Last Tuesday, we watched Illinois and Michigan State fight it out to a 42-41 final. A week later, Ohio State and Purdue matched that point total on the first possession of the second half in an entertaining 87-84 Ohio State win. Both teams used outstanding three-point shooting and miniscule turnover rates to power themselves above 1.30 points per trip, marking a season-high output for both sides.

For the fifth consecutive year, BTN will televise seven winter Big Ten Championships, including men’s and women’s swimming and diving, wrestling, men’s and women’s indoor track and field and men’s and women’s gymnastics. Every event will be produced in high definition, including live coverage of the entire Big Ten Men’s Gymnastics Championships, the final rounds of the Big Ten Wrestling Championships and the final session of the Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Championships.

All the Big Ten-related stories fit to be linked to. And it’s all free. For instance, a “gentlemen’s agreement?” In football recruiting? Poppycock, writes Pete DiPrimio of the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel. And don’t forget: I’ll be chatting live during tonight’s Super Wednesday games over on the BTN Facebook page. Come on over at 5:30 p.m. ET.

(AP) William Buford scored a career-high 29 points and capped his night with a pivotal dunk in the final minute to power No. 3 Ohio State past Purdue 87-84 on Tuesday. The win was Ohio State’s 40th in a row at home – since losing to Purdue two years ago at Value City Arena. Buford scored 21 points in the second half to carry the Buckeyes (21-3, 9-2) while Jared Sullinger and Aaron Craft were on the bench with foul trouble. He scored seven straight points as Ohio State took the lead for good. D.J. Byrd, averaging 6.5 points a game, had a career-best 24 for the Boilermakers (15-9, 5-6), while Kelsey Barlow and Lewis Jackson had 14 each and Robbie Hummel added 13.

Blessed with unreal athleticism and great genes, Purdue’s Kelsey Barlow is no stranger to making his way onto the highlight shows. The junior has his frustrating moments, no doubt, but he can drop a lot of jaws if given the opportunity. Barlow did just that Tuesday night when he posterized preseason Big Ten player of the year Jared Sullinger in a narrow loss at No. 3 Ohio State. The dunk drew rave reviews from the ESPN crew, with Mike Tirico saying in amazement, “That is pretty special.” Indeed. Watch the dunk now and see Barlow’s other big slam in this post.

Phil Parker, defensive backfield coach at Iowa the past 13 seasons, has been named defensive coordinator. In addition, Darrell Wilson and Reese Morgan will take over new assignments on the Hawkeye coaching staff. The announcement was made Tuesday by head football coach Kirk Ferentz.

More than likely, Ohio State football fans can rattle off the number their favorite Buckeyes wore during their college career. But what about, say, Donte Whitner’s high school number? Probably not. Well, there’s a place for that: Candy Painted Tees. A company comprised of “two longtime friends crafting original Midwest inspired designs,” according to their Twitter bio, it makes vintage shirts that feature the high school and high school number of select former Buckeyes. They’re pretty sweet. Take a look at Whitner’s shirt. And Eddie George’s.

Jared Sullinger, Draymond Green. Draymond Green, Jared Sullinger. The player on top of my weekly player rankings seemingly changes each week. And it may continue to flip-flop the rest of the month, too. For now, I have to go with Sullinger, given his sterling effort in Ohio State’s first win at Wisconsin since 2000 and the fact Green hurt his knee in a loss at Illinois.

News that the Big Ten is offering structure ideas for a college football playoff is good news for those who dislike a BCS system that has been in place for 14 seasons. Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reported this on Monday. I take a look at the benefits and problems with this idea, but you tell me what you think in the comments box below.