Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
Welcome to October, a make-or-break month throughout the Big Ten.
- The Michigan-Michigan State game leaves us a little confused this year, Bob Wojnowski writes in The Detroit News. Speaking of confusing, Michigan State's constant shuffling at both quarterback and running back clearly isn't working, Eric Lacy writes in The Detroit News.
- The Spartans haven't been too quiet about their distaste for Michigan, and Wolverines head coach Rich Rodriguez has taken notice, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press. Michigan must upgrade its defense this month to truly reach its goals, annarbor.com's Michael Rothstein writes.
- Trying to run against the Iowa defense seems futile right now, Andrew Logue writes in the Des Moines Register. The Hawkeyes' success provides a lift for former star Brad Banks during a rough time, Pat Harty writes in the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
- Ohio State's young offensive tackles will be tested by Indiana pass-rushers Jammie Kirlew and Greg Middleton, Doug Lesmerises writes in The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Buckeyes freshmen John Simon and Duron Carter exhibit unique maturity, Tim May writes in The Columbus Dispatch.
- Purdue continues to move around standout wide receiver Keith Smith, and opponents still can't find him, Mike Carmin writes in The (Lafayette) Journal and Courier.
- Perhaps Illinois quarterback Juice Williams has to go back in time and inject some big plays into the Illinois offense, Lindsey Willhite writes in the Daily Herald.
- Northwestern's Corey Wootton continues the tough fight back from a major knee injury, Teddy Greenstein writes in the Chicago Tribune.
- History buffs will enjoy this: a look at Indiana's home stadiums through the years from The (Bloomington) Herald-Times' Lynn Houser (subscription required).
- Stefen Wisniewski's transition from guard to center at Penn State hasn't been easy, Cory Giger writes in The Altoona Mirror. Penn State will see how it responds from adversity against Illinois, Joe Juliano writes in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
- Big Ten Network's Dave Revsine has all the numbers you need to know for the week.
- The Wisconsin-Minnesota game features a pair of similar quarterbacks in Scott Tolzien and Adam Weber, Myron Medcalf writes in the Star Tribune.
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BIG TEN SCOREBOARD
Friday, 11/27
12:00 PM ET Illinois 5 Cincinnati
