In the Big Ten, the most important job this weekend might be QB2

In the Big Ten, the backup quarterback position has become the most crucial role this season, with half of the conference's 18 teams potentially having their second-string QB under center this weekend. Ohio State, UCLA, Michigan, Rutgers, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan State, Oregon, and Washington are all dealing with injuries and roster changes that have impacted their QB situations.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day acknowledged the challenges in building a solid QB room, citing the transfer portal and NIL as factors. Day will start either Luke Fahey or Tavien St. Clair for Saturday's game against Southern California, with Fahey having the edge in recent games. Meanwhile, UCLA's Ty Dieffenbach is expected to start for the rest of the season after Nico Iamaleava's knee injury.

Oregon's season has been affected by Dante Moore's season-ending concussion, leaving Dylan Raiola and Brock Thomas as backups. The Ducks have struggled since the injury, scoring only 17 points in their last three games.

On the other hand, Oregon's run-heavy offense has been a bright spot, averaging 233 yards per game. However, the team's future remains uncertain as they face tough tests against Northwestern and Ohio State. Illinois' Michael Clayton II is the only true freshman QB to start and win a game in the conference this season, while Washington's Desmond Williams could return after missing the Oct. 16 game at Purdue. Michigan State is on a bye week, hoping to have either Alessio Milivojevic or Cam Fancher back for their next game.