Here are things to watch during the second week of play in the Big Ten Conference:
GAME OF THE WEEK
No. 3 Ohio State at No. 18 Penn State.
The Buckeyes are coming off a 35-point win over Nebraska and are a double-digit road favorite against the Nittany Lions. Justin Fields, superb in his season debut, can continue building his Heisman Trophy credentials in prime time. The main question for the Buckeyes is the availability of wide receiver Chris Olave, who left last week’s game in the second half with an upper body injury. Penn State is smarting after losing to Indiana in overtime and hasn’t opened Big Ten play 0-2 since 2010. The Nittany Lions got another blow to their running back corps when Noah Cain was ruled out for the season because of an undisclosed injury.
BEST MATCHUP
Iowa offense vs. Northwestern defense. QB Spencer Petras was solid in the opener against Purdue, but the Hawkeyes had a couple turnovers and some pre-snap penalties that need to get cleaned up. Northwestern’s defense has only two returning starters because of opt-outs. The Wildcats shut down Maryland and figure to get a tougher test on the road this week. Northwestern’s Paddy Fisher is one of the best linebackers in the country.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
The team that runs the ball best has won the Michigan State-Michigan game in 45 of the last 50 meetings. The Wolverines have to like their chances at home. They ran for 256 yards on the road against Minnesota last week; Michigan State managed 50 on the ground at home against Rutgers and averaged just 1.28 per carry.
LONG SHOT
There are signs of life in the Rutgers program. Following a win at Michigan State, the Scarlet Knights are a 10-point underdog to Indiana. Rutgers has played Indiana tough at home, and Greg Schiano has brought energy in his return to Piscataway. If the Hoosiers are still celebrating their overtime win over Penn State, Rutgers might make this a game.
IMPACT PLAYER
Purdue receiver David Bell was held to five catches for 18 yards against Illinois last year. Look for more production from him against the Illini on Saturday. He had 13 catches for 121 yards and three touchdowns against Iowa last week.
No. 3 Ohio State faces first road test at No. 18 Penn State
No. 3 Ohio State (1-0) at No. 18 Penn State (0-1), Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET (ABC).
Line: Ohio State by 12.
Series record: Ohio State leads 21-14.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Ohio State can take a big step toward controlling the Big Ten’s East Division with a win. Penn State needs to get its offense on track and will look to bounce back from a controversial loss.
KEY MATCHUP
Penn State’s defensive line vs. Ohio State QB Justin Fields. Although Fields might prefer to sit in the pocket and pick defenses apart with his arm, he can also escape and extend plays with his feet. Rangy DEs Shaka Toney and Jayson Oweh will be tasked with keeping Fields contained.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ohio State: RB Master Teague III. He was pretty efficient last week with 41 yards and two scores on just 12 carries. The 225-pounder could be a load for Penn State’s front seven to deal early in the game as starting linebacker Jesse Luketa will miss the first half due to a targeting penalty last week.
Penn State: QB Sean Clifford. The second-year quarterback was hard on himself after tossing two interceptions in the opener and will need to limit mistakes against a defense that allowed him to complete just 47% of his passes a year ago.
FACTS & FIGURES
The last four games between these teams have been decided by a combined 16 points and five of the last nine were decided by a touchdown or less. … Ohio State has won 14 straight Big Ten games. … Penn State has won seven consecutive home openers. … Fields’ 20-for-21 passing accuracy last week was the best single-game effort for a Buckeye QB with at least 11 attempts in program history. … Clifford generated 357 yards of total offense last week. …This is the latest opening game at Beaver Stadium since an influence pandemic delayed the 1918 season until Nov. 2.