It's an abbreviated Big Ten schedule this week because four teams are on a bye week, but what the slate lacks in quantity more than makes up for in quality, starting with No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Oregon. (All games Saturday unless noted. The Gophers-UCLA prediction will run later this week.)

Three with intrigue

No. 2 Ohio State at No. 3 Oregon, 6:30 p.m., NBC

• The first Game of the Year in the Big Ten comes Saturday in Eugene, where the Ducks carry the banner for the conference's four newcomers against the Buckeyes. Oregon won 35-28 in Columbus in 2021, but Ohio State is a three-point favorite here. Dillon Gabriel steps up for the Ducks in a thriller. Oregon 34, Ohio State 31

No. 4 Penn State at USC, 2:30 p.m., CBS

• The Nittany Lions and Trojans have met 10 times, including three matchups in the Rose Bowl, and USC holds a 6-4 edge. Penn State never has won in Los Angeles, and that streak continues against a Trojans team still angry from its loss to the Gophers. USC 24, Penn State 20

Washington at Iowa, 11 a.m., Fox

• The Huskies are coming off their best game of the year, a 27-17 win over Michigan in which they dominated the fourth quarter. The Hawkeyes hung with Ohio State for a half before they hit the wall in a 35-7 loss. Look for Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson to have a strong day vs. Washington's defense. Iowa 27, Washington 17

Keep an eye on

Wisconsin at Rutgers, 11 a.m., BTN

• Last week, Badgers QB Braedyn Locke passed for 359 yards and three TDs in a 52-6 rout of Purdue. The Scarlet Knights, who lost 14-7 at Nebraska, will be a much more formidable opponent. Rutgers rebounds behind RB Kyle Monangai. Rutgers 21, Wisconsin 17

Purdue at No. 23 Illinois, 2:30 p.m., FS1

• The Boilermakers have been outscored 184-44 in their four-game losing streak. The Illini bounces back easily from its loss at Penn State. Illinois 38, Purdue 7

Northwestern at Maryland, 7 p.m. Friday, Fox

• Both teams lost to Indiana in their last games, Maryland by a 42-28 score and Northwestern by 41-24. The Terps beat the Wildcats in a tight one. Maryland 31, Northwestern 27