The last two weeks of college football haven’t disappointed and Week 9 has the chance to be explosive. There is a major game taking place this weekend surrounding the Big Ten and that’s in Los Angeles.

Ohio State travels to USC to take on the Trojans and the Buckeyes will be starting a new quarterback. All eyes will be on Ryan Day to see if he starts Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair in hostile territory. Can Lincoln Riley finally get a big win? That’s another question.

Wisconsin looks to win on the road at Iowa after beating USC last weekend. And ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ will be in Bloomington to see Indiana take on Minnesota.

Here’s how the Big Ten games might go in Week 9.

MORE: Oregon, Iowa, & USC take massive falls in Big Ten power rankings entering Week 9 in college football

No. 25 Wisconsin vs. Iowa

The Iowa football team swarms onto the field during the Cy-Hawk football game against the Iowa State Cyclones Sept. 12, 2026 at
The Iowa football team swarms onto the field during the Cy-Hawk football game against the Iowa State Cyclones Sept. 12, 2026 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Wisconsin is coming off a big win over USC and the Badgers appear to have caught a big break. Iowa will be without running back Kamari Moulton, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Moulton was the Big Ten’s second-leading rusher this season behind Rutgers’ Antwan Raymond.

It’s a big loss for Iowa, but if the Hawkeyes are going to win games, it’s going to be because of their defense. Last week, Iowa lost a defensive battle to Minnesota, 13-10. You can’t trust Iowa’s offense to win games, and not having Moulton is a killer.

However, it’s not like Wisconsin’s offense has been stellar. Quarterback Colton Joseph has thrown for 66 and 58 yards, respectively, in the last two weeks. That’s not winning football. Arguably, this will be his biggest test. It’s never easy to win in Kinnick.

Final score: Iowa 17, Wisconsin 13

No. 2 Ohio State vs. USC

NCAA Football: Washington at Southern California
Oct 3, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) looks to pass the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Hooper-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

This feels like a make-or-break game for both teams. Ohio State already has one loss this season and without star quarterback Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes will find out what their team is made of. It’s either going to be true freshman Luke Fahey or sophomore Tavien St. Clair at quarterback this weekend.

As for USC, the Trojans suffered another unforgettable loss under Lincoln Riley. The Badgers took down the Trojans last weekend, 24-7, and USC’s schedule to finish the season is daunting. However, a win over Ohio State could go a long way for Riley.

It’s evident USC has the edge at quarterback. Jayden Maiava is excellent, but how does he fare against Ohio State’s defense? He has thrown at least one interception in both of USC’s biggest games this season. He must play clean football.

The Buckeyes traveling to USC without a clear plan at quarterback is concerning. Look for the Trojans to bounce back.

Final score: USC 27, Ohio State 20

The rest of the games will be quick-hitter style:

  • Illinois 27, Maryland 24
  • Michigan 24, Rutgers 3
  • No. 4 Indiana 27, Minnesota 10
  • No. 20 Northwestern 31, Oregon 17
  • No. 7 UCLA 38, Nevada 10
  • Penn State 27, Purdue 24
  • Nebraska 31, Washington 27

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Source: Yahoo Sports