This week’s “Around the Big Ten” is brought to you by the Kinnick Stadium Visitor Center: The Place Where National Championship Dreams Come To Die.

Iowa stampedes Sparty, downing Michigan State at home 37-6
Michigan State fans can now feel the agony we as Nittany Lions fans felt back in 2008. Kirk Cousins dressed up as Ricky Stanzi circa 2009 (or even concussed Darryl Clark circa 2008) for Halloween as he threw three interceptions against the tough Hawkeye defense. The real Stanzi, on the other hand, continued his great play in 2010 throwing for three touchdowns in a game that saw Iowa build a 37-0 lead in the third quarter before surrendering a touchdown in the fourth.

The Big Ten now switches from a one-horse race to a mad dash for the Rose Bowl. Michigan State, Wisconsin, Iowa and Ohio State now all sit tied at the top of the conference with one loss and with tiebreakers going every which way, it is anyone’s guess who will be booking flights to Pasadena come bowl season.

Illinois roughs up Purdue, 44-10
I’m still confused on how good Illinois is. Purdue is a decent team, but with an inexperienced freshman quarterback at the helm, this was not a great win by any means. Nathan Scheelhaase was a one-man show, throwing for 195 yards and four touchdowns while running for another 118 yards. With games remaining being against Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern and Fresno State, Illinois may have to wait until its bowl game to make a real statement of its ability.

Northwestern ruins my Upset Pick of the Week as they hold off Indiana, 20-17
After a tough late-game loss to Michigan State last week, I was thinking the Wildcats would be in for a letdown against the Hoosiers. And while they may not have lost to Indiana, chances are looking good for Penn State to get JoePa his 400th win next weekend when Northwestern comes to town. If the Lions are unsuccessful this coming Saturday and a miracle does not happen in Columbus, rest assured they can get a win against the Hoosiers who haven’t won a Big Ten game in their last nine chances.

Ohio State BIG over Minnesota, 52-10
I’m hereby refraining from writing anything pertaining to Minnesota for the rest of the season. There are so many other useful things you and I could do with those precious minutes of writing and reading.