Big Ten Recap Week 11: The Top Remains Sets Up for Success

Not many questions were answered this weekend regarding the standings. Currently, Ohio State sits at the top of the East division while the Wisconsin badgers are leading the West. The Big Ten will play itself out as we continue to progress later into the season. Let’s analyze each game and check out what happened. Here we go.

Rutgers 38 at Indiana 3

The season for the Indiana Hoosiers has continued to be a disappointing one as they now are 2-8. This game was all Rutgers and the Hoosiers stood no as the Scarlett Knights took over the game due to the dominance they showed in the running game. Rutgers rushed for 218-yards and five touchdowns behind the efforts of running back Isaih Pacheco who had two rushing touchdowns. Rutgers has set themselves up for a potential bowl game appearance as they sit at 5-5. The Scarlett Knights face Penn State next week while Indiana takes on Minnesota.

No. 9 Michigan 21 at No. 23 Penn State 17

This was one of the most entertaining games in week 11, ultimately Michigan was able to escape with a victory. Michigan Quarterback Cade McNamara made the game-winning throw to tight-end Erick All as Michigan took the lead late in the fourth quarter. The stats between these two teams were similar, Michigan outgained Penn State by a total of just 29-yards. Michigan was able to neutralize Penn State’s greatest weapon in wide receiver Jahan Dotson as they limited the big-play ability from the dangerous playmaker. Next week Penn State plays Rutgers while Michigan plays Indiana.

Northwestern 7 at No. 20 Wisconsin 35

The Wisconsin Badgers are playing their best football of the year at the right time. The Badgers had this game put away by halftime as they led 21-0, Northwestern stood no shot. Wisconsin won this game on both sides of the ball; on offense, they ran for 268-yards and three touchdowns while Quarterback Graham Mertz contributed with two thrown touchdowns. Wisconsin’s defense is one of the best in the nation and they proved that by only allowing Northwestern 240-total yards, they also forced the wildcats to commit four turnovers. Wisconsin is now in first place in the west, and they are continuing trending up currently, next week the Badgers play Nebraska in another winnable football game. Northwestern will have to limit the turnovers next week to have a shot against a Purdue team that scores at a high clip.  

Purdue 31 at No. 6 Ohio State 59

The Buckeye's offense showed just how great they can be on Saturday. The Buckeyes had 45 points at halftime, this is the third time they have scored 40-plus points through two quarters. Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud was sensational, he threw for five touchdowns and 361-total yards. It does help Stroud when he has multiple weapons. Wide receivers Garrett Wilson returned from an injury and put up 126-yards on 10 receptions along with four total touchdowns. The Buckeyes did allow Purdue to have success through the air, Boilermaker quarterback Aidan O’Connell had 390-yards passing along with four touchdowns. Purdue’s streak of taking down top 5 opponents halted this week, in week 11 they look to get back on track versus Northwestern. The Buckeyes will face Michigan State Saturday in a game that has massive implications on the conference. 

Minnesota 22 at No. 19 Iowa 27

The stats will tell you that Minnesota should’ve won this game. The Golden Gophers had more 11 more first downs and 132 more total yards. It was the passing game for Iowa that led them to victory, with quarterback Spencer Petras still sidelined with a shoulder injury, sophomore Alex Padilla stepped up and threw for two touchdowns and 206 yards. Iowa’s defense was timely and helped seal the victory for the Hawkeyes when they forced a game-winning fumble late. Minnesota gets another opportunity to compete on Saturday against Indiana but their chances of winning the West are unrealistic. Iowa looks to continue their win streak versus Illinois in week 12. 

Maryland 21 at No. 8 Michigan State 40

The Spartans had a nice bounce-back victory on Saturday against Maryland. This game was very offensive and both quarterbacks played well. Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne had himself a day with his four touchdowns and 287-yards. Michigan State outgained the terrapins 481-451 in total yards. The Spartan's weapons couldn't be contained as Kenneth Walker III put up 143-yards and two touchdowns as well. With the victory, the Spartans still stay alive in the East, but the focus turns to Ohio State as they face the Buckeyes on Saturday. Maryland looks to try and get that sixth victory for bowl eligibility but they face Michigan in week 12 which will be a tough game for the Terrapins. 

References:  https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/

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-By: Justin Howard