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The final week of the Big Ten regular season is here and, as usual, there’s an enormous amount to talk about on rivalry weekend.
Here’s a few guys with a lot on the line this weekend in the Big Ten:
1. Shea Patterson, Michigan quarterback
There were many reasons why quarterback Shea Patterson transferred from Ole Miss to Michigan this summer, but by far the most important reason was to get the Wolverines over the hump against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have owned this rivalry lately, and one of the biggest why was their decided edge at the quarterback position. Patterson has changed that this year, playing well all season long in leading Michigan to a 10-1 record. But it all comes down to this final showdown with Ohio State, and he needs a big and, most importantly, a victory. To say that this is a must-win situation for Patterson might just be the understatement of the season.
2. Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield, Ohio State cornerbacks
For more than a month now, Ohio State’s once-vaunted defense has really struggled. There’s been plenty of blame to go around on all three levels, but for the 10-1 Buckeyes to beat No. 4 Michigan on Saturday, they have to keep Michigan’s passing game in check. That means cornerbacks Damon Arnette and Kendall Sheffield have to step up and make sure Michigan doesn’t break off big plays. A better Ohio State pass rush, which has disappeared of late, would sure help, too.
3. Khari Willis, Michigan State safety
Michigan State’s defense has been pretty good most of this year, so Senior Day on Saturday against Rutgers is going to be emotional for guys like Khari Willis, who’s playing his last game in East Lansing. It’ll be tough to say goodbye. “I feel like I’ve done everything I could,” Willis said. “I have no regrets. Some things I would probably change or wish I would’ve learned quicker, it works like that. I’m satisfied with my time here. I wouldn’t have wanted it to be anywhere else in the country.”
4. Stevie Scott, Indiana running back
Indiana is 5-6 and still needs one more win to become bowl eligible. The Hoosiers get one more chance on Saturday in Bloomington against in-state rival Purdue, who’s also stuck at 5-6 and needs a win themselves. Scott has had a great freshman season, rushing for 1,033 yards already, which is exceptional for a guy who started the season third on the depth chart. He’s had five 100-yard games this season, including three in the last four weeks. Another one against Purdue could be the difference between winning and losing.
5. Trace McSorley, Penn State quarterback
Trace McSorley has had an incredible career at Penn State, and his last game in Happy Valley is sure to be emotional. “I have great respect for him,” said Maryland coach Matt Canada, Penn State’s opponent in the season finale. “When you talk about the quarterback position, he is a winner. He finds a way to win. He’s done a tremendous job his entire career. I think they’re doing a great job utilizing his talents,” Canada added. “He continues to find a way to get the first down that he needs. He finds a way to get the touchdown he needs. And he finds a way to win the game when they need him.”
Tom Brew has been a recognized reporter in Big Ten sports for decades. Among other projects, he writes about Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.