The Wildcats’ bye week is this Saturday and based on their play last Saturday night, they probably need it. But just because the team has the day off doesn’t mean you have to forgo all football for the week.
Here’s a guide to satisfying your football obsession this Saturday. Just because the Wildcats aren’t on the field doesn’t mean football doesn’t matter:
Illinois at No. 13 Michigan State (11 AM CST, Big Ten Network): This isn’t an amazing game by any stretch, but it never hurts to scout two upcoming opponents. If you don’t think Coach Fitzgerald will be watching this game at some point to prepare for the Spartans (versus Northwestern on 10/23) and the Illini (versus Northwestern on 11/20), then you are naïve. Plus, it is probably the most interesting contest in the first slate of games, so you might as well watch as you roll out of bed.
No. 15 Iowa at Michigan (2:30 PM CST, ABC): Depending on which Michigan fan you ask, Denard Robinson is either a god or the best candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize. Either way, he’s the most exciting player in college football to watch, even if his performance wasn’t so great last Saturday against Michigan State. However, Robinson reportedly gave a rousing speech to his teammates after the loss, solidifying his leadership status (and god-like status among UM fans) even more. This week a tough Iowa defense comes to the Big House. Can Denard pull through with a big win, or will the Hawkeye defense contain Shoelace?
No. 12 Arkansas at No. 7 Auburn (2:30 PM CST, CBS): Tired of watching Big Ten games? Flip over to this SEC contest. Ryan Mallett, a former Michigan quarterback, tries to lead the Arkansas Razorbacks to a victory over the undefeated Auburn Tigers in the best game — rankings-wise — this Saturday. If Northwestern can recover from its most recent loss and finish the season strong, they could be playing one of these teams in a Jan. 1 bowl game.
Texas at No. 5 Nebraska (2:30 PM CST, ESPN): The third great mid-afternoon battle of the day is a Big 12 grudge match, in which the semi-reeling Texas Longhorns will meet up with the outgoing Nebraska Cornhuskers in Lincoln. The Huskers will depart the Big 12 after this season in favor of the Big Ten, but they would still love to get in one last shot at Texas, which barely edged Nebraska last year in the conference championship game. No Ndamukong Suh or Colt McCoy this time around for either team, but this one should be intense as the Huskers look to stay in the national title picture.
No. 1 Ohio State at No. 18 Wisconsin (6 PM CST, ESPN): The most important Big Ten game of the week takes place in Madison Saturday night as Brutus Buckeye looks to take down the Badgers. Ohio State has emerged as the top team in the nation after Alabama lost last week, and Terrelle Pryor has maintained his status as a Heisman contender. Meanwhile, Wisconsin lost on the road to Michigan State, but after the Spartans proceeded to pound the Wolverines, the defeat doesn’t look quite as bad. And make sure to watch one of the coolest college football traditions: Wisconsin’s pre-fourth quarter “Jump Around” is like Northwestern’s “Hands In The Air” on steroids.