
5 Big Ten players with a lot to prove in Week 4
This is the first weekend of the fall with multiple Big Ten showdowns, and we have some really good ones. It’s showtime, and, as always, there are a few people with the spotlight shining brightly on them this weekend.
These guys here have a lot to prove Saturday. It’s not intended to be a negative, only a barometer for pointing out players who will likely be the difference between winning and losing this weekend.
Here are 5-ish Big Ten players with a lot to prove this weekend:
Alex Hornibrook, Wisconsin quarterback
Wisconsin’s run to a College Football Playoff spot took a shocking and surprising hit last weekend in the home loss to BYU. So now the pressure is really on the Badgers, who must now win out — and win out impressively — the rest of the way
That starts with Saturday night’s epic battle in Iowa City with the Hawkeyes, a Big Ten West showdown under the lights. Alex Hornibrook has been average at best at quarterback so far, completing only 63 precent of his passes, with only three touchdown passes and two costly interceptions. He has to have a big game Saturday night in a tough environment. Remember the last time a team hoping to make the playoffs came to Iowa City? That was Ohio State last fall, and the Hawkeyes thumped them 55-24. The Playoff committee never forgot it.
Entire Michigan State secondary
When you start throwing around phrases like “worst in the country” and “underachieving greatly,” that’s never good. But that’s what has been said about Michigan State’s struggling pass defense, which is allowing 349.5 passing yards per game.
How bad is that? The Spartans rank 125th out of 129 FBS schools and is the worst among Power 5 teams, just barely ahead of Ole Miss. Sure, I understand Josiah Scott has been out, but it needs to be fixed immediately and it starts with a tough road game against Indiana on Saturday night. This group needs to get its act together.
Banged-up Michigan running backs
Karan Higdon couldn’t go for Michigan last Saturday and then backup running back Chris Evans left the game with a leg injury in the fourth quarter. That’s not a good sign for Michigan, which needs a solid running game to keep its offense balanced.
Michigan running backs coach Jay Harbaugh confirmed Wednesday that both players have been practicing this week and should be good to go Saturday against Nebraska. They need to be. Michigan needs to run the ball well to keep Nebraska’s offense off the field.
Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley
Most NFL-ready quarterback? That’s the tag on Nate Stanley coming into the season, and this is the magical moment where the Iowa quarterback needs to step up and show he can be a star. He’s got the talent to lead Iowa to an upset win over Wisconsin, so it’s time to go out and prove it.
Iowa’s offense has been hit and miss thus far, especially early in the first two games. Being 3-0 has muted much of the criticism, but this is primetime now, with a division title likely on the line. There can be no bad starts from Stanley on Saturday night.
Purdue’s entire roster — and coaches too
The Boilermakers are 0-3 and have lost all three games at home. It’s time to end the train wreck against No. 23 Boston College on Saturday.
Purdue needs a win in the worst way, or this season could go sideways in a hurry. And this is the perfect opportunity to feel good about beating a good team. Boston College is 3-0 and ranked. It would be a nice upset special.