Michigan State Spartans
FILE - Northern Illinois quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) throws against Michigan in the first half of a NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 18, 2021. Lombardi was looking for a new place to football after deciding to transfer from Michigan State nearly a year ago. Northern Illinois was searching for a quarterback to spark a turnaround. Lombardi and the Huskies proved to be a great match in the Mid-American Conference. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
Rocky Lombardi-led N. Illinois faces Kent St. for MAC title

By Larry Lage Dec. 03, 2021 02:00 AM EST

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks downfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Ohio State's Stroud is Big Ten offensive player of the year

Dec. 01, 2021 05:59 PM EST

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) rushes Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson should be strongly considered for the Heisman Trophy after he had three sacks, setting a single-season record for college football team, in a win over Ohio State that put the Wolverines in the Big Ten championship game and national title race. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan's Hutchinson, Spartans' Tucker earn Big Ten honors

Nov. 30, 2021 01:44 PM EST

Georgia Tech quarterback Jordan Yates (13) is tackled by Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Unanimous No 1 UGA chasing record

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 29, 2021 02:32 AM EST

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford, left, throws a pass for a touchdown against Michigan State's Dashaun Mallory (94) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 12 Michigan State bounces back, beats Penn State 30-27

By Dana Gauruder Nov. 27, 2021 07:09 PM EST

Michigan State players walk through the tunnel before an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Penn State at Michigan State 11/27/2021

Nov. 27, 2021 03:27 PM EST

Rutgers defensive lineman Aaron Lewis (71) tries to tackle Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
No. 12 Michigan State looks to rebound vs. Penn State

By The Associated Press Nov. 26, 2021 09:00 AM EST

Penn State safety Jonathan Sutherland (0) celebrates his second-half interception with Tariq Castro-Fields (5) during the team's NCAA college football game against Rutgers in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. Penn State won 28-0. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
No. 12 Michigan State looks for bounce back vs Penn State

By Dana Gauruder Nov. 26, 2021 03:10 AM EST

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. Ohio State defeated Nebraska 26-17. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Big Ten preview: No. 2 Ohio St at No. 6 Michigan tops slate

By Eric Olson Nov. 25, 2021 02:10 AM EST

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker, right, is congratulated by athletic director Alan Haller following a 37-33. win over Michigan in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State gives Mel Tucker a $95 million, 10-year deal

By Larry Lage Nov. 24, 2021 09:45 PM EST

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost argues a call with linesman Bruce Keeling during the second half against Ohio State in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb. Ohio State defeated Nebraska 26-17. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Coaching stability separates Big Ten from other conferences

By Steve Megargee Nov. 23, 2021 05:06 PM EST

Georgia defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) is lifted into the air by running back Zamir White (3) and offensive lineman Justin Shaffer (54) after scoring a touchdown in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Charleston Southern, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Athens, Ga.. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Places change but teams remain same

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 22, 2021 03:44 AM EST

Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara looks to throw a pass against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in College Park, Md. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The Game: High stakes as Michigan and Ohio State meet again

By Mitch Stacy Nov. 21, 2021 02:40 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY: OSU's Stroud throws for 6 TDs

By The Associated Press Nov. 20, 2021 09:39 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
AP Top 25 Takeaways: Superpowers flex with titles in sight

By Ralph D. Russo Nov. 20, 2021 09:05 PM EST

Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson, right, celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State with teammate Chris Olave during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Stroud tosses 6 TDs, No. 5 Ohio St blows out No. 7 Mich St

By Mitch Stacy Nov. 20, 2021 03:53 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud drops back to pass against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Michigan State at Ohio State 11/20/2021

Nov. 20, 2021 02:23 PM EST

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker greets wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) after a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Week 12 preview: Power 5 league title matchups taking shape

By Eric Olson Nov. 19, 2021 04:47 AM EST

Ohio State receiver Garrett Wilson celebrates as he scores a touchdown against Purdue during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Plenty at stake when No. 4 Ohio St hosts No. 7 Michigan St

Nov. 18, 2021 07:24 PM EST

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a pass against Purdue during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Big Ten preview: Spartans visit Ohio State for key East game

By Eric Olson Nov. 18, 2021 03:10 AM EST