ZC: The Hawkeyes’ offense is dead last in rushing and offense — it doesn’t get deader or laster than that. Expect the Spartans to put up the numbers fans have become used to seeing. This is the most winnable game left on the schedule — it could be a “win and you’re in” philosophy regarding a bowl bid this week. Knowing that, MSU will be gunning hard and come away with a victory. MSU 31, Iowa 13

JS: While the Hawkeyes’ defense has been able to hold opponents to 17 points per game, their offense has apparently been lost in a cornfield, ranking dead last in the Big Ten with their 15 points per game. They’re young and riddled with injuries. The Spartans won’t come out and say it, but they know as well as we do that this is their best shot at a sixth win and bowl eligibility. MSU 21, Iowa 7

EF: From what I’ve heard, Kinnick Stadium is supposed to be one of the toughest places in the nation to play. That, of course, is inconsequential if your team is not any good. The Hawkeyes aren’t any good, but the Spartans will have to be careful in order to avoid another Northwestern letdown. MSU 34, Iowa 14

MP: The Spartans haven’t won in Kinnick Stadium since 1989. While this year’s awful Iowa team may seem like the perfect opportunity for MSU to change that, the players will have trouble focusing on the game, sandwiched as it is between losses to Ohio State and Michigan. Look for a low scoring, run-oriented affair that has Iowa squeaking away with a victory. Iowa 14, MSU 13

Minnesota at No. 20 Michigan

3:30 p.m. Saturday
TV: ESPN Classic

ZC: The Little Brown Jug will stay in Ann Arbor this year. Minnesota has looked about as effective as a Jimmy Kimmel joke while the Wolverines proved with their win over Illinois last week that they are actually for real. U-M wins easily despite how dirty I feel saying that. U-M 49, Minnesota 17

JS: U-M beat Illinois and Mike Hart didn’t even dress, so with both Hart and Chad Henne questionable, I still believe the Wolverines will be able to handle Minnesota, which has had a nightmare of a season. Allowing 37.5 points per game, the Golden Gophers have the worst scoring defense in the Big Ten. U-M 31, Minnesota 14

EF: U-M is rolling and the Golden Gophers are in an extreme world of hurt heading into this contest. No Chad Henne, no Mike Hart? No problem for the Maize and Blue. U-M 36, Minnesota 9

MP: Minnesota comes to the Big House last in the Big Ten in all major defensive categories. Mike Hart and Chad Henne will likely see little to no action as Lloyd Carr tries to get them healthy for a tough November stretch. Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor will control the tempo on the ground, while Ryan Mallett will be efficient enough to avoid keeping Minnesota in the game past the first quarter. U-M 35, Minnesota 10

No. 1 Ohio State at No. 25 Penn State

8 p.m. Saturday
TV: ABC

ZC: This game will be interesting, and it’s definitely a toss-up. The Big Ten conference’s two best defenses face off, and although Penn State’s offense hasn’t been anything to write home (or anywhere) about, home field advantage will leave Happy Valley, Pa happy. Penn State 20, Ohio State 17

JS: The Buckeyes proved that their defense is legitimate and deserving to be ranked among the elite in the nation in their impressive performance against MSU last weekend. Penn State also brings some stopping power themselves, but Ohio State will out-run and out-gun them in this close contest. Ohio State 17, Penn State 14

EF: Penn State has been far from flashy on the offensive side of the ball so far this season, but its defense is a different story. If the Nittany Lions took any notes on how the Spartans almost shocked the Buckeyes last week, they should be able to win the contest with a good defensive scheme and pull off the upset. Penn State 13, Ohio State 10

MP: Ohio State’s regular-season winning streak dates back two seasons, to the last time they played in Happy Valley. Penn State has called for a whiteout for this night game, hoping to knock off the Buckeyes. The key to this game will be quarterback Anthony Morelli’s erratic play as the Ohio State defense keeps heavy pressure on him all game long. Ohio State 24, Penn State 17

Indiana at Wisconsin

Noon Saturday
TV: Big Ten Network

ZC: Camp Randall Stadium is electric — at times, the whole press box shakes. Indiana won’t be able to handle the crowd in Madison, Wis. The Badgers run the ball to victory and back into the Associated Press Top 25. Wisconsin 27, Indiana 20

JS: The bright side for Indiana is that after losing to Wisconsin, they face Ball State, Northwestern and Purdue, and with that lineup they should be able to pull out at least one win and become bowl eligible. Wisconsin 31, Indiana 13

EF: Somebody has to win. Wisconsin 24, Indiana 16

MP: In a battle of Big Ten almosts, this game will determine who was least worthy of its early season accolades. Indiana will do just enough to stamp a ticket to a yet-to-be-determined bowl game. Indiana 20, Wisconsin 17