Big Ten football power rankings, Week 13: The Game looms large

Ohio State did not play its best game against Maryland. but when they needed guys to step up, they did in a big way. With TreVeyon Henderson exiting the game with another injury and Miyan Williams already sidelined, Dallan Hayden had a career day with 146 yards and three touchdowns. The Buckeye defense came up with a defensive touchdown at the end to seal the victory.

Even though the media and fans have been talking about it for weeks, the Buckeyes themselves can now turn their attention to Michigan. A berth in the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff will be on the line. The stakes could not be any higher.

Michigan, like Ohio State, maybe was caught looking ahead to next week’s huge matchup. Whatever it was, the Wolverines were taken down to the wire by a feisty Illinois squad. Jake Moody was the hero of the day with his four field goals. His clutch game-winner preserved the showdown in Columbus next Saturday.

The Wolverines need to hope Blake Corum will be good to go next week against the Buckeyes. Corum was hurt late in the first half against Illinois. Without him, J.J. McCarthy will have to shoulder a heavy load.

Can the Wolverines make it two in a row against their bitter rival? The Wolverines have not won in Columbus in the 21st century. Their last victory in the Horseshoe occurred during the 2000 season.