Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, September 17, 2014

Miami (Fla.) and Nebraska have played some iconic games. Who can forget the epic Orange Bowl after the 1983 season, or the Orange Bowl after the 1994 season, when Nebraska won its third national title? I was at the Rose Bowl after the 2001 season to see the Canes beat the Huskers for the BCS title. That Miami squad was one of college football?s best over the last quarter century.

Tom Shatel of Omaha.com shares his Nebraska-Miami memories. With the teams set to meet this Saturday. No, neither team is of vintage caliber. Still, it figures to be a fun clash. The Huskers need to win to give the Big Ten at least one quality non-conference victory.

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Michigan faces a big test this Saturday when Utah visits Ann Arbor. And the Wolverines won?t stand much of a chance to win unless they cut back on the turnovers. How bad is it? Michigan ranks 124th in the nation in turnover margin.

The Wolverines turned over the ball 21 times in 13 games a year ago, and through three games this season, Michigan's eight total turnovers are tied for second-worst in the nation. This is a critical game. This is a huge game. The Wolverines need to win.

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Anyone noticed that Wisconsin?s Melvin Gordon isn?t exactly tearing it up? Jesse Temple of FOX Sports Wisconsin has. Gordon was supposed to be one of the Big Ten?s top Heisman contenders after ranking 12th nationally in rushing yards per game in 2013. Now, Gordon now is tied for 43rd in the same category at 89.0 yards rushing per outing. Four tailbacks in the Big Ten alone are averaging more yards rushing per game than Gordon (Indiana's Tevin Coleman, Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah, Minnesota's David Cobb and Michigan's Derrick Green).

I think we?ll see Gordon pick it up soon.

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There is a lot I like about this Penn State team. There?s quarterback Christian Hackenberg, a tough d-line, wideout Geno Lewis, great coaches. But what may be best of all is the steely resolve the team showed in fighting back from fourth-quarter deficits to win two of its first three games. This is the kind of stuff that makes for memorable teams.

On the subject of Penn State and its d-line, how about Anthony Zettel? I think he quickly is becoming one of the Big Ten?s best players. On Saturday night at Rutgers, he couldn?t be blocked. Looks like the move from end to tackle was a smart one.

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Ohio State is off this week, getting a chance to catch its breath before an intriguing visit from Cincinnati. Beware Gunner Kiel. The Bearcat quarterback looks special after throwing for 418 yards and six touchdowns in the opener. What do the Buckeyes need to work on? The gang at Cleveland.com gives its thoughts in this video.

Me? I think the defense still has to show it can stop the pass. And the offense needs to get more from its playmakers so redshirt freshman QB J.T. Barrett doesn?t have to carry a big load.

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No time for Rutgers to hang its head after that tough home loss to Penn State. Up next is a trip to always-dangerous Navy and its vaunted option offense. Better be ready, Scarlet Knights, or you could lose a second game in a row.

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In the midst of an 0-2 start, Northwestern has many issues. The gang at InsideNU.com wonders which area of the squad has underperformed the most? The conclusion: the offense. Hey, I?m not gonna argue that. I mean, NU is last in the Big Ten in scoring at 19.5 ppg. I wonder if the Wildcats would consider a quarterback change and inset Matt Alviti, who may be better suited to succeed behind this shaky line.

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Want a good video preview of the Eastern Michigan at Michigan State? Check of Mike Griffith and Kyle Austin of Mlive.com. Sure, there isn?t much really to talk about in what figures to be a lopsided game. Still, these guys are good.

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Iowa LB Quinton Alston says it?s time for the Hawkeyes to play with ?fire in our hearts.?

Yep, sound about right, as Iowa brings a wobbly 2-1 record to Pitt to play a 3-0 Panthers squad that is playing well. I will be surprised if the Hawkeyes come home with a victory vs. this tough Pitt team. What?s the state of mind of Iowa?

About Tom Dienhart BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section.

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