Wisconsin Faces No. 19 Alabama, Minnesota Visits Cal in Big Ten Weekend

This week in college football, Wisconsin's improved defense faces a significant challenge as they visit No. 19 Alabama, with the Badgers seeking their first Top 25 win under coach Luke Fickell. Alabama, after a loss to Florida State, dominated Louisiana-Monroe 73-0, and is favored by 20 1/2 points against Wisconsin, who are 0-6 against Top 25 teams in Fickell's tenure. Concurrently, Minnesota prepares for its Big Ten schedule with a key matchup against California, which has shown strong performances behind freshman quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Minnesota's run-heavy offense, led by Darius Taylor and Grant Washington, will test Cal's defense in a primetime game, with Taylor's status uncertain due to injury. Other noteworthy Big Ten highlights include Michigan State QB Aidan Chiles' five-touchdown performance, Illinois OLB Gabe Jacas' consecutive sacks and forced fumbles, and Ohio State QB Julian Sayin's nearly perfect passing game in a 70-0 victory. Washington's Jonah Coleman also made headlines by tying a school record with five rushing touchdowns in a single game.