Here is the latest Big Ten Conference sports news from The Associated Press

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UNDATED (AP) — While No. 1 Alabama and No.2 Clemson face ranked teams as big favorites, there is intrigue in the Big Ten and a Hall of Fame coach facing some heat in the Big 12. Clemson's Travis Etienne tries to make a Heisman push and UAB looks to clinch a spot in the Conference USA championship game.

UNDATED (AP) — If all goes according to form, Ohio State would face Michigan on the last Saturday of the month with a division title in the balance _ but before that, the Buckeyes have other challenges. This week, it's Michigan State that stands in the way, and there have been enough tight games in this series lately that this matchup should have eighth-ranked Ohio State's attention. The 24th-ranked Spartans will be at home, and they still have a lot to play for themselves.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Illinois and Nebraska both enter their game in Lincoln believing they're on the verge of breakthroughs even though they have just three Big Ten wins between them. The Illini have doubled their win total from 2017 and are coming off their best performance of the season in a 24-point win over Minnesota. Nebraska played Ohio State tough on the road after winning two straight.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Favorable field position has meant little for Minnesota this season, as huge gains against the Gophers have piled up as if opponents are playing a video game. This will be an especially difficult week for the defense to try to stem this tide of long touchdowns, with Purdue's offense possessing as much quick-strike ability as any team in the Big Ten. The Boilermakers remain in the thick of the West Division race, one game behind Northwestern.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Aaron Jordan scored 19 points and Ayo Dosunmu added 18 and Illinois beat Evansville 99-60 in the season opener for both teams. The Illini played an up-tempo game, utilizing nearly every player on the bench.

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Senior reserve forward Elijah Burns came off the bench to score a career-high 15 points to lead four players in double figures as Notre Dame won its second game in three nights with an 89-62 victory over visiting Chicago State. Nate Laszewski added 12 points, D.J. Harvey had 11 and T.J. Gibbs had 10 for coach Mike Brey's youthful Irish, who blew an 18-point first-half lead but pulled away in the second half against the Cougars.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Freshman Joe Wieskamp scored 15 points and Iowa overcame a lackluster start to beat UMKC 77-63 in a regional game of the 2K Empire Classic. The Hawkeyes got 12 points from Jordan Bohannon, as well as 12 points, eight rebounds and five assists from Tyler Cook.

EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) — Northwestern turned to its most seasoned players in an 82-52 win over New Orleans. Victor Law had 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.