0 10A - Thursday, November 1, 2007 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.com Ohio State faces another conference test By MARK GIANNOTTO Daily Sports Writer Two recent developments have changed the very core of Hallow- een. First, it has transformed from a one-day trick-or-treating fest into a week-long event because the actual holiday falls on Wednesday. Can anyone say five-night weekend? Second, cdstumes have gotten truly ridiculous. Last night, one of my roommates wore a Michael Vick jersey, complete with a stuffed dog hanging from a noose. What hap- pened to ghosts and vampires? But the worst thing I've seen over the past week occurred last Satur- day. Out and about on the streets of Ann Arbor was a student dressed as Jim Tressel, sweater vest and all. The man gets enough respect around the country for building a mini-dynasty in Columbus. The last thing he needs is an ego boost, courtesy of his biggest rival. This particular 'student's admiration only added to the fact the Buckeyes had dominated Penn State 37-17 just hours earlier. But maybe, just maybe - get your sweater-vest voodoo dolls out - Tressel and Ohio State will finally fall from their pedestal when they face Wisconsin this weekend. No. 21 Wisconsin at No. 1 Ohio State, Noon - Big Ten Network Heading into last weekend's beatdown of Penn State, everybody knew about the Buckeyes' daunt- ing defense, led by Legion of Doom spawnJames Laurinitis. But there were still doubts about quarterback Todd Boeckman and the entire offense. Consider those questions answered after Boeckman threw three touchdowns against a Nittany Lion defense littered with future pros. Ohio State has a ground game to match, too. Sophomore Chris Wells has shown he belongs in any talk about the Big Ten's best running backs, rushing for 996 yards on 5.7 yards per carry. Wisconsin boasts its own elite back, sophomore P.J. Hill. But there's concern about whether he will play this weekend. Hill suffered a lower leg bruise in last week's 33-3 win over Indiana. The only chance Wisconsin has to win this game is by grinding down the clock with its running game.' But would you trust a game pick on a guy with one of the most absurd last names ever? That's right, Hill's backup is fellow sophomore Lance Smith-Williams. Ijustcan'tgetpasttwo ofthe most common last names joined together as one superhuman last name. Ohio State 31, Wisconsin14 Purdue at Penn State, Noon - ESPN The school once known as Line- backer U has looked like anything but a defensive juggernaut the past two weeks. After giving up 31 and 37 points against Indiana and Ohio .State, respectively, the Nittany Lions are searching for answers. The Buckeyes didn't even have to punt last week. Add in quarterback Anthony Morelli's inconsistency, and there is real cause for concern in not-so-Happy Valley. Things don'tgetmuch easier with 7-2 Purdue coming to town. The Boilermakers have quietly won each time they were favored, losing to just Ohio State and Michigan - the two conference undefeateds. This has the makings of one of those classic Big Ten slobberknock- ers where winner takes all. And by all, I mean an invitation to the Out- back Bowl. As for my prediction, I just don't see Penn State dropping two in a row at home. Penn State 27, Purdue 24 e Ohio State coach Jim Tressel has his team poised to arrive in Ann Arbor undefeated Freshman returns to Michigan From page 9A weeks ago. Now, Hogan is working his way back into the picture of Michigan's season now. He was expected to com- pete with junior Billy Sauer for playing time. But his illness, coupled with Sauer's solid play (2.49 goals against average and a 5-1-0 record), has pretty much eliminated discussion of Hogan taking the starting spot. "I'm pulling for him," Hogan said. "He's been playing great." But Sauer's continued excel- lence could spell an even longer absence from game situations than mononucleosis did for Hogan. In a group of 12, Hogan and Hunwick are the only fresh- man not to play this season. But at least Hunwick has practiced over the past five weeks. "(Hogan has) had the hard- est start of anyone on our team, obviously," Berenson said. "Especially for a freshman." 0 Your digital world Your parent's digital world There's no comparison. You're part of the most technologically advanced generation in history. Them? Not so much. So make sure you take full advantage with AT&T's MEdia" Max Unlimited. You can text, send pics, IM, access the wireless Web and even stream videos as much as you want. It's unlimited, people. The Michigan men's basketball team takes on Ferris State in an exhibition game at Crisler Arena tonight. The Wolverine hockey team heads to Omaha, Neb., to face Nebraska- Omaha Friday and Saturday nights. Oh, and there's a football game, too. For live blogging from all these events, go to michigandaily. com/thegame. at&t What can AT&I do for your digital world? att.omrr/digitalworld 6 Service provided by AT&T Mobility. 0 2007 AT&T Knowledge Ventures. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Knowledge Ventures and/or AT&T affiliated companies.