Editor’s note: Big 10 of the Big Ten is a collection of tidbits from around the conference. This weekly feature provides a recap from the previous slate of games and also serves as a preview to the upcoming football weekend.

Crowded legends

Through 10 weeks, the Legends Division race is tight with Michigan and Nebraska tied for first and Northwestern one game behind both. Neither Iowa nor Michigan State is far behind, with the Hawkeyes just a half game behind the Wildcats and the Spartans, trailing Northwestern by one.

Bowling

With a 23-9 win over Michigan last weekend, Nebraska is now the latest bowl-eligible team in the conference, joining Wisconsin, Ohio State and Northwestern as the Big Ten squads with at least six victories, although the undefeated Buckeyes are bowl ineligible.

Worst of the bunch

Illinois and Purdue dropped contests against Indiana and Minnesota, respectively, to remain the only teams still searching for a Big Ten victory. Both the Boilermakers and the Illini reached bowl games last season but have stumbled mightily in 2012.

Game to watch

Nebraska at Michigan State is the one to watch. One week after featuring enticing matchups, the Big Ten schedule is lacking punch and excitement for Week 10. Northwestern and Wisconsin are on a bye, and the spotlight will fall on the No. 21-ranked Cornhuskers, as they try to maintain their lead in the Legends Division by setting the Spartans back another game.

Game to keep an eye on

With the lack of marquee matchups, Iowa at Indiana is worth a look. Both teams are fighting to stay relevant in their divisions. The Hoosiers are the closest to catching Wisconsin in the Leaders Division, and the Hawkeyes are a game and a half out of first in the Legends Division.

Best offensive performance

Kain Colter scored four touchdowns in Northwestern’s 28-17 win over Iowa last weekend. The Wildcats quarterback rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns and passed for 80 yards and another touchdown.

Best defensive performance

Michael Carter returned an interception for a touchdown en route to Minnesota’s 44-28 victory over Purdue. The senior defensive back also broke up six passes and recorded six tackles.

Still perfect

The undefeated Buckeyes secured their ninth win of the season against the Nittany Lions this weekend. Ohio State can clinch a share of the Leaders Division title with a victory at home against Illinois and another Penn State loss, but neither Penn State nor Ohio State is eligible for the Big Ten championship game.

Where they rank

Nebraska is the lone Big Ten team in the BCS rankings at No. 20, as Michigan and Wisconsin both fell out again this weekend. In the AP rankings, unbeaten Ohio State sits comfortably at No. 6, up three spots from last week.

Trophies up for grabs

In the 99th meetings between Michigan and Minnesota and Illinois and Ohio State, two rivalry trophies are available for claiming this weekend. The Wolverines hold a 67-22-3 lead in the series with the Golden Gophers and will look to take home the Little Brown Jug trophy a 68th time. The Buckeyes are 60-23-2 against the Illini with the Illibuck in play for Saturday.

Chad can be reached at [email protected] and @cthornburg10.