There are major Playoff implications at play on Saturday night when Wisconsin and Penn State face off for the Big Ten title in Indianapolis. The winner of this game will be in play for a Playoff berth, and could make the Playoff field 50 percent Big Ten teams if Ohio State is chosen, as most people are predicting.
Penn State vs. Wisconsin, Big Ten Championship 2016: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know
Penn State and Wisconsin should put on a show in Indy.
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State comes into this game riding an eight game winning streak that culminated in an improbable Big Ten East title. The Nittany Lions have an explosive offense and the No. 11 defense in the country according to S&P+, but there are still weaknesses. They're 120th in the nation in converting third downs, and are banged up all over the offensive line. If Wisconsin can get consistent pressure on Trace McSorley and keep the running game contained, things could fall apart.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is exactly the team you think it would be. The Badgers have a great defense (third in the nation according to S&P+) and run the ball like crazy. They're not particularly explosive, but they make up for that with sheer commitment to smashing teams with the running game. Penn State is going to sell out to stop Corey Clement, and how successful they are will go a long way to determining the game.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, FOX
Radio: Penn State | Wisconsin
Online streaming: FOX Sports GO
Spread: Wisconsin is favored by two points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Black Shoe Diaries for Penn State fans and Bucky’s 5th Quarter for Wisconsin fans.
Three big things to know
1. Quarterback Alex Hornibrook may not be able to play for Wisconsin after suffering a shoulder injury against Minnesota last week. Bart Houston would get the nod if Hornibrook can't go, which may not be the worst thing in the world. Houston has a higher yards per attempt and completion percentage than Hornibrook, but aerial prowess isn't exactly the centerpiece of the Wisconsin offense either way.
2. Saquon Barkley left Penn State's win over Michigan State with an ankle injury, but all indications are that he will be able to play on Saturday night. Penn State has struggled at times to run the ball, largely due to offensive line injury woes, but Barkley would be a big loss if he can't play. Andre Robinson and Miles Sanders would shoulder the load if he can't go.
3. This is a great matchup of two teams that weren’t supposed to be here. Wisconsin had a brutal schedule that many thought would cause the program to regress record-wise, and no one thought Penn State would be able to break up the triumvirate of Ohio State, Michigan, and Michigan State in the Big Ten East. Well, both teams are here, and the winner has a chance to make it into the Playoff. Life’s funny like that.
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