Biggest storylines to watch in Week 9 of Big Ten football

With only the Michigan State Spartans having the weekend off, Week 9 could be extremely exciting in the Big Ten football universe. This week could ultimately decide the fate of head coach Lincoln Riley and the future of the USC Trojans' program. Many other questions about the Big Ten will be answered.

Here are some central storylines to follow in the Big Ten in Week 9:

Michigan's situation will get much worse

Michigan Wolverines' biggest issue was thought to be their quarterback play, but last week that proved to be just one of their issues. Deeper reasons lie beneath it. This team is not coached well, and that puts them in prime position to be upset each week. This week they will take on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who are the bottom team in the Big Ten. However, they have NFL talent. The Scarlet Knights can put up points. I think KJ Duff and Antwan Raymond will be extremely productive in Week 9 and lead Rutgers to a big upset win.

Minnesota will upset Indiana

The Minnesota Gophers are coming off a huge win against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Their defense rose to the occasion, showing it can match the best defenses in the Big Ten. Minnesota proved it can win ugly games, and that is the brand of football the Indiana Hoosiers play. Josh Hoover has been struggling, and I do not believe he has his bounce-back game this week against the Gophers. This game will be tight for all 4 quarters, but with the momentum the Gophers have on their side, it will propel them to their biggest win of the season.

Purdue will have two signature wins this season

The Purdue Boilermakers already have a win against Minnesota this season. This team, if you let it, can seize the opportunity and pull off an upset. Purdue's offense has enough firepower, and Penn State, over the last few weeks, has been as vulnerable as any team. Purdue will leave this week with two upsets on the season and real hope for a bright future.

Tavien St. Clair will prove to be the best quarterback to lead Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes will be without Julian Sayin for the rest of the season. However, they might have a quarterback on the roster who can still take them to the promised land. Tavien St. Clair is an elite athlete, and he has a lot to like in his passing ability. He can unlock something new in the Buckeyes' offense. He may not be the starter in this game, but I think he enters it at some point and ends up leading the Buckeyes past the USC Trojans. He will be the guy moving forward for the Buckeyes.

Elijah Brown will lead the Huskies to victory

Jedd Fisch has not made his decision yet on who will be the Washington Huskies' starting quarterback against Nebraska. The right decision would be Elijah Brown, the quarterback who has brought a spark back to the Huskies' offense. I think Elijah Brown will get another chance to lead the Huskies' offense to victory. Nebraska does not know how to win, and the Huskers fumble games late on a consistent basis. I think the Huskies will get the best of them, as Elijah Brown scores a decisive touchdown in the fourth quarter.

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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Biggest storylines to watch in Week 9 of Big Ten football