Across The Empire: Early Games Open Thread

Finally, we have once again all twelve teams playing today in conference play. It's only happened one other time this year, because of the two bye weeks built in to the schedules. But we have a full slate for the last two weeks of conference play, and we've got a nice symmetric split, too. Three early games and then three late games.

All is right with the world. Your schedule:

11:00 Games:

Michigan at Iowa, BTN

Illinois at Purdue, BTN

Michigan State at Northwestern, ESPN

2:30 Games:

Nebraska at Penn State, BTN

Wisconsin at Minnesota, ESPN

Indiana at Ohio State, ESPN 2/ABC Split (Should be ABC for most of B1G country)

In the early games, Northwestern must win their final two games...to become bowl eligible. MSU is looking to move in to the top 10 with a win. Lots at stake for both teams, to be honest. Michigan is looking to build on last week's 3OT win in Iowa City, and the Hawkeyes are looking to improve their bowl position. And in the spare change bowl, Illinois looks for their first conference win under Tim Beckman. Seriously, you can get tickets to this game fo under a dollar.

The afternoon games feature a clash of two really historic programs, a probable blowout, and the battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. I don't see Minnesota winning this game, but if they do, I'm thinking Jerry Kill might be Coach of the Year. I would be pissed if it wasn't Urban Meyer if he starts out 24-0, but I would be happy for Kill and Minnesota.

Open thread rules apply: No links or mentions of any websites that illegally stream games, no links to porn, and play nice. Enjoy the games everyone!