Big Ten preview notes

November, 20, 2009
11/20/09
3:24
PM ET
A few afternoon notes from ESPN's Stats & Information group.

OHIO STATE-MICHIGAN

  • Since the Ohio State-Michigan game was moved to end of season, only one time has a team with a losing record defeated a team with a winning record. In 1951, 3-5 Michigan beat 4-2-2 Ohio State 7-0 in Woody Hayes' first season.
  • With a loss, Michigan would have consecutive seasons with at least seven losses for the first time in school history.
  • This is the first time an unranked Michigan team is hosting a ranked Ohio State team since 1993. That year Michigan defeated 5th-ranked Ohio State, 28-0.
Michigan's longest losing streaks vs. one opponent

1. Minnesota, nine games, 1934-42
2. Cornell, seven games, 1889-94
3. Ohio State, five games, 2004-present
4. Purdue, five games, 1962-66
5. Army, five games, 1945-54

PENN STATE-MICHIGAN STATE

  • With a win, Penn State would have its second straight 10-win season. The Nittany Lions haven’t won 10+ games in consecutive seasons since 1993 and 1994. It would also be the 21st 10-win season under Joe Paterno. Only six schools -- Oklahoma, Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska, USC and Texas -- have more 10-win seasons than Paterno, and no coach has more.
  • The Spartans have a chance to be 3-0 in November. That also hasn’t happened since the 1999 season. Under Mark Dantonio, Michigan State is 6-2 in November games. They were just 2-11 under John L. Smith.

Most 10-win seasons

1. Joe Paterno, 20
2. Bobby Bowden, 18
3. Tom Osborne, 15
4. Paul "Bear" Bryant, 14

Michigan State's defense has epitomized the team's up-and-down season. The Spartans have been solid at home but shaky on the road.

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BIG TEN SCOREBOARD

Saturday, 12/17
Tuesday, 12/20
Wednesday, 12/21
Thursday, 12/22
Saturday, 12/24
Monday, 12/26
Tuesday, 12/27
Wednesday, 12/28
Thursday, 12/29
Friday, 12/30
Saturday, 12/31
Monday, 1/2
Tuesday, 1/3
Wednesday, 1/4
Friday, 1/6
Saturday, 1/7
Sunday, 1/8
Monday, 1/9