Oct 20, 2023 By Ap 4 min read

UNDATED (AP) — Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh denied having any knowledge or involvement in plotting to steal opponents’ play-calling signals by sending representatives to their games. He also said he and his staff would fully cooperate with an NCAA investigation into the allegations against his program. The Big Ten conference provided no further details, only to say that it had notified Michigan’s upcoming opponents about the investigation. The second-ranked Wolverines play at Michigan State on Saturday. The NCAA does not have rules specifically against stealing signs but does prohibit in-person advanced scouting of opponents and also has bylaws prohibiting unsportsmanlike activities.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Michigan State linebacker Jordan Hall talks about rolling with the punches to maintain focus amid adversity. Bt he never could have expected the haymaker his team absorbed last month. It was the same type of sucker-punch that players at Northwestern, Nebraska and Wisconsin have encountered over the last year. Unexpected firings have left Northwestern and Michigan State playing for interim head coaches. Nebraska and Wisconsin went through similar situations last season. The difference this year is that the Northwestern and Michigan State coaching changes resulted from off-field issues rather than wins and losses.

UNDATED (AP) — No. 7 Penn State at No. 3 Ohio State is the game of the week in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions carry an 11-game win streak to Columbus. They haven’t won there since 2011. Lions coach James Franklin is 1-8 against Ohio State and 0-9 on the road against top 10 opponents. The Floyd of Rosedale trophy is on the line when Minnesota visits 24th-ranked and West-leading Iowa. The Gophers are looking for their first win in Iowa City since 1999. Northwestern is a long shot to watch as an 11 1/2-point underdog at Nebraska.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ryan Day says he’s still learning about his No. 3 Buckeyes halfway through the season. The Ohio State coach should know a lot more on Saturday when the undefeated Buckeyes (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) get a visit from undefeated No. 7 Penn State (6-0, 3-0) for the most important game to date. Penn State will be trying to end a six-game skid against the Buckeyes and gain an upper hand in the Big Ten East and the College Football Playoff. Both still have to play No. 2 Michigan before it’s all over.

UNDATED (AP) — Floyd of Rosedale has a well-worn perch by now among the trophies displayed in the Iowa football building. Minnesota and Iowa have played for the 98-pound bronze pig every year since 1935. Floyd has resided with the 24th-ranked Hawkeyes for eight straight years and 18 of the last 22. The Gophers’ next opportunity to lay claim to Floyd comes Saturday when they visit Kinnick Stadium. They haven’t won in Iowa City since 1999. Look for a low-scoring game. The matchup pits two of the nation’s worst offenses.

UNDATED (AP) — Two teams hoping to keep their title hopes alive in the Big Ten’s West division will do battle in Illinois. Only two teams in the division have a winning record in the conference: Iowa (3-1) and Wisconsin (2-1). The Badgers need a win to keep pace or move in front of the Hawkeyes, who play host to Minnesota (1-2). Illinois upset Maryland last week to avoid the Big Ten West basement. A homecoming win over Wisconsin would keep the Illini’s division hopes alive.

LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) — Northwestern visits Nebraska on Saturday for a meeting of teams looking to continue their improvement. Both teams are 3-3 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play. The Wildcats have proved to be plucky under David Braun. Nebraska has won three of its last four games. The winner of this game will sit no lower than third place in the wide-open Big Ten West. For the Wildcats, a fourth victory would be their most wins in a season since 2020. For the Cornhuskers, a fourth victory would be one more than they had last season.

BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (AP) — Rutgers is off to its best start in nine years. On Saturday, the Scarlet Knights will try to keep their milestone season on track when they visit Indiana. Another win would give Rutgers its first 3-2 conference start since joining the Big Ten, make them bowl-eligible and tie the school record for most Big Ten wins in a season. Indiana, meanwhile, returns home for the first time in nearly a month. After losing three of their last four this season and 10 of their last 11 league games, they’re hoping to turn this season around.