Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, November 23, 2015

Iowa has the Big Ten West sewn up, but it still must win-out if it hopes to maybe land a playoff spot. That means winning at Nebraska on Black Friday. And, that could be tough in what looks like a rivalry that finally could have some teeth to it.

Pride. Respect. That's what Tom Shatel of Omaha.com says is on the line on Friday. And what gives this would-be rivalry a chance to be a very hot annual shindig. This is gonna be fun.

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Big Ten Nation is still buzzing about Michigan State?s win at Ohio State that kept the Spartans in control of their fate in the Big Ten East. Win at home on Saturday vs. Penn State, and MSU will go to the Big Ten championship game for a third time.

The win reminded Mike Griffith of the Spartans? victory vs. vs. Ohio State in the 2013 Big Ten title tilt.

It reminded me a huge MSU triumph in Columbus in 1998.

The 2013 win snapped a 24-game Buckeyes winning streak and launched MSU into its first Rose Bowl appearance in 26 years. This time, it was a victory for MSU (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) over the Buckeyes (10-1, 6-1) that positioned the Spartans to win a trip to the Big Ten title game and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff, snapping a 23-game Ohio State win streak in the process.

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Yes, Ohio State?s unbeaten season is over. But, the Buckeyes still have a shot to make the playoffs. Really. Hope still floats. Doug Lesmerises of Cleveland.com does a good job laying out some scenarios.

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Ezekiel Elliott's sharp critique of the Ohio State coaches in the postgame aftermath was almost a bigger story than the Buckeyes? loss. Are his comments an indicator of internal problems?

Yes, Elliott had reason to be frustrated after being underutilized in the loss. But he has to be more composed as a leader and upperclassmen. Let?s write it off as a learning experience and youth. I just wonder how this will impact Elliott?s relationship with his coaches and teammates.

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While Ezekiel Elliott shouted to the world that he was going pro after the MSU loss, Iowa CB Desmond King is undecided.

?I?m not sure where I?m at right now,? King said. ?I?m still undecided. I?m not going to think about it until it?s time for me to really think about that. I?m focused on this season and my team.?

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It was difficult to watch Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg vs. Michigan. The guy struggled. Then again, a lot of quarterbacks struggle vs. this Wolverine defense.

James Franklin's offensive line was bullied by the Michigan front. It was a beating for most of the 60 minutes, arguably the most painful one the QB has suffered in 36 college games. Now, Hackenberg gets to face the rugged Spartan d-line.

That Michigan d-line was showing signs of wear leading into the Penn State game. But the unit-as noted–looked good on Saturday and will need to dominate when Ohio State visits.

In total, Michigan sacked Christian Hackenberg four times and tallied a whopping 10 tackles for loss on the afternoon. Penn State was held to 70 yards on 22 carries, the second-lowest number the team's had all season. Overall, it was the seventh time this season Michigan's held an opponent under 100 yards rushing.

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Wisconsin?s home loss to Northwestern created a stir in Madison, as the Badgers had three TDs overturned. The reaction, as you can imagine, wasn?t great.

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The losses continue for Purdue.

But the Boilermakers could end with a feel-good vibe by beating Indiana, ruining the Hoosiers? bowl hopes and winning back the Old Oaken Bucket for the first time since 2012.

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While the football season is lost, Purdue hoops looks good ? really good.

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