Big Ten Preview: No. 5 Buckeyes on roll heading to Indiana

Updated Oct. 21, 2021 3:10 a.m. ET

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Things to watch during Week 8 of play in the Big Ten Conference:

GAME OF THE WEEK

No. 5 Ohio State at Indiana

The Buckeyes (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten) haven't lost to the Hoosiers since 1988. They have the top offense in the country and they're revving up on defense, which is bad news for an Indiana offense that has scored a combined 15 points in its last two games. Michael Penix Jr. passed for nearly 500 yards at Ohio Stadium in last year's game and led the Hoosiers back from a four-touchdown deficit

BEST MATCHUP

Purdue (4-2, 2-1) offense vs. Wisconsin (3-3, 1-2) defense.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

No. 6 Michigan (6-0, 3-0), which hosts Northwestern (3-3, 1-2), has beaten the Wildcats 33 of 37 times since 1966. The Wolverines have won 11 of the last 12 meetings, their only loss coming at the Big House in 2008. Four of the last five have been decided by one score, including two that went to overtime.

LONG SHOT

Maryland (4-2, 1-2) is a 4 1/2-point underdog on the road against Minnesota (4-2, 2-1),

IMPACT PLAYER

An open date gave No. 7 Penn State (5-1, 2-1) extra time to prepare Ta’Quan Roberson for his first career start against Illinois (2-5, 1-3). It still isn't clear who will take the first snap. Coach James Franklin said Roberson and Christian Veilleux have been splitting work with the No. 1 offense this week, and the competition is close.

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Sean Clifford

David Bell

Aidan O'Connell

Michael Penix Jr.

Northwestern Wildcats

Ohio State Buckeyes

Michigan Wolverines

Maryland Terrapins

Indiana Hoosiers

Minnesota Golden Gophers