winningest program in the Big Ten title game with a shot to win its first conference championship since 2004 and to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 28, 2015, file photo, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, left, greets Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer on the Michigan Stadium field before an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich. Harbaugh hopes to help Michigan upset Ohio State, a win that would put college footballâs winningest program in the Big Ten title game with a shot to win its first conference championship since 2004 and to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff. (AP Photo/Tony Ding, File) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 23, 2002, file photo, Ohio State free safety Will Allen (26) is mobbed by teammates in Columbus, Ohio after intercepting a pass just short of the goal line on the football game's final play as Ohio State held off Michigan 14-9. Celebrating with Allen are John Hollins (84) and E.J. Underwood (49). The Game has lost its luster in recent years. Ohio State has dominated Michigan, winning four straight and 11 of 12 to diminish intrigue in one of the greatest rivalries in sports. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta, File) The Associated Press

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