Big Ten breakdown | Week 6

Illinois might be idle, enjoying its bye week, but Big Ten play continues across the conference with eight games. Here’s how Illini beat writer Scott Richey ranks this weekend’s matchups, along with his picks for Illinois MVP, Big Ten MVP and his take on the Illini’s bowl game projections:

Can’t Miss It

Iowa (3-1, 1-0) at No. 3 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)

2:30 p.m., Saturday, CBS

➜ Who’s on the call: Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Gary Danielson (expert analysis) and Jenny Dell (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Ohio State, 35-10. Freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has scored in every game this season for the Buckeyes, including a wild one-hander last week at Michigan State. Pencil him in for a couple against Iowa.

Second-Screen Options

No. 23 Indiana (5-0, 2-0) at Northwestern (2-2, 0-1)

2:30 p.m., Saturday, BTN

➜ Who’s on the call: Chris Vosters (play-by-play), Anthony Herron (expert analysis) and Dannie Rogers (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Indiana, 28-9. The Hoosiers are 5-0 to start the season for the first time since 1967 (and 1910 was the other). Playing Florida International, Western Illinois, UCLA, Charlotte and Maryland hasn’t hurt.

Rutgers (4-0, 1-0) at Nebraska (4-1, 1-1)

3 p.m., Saturday, FS1

➜ Who’s on the call: Alex Faust (play-by-play) and Robert Smith (expert analysis).

➜ Who wins: Rutgers, 24-21. If Illinois could eventually run the ball against Nebraska, the Scarlet Knights should have little trouble with their stout offensive line paving the way for Kyle Monangai — the No. 2 back in the Big Ten.

No. 10 Michigan (4-1, 2-0) at Washington (3-2, 1-1)

6:30 p.m., Saturday, NBC

➜ Who’s on the call: Noah Eagle (play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (expert analysis) and Kathryn Tappen (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Michigan, 27-24. Wolverines quarterback Alex Orji has completed just 57 percent of the 30 passes he’s attempted since taking over QB1 duties. Michigan won both games (barely) so that’s apparently fine.

Check the score on your phone

UCLA (1-3, 0-2) at No. 7 Penn State (4-0, 1-0)

11 a.m., Saturday, Fox

➜ Who’s on the call: Gus Johnson (play-by-play), Joel Klatt (expert analysis) and Jenny Taft (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Penn State, 31-14. The clock is already ticking on UCLA coach DeShaun Foster. A late hire after Chip Kelly decided being Ohio State’s offensive coordinator was a better job, the early returns on Foster’ and his Bruins are not ideal.

Purdue (1-3, 0-1) at Wisconsin (2-2, 0-1)

11 a.m., Saturday, BTN

➜ Who’s on the call: Mark Followill (play-by-play), Jake Butt (expert analysis) and Brooke Fletcher (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Wisconsin, 20-13. Ryan Walters already fired his offensive coordinator. The Purdue coach only has one more move to make (sorry, Kevin Kane) before it’s his turn on the chopping block as the struggle bus has taken permanent residence in West Lafayette, Ind.

No. 11 Southern Cal (3-1, 1-1) at Minnesota (2-3, 0-2)

6:30 p.m., Saturday, BTN

➜ Who’s on the call: Guy Haberman (play-by-play), Yogi Roth (expert analysis) and Rhett Lewis (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: USC, 33-17. The Trojans might not do any one thing at an extraordinarily high level, but they’re solid. That’s more than enough to beat the Gophers on the road.

Thank goodness it’s Friday

Michigan State (3-2, 1-1) at No. 6 Oregon (4-0, 1-0)

8 p.m., Friday, Fox

➜ Who’s on the call: Jason Benetti (play-by-play), Brock Huard (expert analysis) and Allison Williams (sideline reports).

➜ Who wins: Oregon, 42-17. Those early struggles for the Ducks against teams from Idaho? Consider them solved. Oregon’s outscored Oregon State and UCLA 83-27 in its last two games. Michigan State is next.

Illinois MVP

Luke Altmyer

One thing has become clear through Illinois’ first five games. Success in 2024 is going to come from Luke Altmyer’s right arm. The Illini quarterback hit his first dose of adversity at Penn State — seven sacks, his first interception and a late fumble — but his passing attack remains the best thing going for Illinois. An anemic run game (at least compared to preseason expectations) and a run defense that’s struggling means Altmyer might have to keep slinging it this fall.

Big Ten MVP

Kurtis Rourke

A week off for Iowa put running back Kaleb Johnson out of sight, out of mind. So the Big Ten’s rushing leader gave up his spot atop the conference MVP race to Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke. The 2022 MAC Player of the Year did throw his first two interceptions of the season against Maryland, but they came with three touchdowns and 359 passing yards. Rourke is leading the unbeaten Hoosiers by completing 72 percent of his passes for 1,372 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games.

Bowl game projections

Start thinking about the Music City?

Does Illinois still have a path to the new 12-team College Football Playoff? Sure. The Illini still play at Oregon and host Michigan after last week’s loss at Penn State. They have to win at least one while also not losing any other games. Never say never, but start thinking about a trip to Nashville, Tenn., for the Music City Bowl. That’s where the majority of bowl projections have Illinois slotted, and Illini coach Bret Bielema will be surprised when I show up for every media availability in cowboy boots and hat.