The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 17, 1994 - 15 Bowl race steps into hot spotlight By BRETT KRASNOVE For the Daily The inevitable became reality last Saturday as Penn State claimed its first Big Ten title along with its first Rose Bowl berth. If the Nittany Lions remain undefeated in their last two games, the Rose Bowl could be their stepping stone to the national title. While their attention focuses on Pasadena, all other Big Ten eyes turn to the conference's consolation prizes. Michigan and Ohio State fight out the second place war with the winner going to the Citrus Bowl and the loser heading to the Holiday Bowl. Illinois and Michigan State are caught in the battle for fourth place. Ilinois (4-3, 6-4) at Wisconsin (3-3, 5-4) Illinois can take some pride in only losing to Penn State by four, even though the Illini led most of the game.Illini running back Ty Douthard is coming off a big game against the Big Ten champs, rushing 35 times for 172 yards with two touchdowns. That ground attack helped keep the Lion offense off the field for more than 34 minutes. The Illini's ball con- trol offense will keep Badger running back Terrell Fletcher and quarterback Darrell Bevell on the sidelines long enough for Illinois to pull out the victory. Illinois 31, Wisconsin 28 Indiana (2-5,5-5) at Purdue (2-3- 2,4-4-2) Two weeks ago, it looked as if the Boilermakers could actually finish a season over .500. Unfortunately they ran into an angry Michigan team and a Michigan State squad winning its last game at home for its lame duck coach. Still, Purdue fullback Mike Alstott was all over the field against the Spar- tans lastSaturday, rushing for 181 yards and one touchdown, plus returning a fumble 44 yards for another touchdown. If the Alstott show continues, the Hoo- siers are in for along day, while Purdue will be headed for respectability. Purdue 24, Indiana 14 Northwestern (2-5 Big Ten, 3-6-1 overall) at Penn State (6-0, 9-0) After coming back from a 21-point first-quarter deficit against a tough Illinois team, the Nittany Lions can expect a much easier Saturday after- noon against the Wildcats. Ki-Jana Carter continues his quest for the Heisman Trophy as well as the Big Ten rushing title. Quarterback Kerry Collins attempts to remain the nation's top- rated passer. As for the lowly Wildcats, they need to concentrate on making fewer turnovers after giving up the ball five times last weekend. Penn State 45, Northwestern 13 Iowa (2-4, 4-5) at Minnesota (1- 6, 3-7) Believe it or not, Minnesota has a winning record in non-conference games (2-1). The Big Ten cellar-dwell- ing Gophers should have one objective against theHawkeyes: Getrunningback Chris Darkins the ball enough times to win the conference rushing title. He is currently second in total rush- ing yards with 1,255, trailing Eddie George by just 27 yards. He is also second in yards per game with 125.5, behind Carter's 133.9. As for the Hawkeyes, they hope to be surprised again by quarterback Matt Sherman, whose first career start last weekend against Northwestern pro- duced 49 points. Minnesota 38, Iowa 31 JOE WESTRATE/Daiy Illinois quarterback Scott Weaver and the rest of the Illini face a tough contest in Madison. Buckeyes' Hoying has something to prove By DAVID FONG Ohio State Lantern Bobby Hoying's induction into the quarterback position at Ohio State has been a baptism by fire. Last year Hoying won the start- ing job for the Buckeyes but had to look over his shoulder when the game got tough. Whenever he got in trouble, he was replaced by senior ally have helped me out," Hoying said. Hoying feels that he has matured over the course of the season and is now assuming a bigger role as the team leader, which should come in handy as he prepares to lead the Buckeyes into battle with Michigan Saturday. If Hoying has anything to say about the emotional level of the team, the players should enterOhioStadium cool, calm and collected. "The thing we'll try to do this year is be somewhat calm," Hoying said. "We have been so caught up in the game and everyone makes such a big deal out of it. We need to just go out there and play hard." Hoying's play this year has been better than average. Although he did have a mid-season slump, Hoying has passed forover2,000yards this season. He is only the fourth quarterback in Buckeye history to top the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. Hoying is also coming off a standout game against Indiana. Against the Hoosiers, he was 13 of 23 for 166 yards. Hoying has also passed for 17 touchdowns - two short of the school record. Not only isHoyinglookingtowards this game as achance to beatMichigan, but also to prove how far he has come and how much he as matured as a quarterback. "It's something that every quarter- back is judged by. It is the game," Hoying said. DOUGLASnNgs Eer.Uly Buckeye Bobby Hoying has had some ups and downs during his career. Hoying Btet Powers. This year, Hoying got off to a good start, but then had some trouble against Illinois and Penn State. Once again, Hoying had to look over his shoulder for fear of being yanked in favor of Stanley Jackson. "I feel that I matured a great deal this season and the adversity may actu- a I illjcPe G - Craft & Coffectibfe Show Sunday, November 20th* 1OAM-5PM " ? X I Prouthi Rd.at91M23, Ann Ardor Admission $2-NAo strollers please. Info:281-1036 VIsITroREXTrsHO'WN v2 ATLA REL AAPR This is it SENIORS! YOUR LAST CHANCE For Tour SENIOR IT'S OUR PARTY AN D W E' LL BUY IF WE WANT TO. It's our anniversary, but you get the gift. Buy your favorite footlong Subway sub and we'll give you a second one - FREE. At Subway, we really know how to party. November 19, 1994 11-7