Top 3 Big Ten matchups to watch out for in Week 9 of college football ft. Illinois vs. Oregon
The Big Ten has a massive Week 9 on tap. The Oregon Ducks have taken over the national top spot and find themselves facing a ranked foe in their first week atop the polls. Meanwhile, the Penn State Nittany Lions have a dangerous road trip while the Indiana Hoosiers have to adjust to life (at least temporarily) without Kurtis Rourke.
Here's a deeper look at all three Big Ten matchups for Week 9.
Top 3 Big Ten matchups to watch for in Week 9
#3. Washington at No. 13 Indiana
The Hoosiers are now favored by ESPN to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff (64% chance per FPI). But even 7-0 Indiana could be thrown by a loop by the loss of QB Kurtis Rourke, who is out with a hand injury. The Hoosiers are accordingly just a 6.5-point home overdog over a disappointing 4-3 Washington team.
Washington lost by 24 points last week to Iowa. Additionally, the Huskies are 0-3 on the road this year. QB Will Rogers has been efficient this season for UW (1,820 yards and 13 TDs) and running back Jonah Coleman has 681 yards and an imposing 6.88 yards per carry.
#2. No. 3 Penn State at Wisconsin
The Nittany Lions keep winning and have quietly made their way to No. 3 in the nation. But they're arguably still not getting a ton of respect. Undefeated Penn State is only a 6.5-point favorite at 5-2 Wisconsin. Before their week off, Penn State snuck past USC 33-30. QB Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren have impressive chemistry going.
Wisconsin has won three in a row since back-to-back losses to Alabama and USC. In those last three victories, Wisconsin has allowed just 16 total points. Running back Tawee Walker has been impressive and Wisconsin's ability to grind out wins has to concern Penn State.
#1. No. 20 Illinois at No. 1 Oregon
The ranked-on-ranked battle of Week 9 also happens to involve the newly top-ranked Ducks. Oregon started slowly in its first two weeks but has come on and managed to beat Ohio State. Dillon Gabriel has been spectacularly effective, completing over 77% of his passes. Oregon is solid all around and not likely to slip up.
Illinois is a 22-point underdog. The Illini's only loss came at No. 3 Penn State. Bret Bielema's team has been maybe more lucky than good, squeaking out a one-point win over Purdue and a third-point win over Kansas. QB Luke Altmeyer has been a rock, with 15 touchdown passes against a single interception. The Illini could pull off a Big Ten upset for the ages in Eugene.
What do you think of the Big Ten's biggest games in Week 9? Let us know your thoughts and picks in the comments section below.