This weekend, all eyes will be on the Big Ten. As a conference, the spotlight will be shining on Columbus, Ann Arbor, and Minneapolis, where there are enormous games taking place — ones that will either heal the Big Ten’s reputation or damage its credibility further.

Ohio State

If there was one Big Ten football team that has the most pressure, it’s Ohio State.

Last weekend, the eighth-ranked Buckeyes dodged a major upset at the hands of Navy, beating the Midshipmen, 31-27, in Ohio Stadium.

But this week is different. Ohio State faces the one team that has spent the majority of this decade whipping on other Big Ten squads — Southern California.

Since 2002, USC has defeated Illinois, Iowa, Michigan (twice), and last season beat both Ohio State and Penn State.

In fact, last year’s meeting between the Trojans and Buckeyes was over by halftime, and USC won 35-3.

This time around, the Trojans come in ranked third nationally. But between USC starting a true freshman at quarterback in Matt Barkley and all the intangibles that come with playing at the Horseshoe, the pieces are in place for Ohio State to pull off its biggest win in three seasons.

“There’s something special about playing on the national stage, and every one of us is excited to do that,” Ohio State head coach Jim Tressel said on Tuesday during the Big Ten coaches’ teleconference.

Michigan

Much like its rival to the South, Michigan has an opportunity to make a statement of its own this weekend in the Big House.

But unlike Ohio State, there isn’t nearly as much pressure on the Wolverines to win when they play their annual contest against Notre Dame.

Michigan started its 2009 campaign with an impressive start last weekend, downing Western Michigan, 31-7. But it’s clear a win over the Fighting Irish on Sept. 12 would be a major step forward for second-year coach Rich Rodriguez, especially because Notre Dame handled Michigan fairly well last year in South Bend.

“Our guys have seen the film and know the challenges ahead,” Rodriguez said during a teleconference. “Anytime you get in a rivalry game, there’s a lot of emotion and intensity. But for us, it’s all about execution, and hopefully, we’ll execute well.”

Minnesota

The moment has been a couple years in the making, and the weekend Minnesota Golden Gopher fans have long been waiting for has finally arrived.

When the Gophers take on Air Force in Minneapolis, it will mark the first time since 1981 that Minnesota will have played a home game outdoors on its campus. The TCF Bank Stadium recently opened.

“There’s some bigger in this country, but there’s none nicer than TCF Bank Stadium,” Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster said on Tuesday in a teleconference. “The amenities in the stadium, our locker room, is just truly amazing.”

But the Air Force team coming into the Land of 10,000 Lakes is no pushover. Last weekend, the Falcons manhandled Nicholls State, 72-0. Brewster’s team was fortunate to escape Syracuse with a 23-20 overtime victory.

With No. 10 California coming to TCF Bank Stadium next week, a win is crucial for the Golden Gophers this weekend.