by Ryan Knickmeyer, Sports Writer

Several Big Ten teams have been gunning for the conference championship all season long, but in the end two familiar faces are left with a shot at the title. Michigan and Ohio State, who play in Ann Arbor this weekend, have combined to win 69 Big Ten crowns over the past 100 years of their rivalry. This game will also play a role in determining the national champion, as Ohio State would most likely secure a shot at the national championship with a win.

Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr said, “We’re looking forward to hosting a great Ohio State team in the renewal of the greatest rivalry in college football — the 100th edition of this game.”

Jim Tressel, head coach of Ohio State, said of the game: “This is game No. 1 for the players at Ohio State and Michigan; it’s what they look forward to.” Tressel added, “It’s just a great privilege to be a part of this game.”

While the coaches who will take part in the game were careful not to over-hype the game, outside observers like Penn State head coach Joe Paterno voiced their excitement about the contest.

“I know [the Michigan/Ohio State game] has come down to national implications before,” Paterno said, “but I don’t remember [the game] being quite as highlighted as it is right now.”

Paterno praised the teams and the exposure for the Big Ten, saying “[Michigan and Ohio State] are two great programs with a lot of good football players, two great traditions, and it’s a showcase for the Big Ten, so we all ought to feel good about it.”

Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez looks to join an exclusive group as he goes for his 100th win this weekend when UW hosts Iowa. Alvarez would join eight other coaches in conference history in getting to 100 wins at one Big Ten school.

When asked about reaching the one hundred-win plateau Alvarez said, “It would be very important and something that I would be very proud of.” Alvarez downplayed the accomplishment, saying, “Guys normally don’t stay in one job long enough to have the opportunity to do that.”

Other league coaches were quick to praise Alvarez and the difficulty of his achievements. Purdue’s Joe Tiller said of the milestone: “It’s huge. It’s a real milestone and something we all aspire to accomplish because it is so difficult.”

Minnesota head coach Glen Mason commented on how far Alvarez has brought the Badgers, saying, “Let’s face it — that program was not setting the world on fire when he went in there, but Barry stayed and built what you have right now.”

Evans garners weekly award after record-breaking weekend

Wisconsin’s Lee Evans was named Big Ten offensive player of the week following his record-breaking performance against Michigan State. Evans caught 10 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns. The five scoring grabs equaled the conference record. Evans also set school records for yards in a game and touchdown receptions in a game.

Bob Sanders of Iowa took home the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week award after he helped his team hold the Minnesota offense 18 points below their season average. The two-time, All-Big Ten selection recorded 16 tackles, one sack and three forced fumbles on the day.

The special teams’ award was split by Iowa’s senior kicker Nate Kaeding and Ohio State’s senior punter B.J. Sander.

Kaeding kicked four field goals and scored 16 points in his team’s victory. One of his four field goals was a 55-yard boot at the end of the first half.

Sander helped Ohio State win the field position battle by pinning Purdue inside their own 20 on seven of his 10 punts. Five of the kicks ended up inside of the 10-yard line; Purdue’s average starting position was its own 15-yard line.

Ohio State and Michigan lead Big Ten in the BCS

Not only are the Buckeyes and Wolverines battling for Big Ten supremacy, but also for position in the BCS rankings. OSU currently sits in second place, and a win would secure their second straight trip to the national championship game. Michigan is ranked ninth in the latest poll. Purdue and Iowa also appeared in the latest poll at 16th and 18th, respectively.