The races in the Big Ten's Leaders and Legends divisions heat up Saturday afternoon with a slate of games involving several heavy favorites. In fact, only the Michigan vs. Iowa game has less than a double-digit spread, so the top teams in each division will need to avoid an upset today that could send them tumbling down the standings in their respective division. Let's take a look:
Minnesota vs. 15 Michigan State (12:00 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
The Minnesota Golden Gophers will look to play the role of spoiler again this week when they take on the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing. The Spartans are 3-1 in conference play sitting in a three-way tie atop the Big Ten's Legends division.
The Spartans will be looking to bounce back after a rough 24-3 loss at Nebraska last week. The Spartans were riding high heading into Lincoln last week after big wins over Michigan and Wisconsin, but the loss brought them back to the ground and into a heated race for the top spot in the division.
The Gophers are 28-point underdogs on Saturday but should be feeling confident after their upset win over Iowa last week.
No. 13 Michigan vs. Iowa (12 PM ET, ESPN)
The Michigan Wolverines look to build on their strong 36-14 win over the Purdue Boilermakers last week when they hit the road to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes. At 3-1 in conference, Michigan finds itself in a 3-way tie for first place in the Big Ten's Legends division.
Iowa will be ready and waiting for Michigan after getting ambushed on the road last week, losing 22-21 at Minnesota. At 2-2 in the Legends division the Hawkeyes can jump right back in the division race by beating the Wolverines on Saturday.
Other Big Ten Matchups
Indiana vs. Ohio State (12 PM ET, Big Ten Network)
Purdue vs. 19 Wisconsin (3:30 PM ET, ABC)
Northwestern vs. 9 Nebraska (3:30 PM ET, Big Ten Network)