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/

Writer

-By: Justin Howard

The Big Ten saw its only undefeated team lose this weekend as Michigan State hurt their chances of making it to the college football playoff in week 10. The Big Ten West race is heating up and only time will tell to see how the race unfolds between four schools. Let’s check out the games from week 10 and break down all the action. Here we go. 

Illinois 14 at No. 20 Minnesota 6

This game was a bit of a head-scratcher. Minnesota was sitting at the top of the western division and with a loss to Illinois, they hurt their chances of making the Big Ten championship game. Turnovers cost the Golden Gophers, the first interceptions that Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan threw led to an Illinois touchdown and the second pick ended the game. Illinois has now pulled off two massive upsets and head coach Bret Bielema has his team playing good football in the latter half of the year. Minnesota will need to get more offensive production as their most reliable skill position, running back, underperformed affecting the entire team. Minnesota only rushed for 89-yards. The Golden Gophers still have a fighting chance but now they must win out. Next week, Minnesota faces Iowa in a huge matchup that has an impact on the conference while Illinois has a bye week. 

No.5 Ohio State 26 at Nebraska 17

Nebraska has played four top-10 teams now, each time they have been within nine points or less. The Buckeyes got the best punch from Nebraska on Saturday, and they were almost upset but eventually, Ohio State prevailed. Nebraska held Ohio State’s offense to just 26-points and they kept the Buckeyes out of the endzone. Ohio State’s kicker Noah Ruggles hit four field goals and is consistently proving that he can be reliable for the Buckeyes. Turnovers hurt Ohio State as quarterback C.J. Stroud made some questionable throws. The play calling for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was a bit confusing as he never allowed for the Buckeyes to get a rhythm in the run game. Nebraska has been inconsistent playing up and down to competition. Their chances of getting to a bowl are continuing to decline. Next week, Ohio State plays a trending Purdue team while Nebraska has a bye week.

Penn State 31 at Maryland 14

Penn State snapped their three-game losing streak on Saturday taking care of Maryland. The Nittany Lions pulled away from the Terrapins in the fourth quarter off a pick-six by Penn State’s Ji’ayir Brown. The difference-maker in this game was Penn State’s wide receiver Jahan Dotson who put up incredible numbers on Saturday. Dotson had 11 receptions for 242-yards and three touchdowns. Maryland is continuing to be punished by costly turnovers as they gave the ball away twice on Saturday. Penn State is looking to play spoiler against Michigan on Saturday as Maryland will be facing an angry Michigan State team.

No. 3 Michigan State 29 at Purdue 40

Down goes number three Michigan State and this loss hurts the Spartans' chances at making the college football playoff. Purdue’s pass offensive exploited Michigan State as Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell had the best game of his collegiate career. O’Connell completed 40-54 passes for 536 yards and three touchdowns. His go-to target was wide receiver David Bell, he racked up 217-yards and one touchdown. Purdue outdueled the Spartans and head coach Jeff Brohm is showing how good he is versus highly ranked opponents as he has pulled off his second massive upset of the year. Next week, Purdue goes to Ohio State while the Spartans play Maryland. 

No. 21 Wisconsin 52 at Rutgers 3

The Wisconsin Badgers are starting to play polished football headed into November and they just might be peaking at the right time. Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz played his best game of the year against Rutgers throwing for 274-yard and three touchdowns. The Badgers are playing their brand of football, dominating the run game while playing lock-down defense. Rutgers was only able to net 207-total yards from scrimmage, it doesn’t help when the Badgers force four turnovers either. The Badgers are putting themselves in a great position to win the Big Ten West as they play three unranked teams in their final three games starting with Northwestern on Saturday. Rutgers will try to fight to make a bowl game when they play Indiana this weekend.

No. 22 Iowa 17 at Northwestern 12

Iowa stopped the bleeding on Saturday as they beat Northwestern putting themselves in the win column. The win wasn’t impressive as the Hawkeyes were able to keep the lead due to Northwestern quarterback Andrew Marty throwing three interceptions. Iowa was outplayed on offense by Northwestern as the Wildcats had more total yards. The penalties hurt Northwestern and their chances of winning, the Wildcats had eight penalties for 65-yards. Credit to Iowa’s running game as the Hawkeyes had 185-yards and two touchdowns rushing led by running back Tyler Goodson. Iowa will try to stay in the hunt versus Minnesota next weekend and Northwestern faces Wisconsin in week 11. 

Indiana 7 at No. 7 Michigan 29

Michigan is a good football team; they take pride in their running game and can shut teams down that way. The Wolverines ran for 188-yards against Indiana, running back Hassan Haskins carried the bulk of the load on Saturday. Haskins ran for 168 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Cade McNamara did some good throwing two touchdowns but continues to be more of a game manager than anything. On the other hand, Indiana is continuing to struggle in a year that had much excitement. Next week Michigan travels to Penn State while Indiana plays Rutgers.

References: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2021-11-13-indiana.html

Writer

- By: Justin Howard

The Big Ten saw plenty of action this weekend. Michigan State, Ohio State, and Wisconsin, and Minnesota all saw wins that can extend their seasons as they look to winning their respective divisions. Let’s check out the action and what occurred in each game. Here we go. 

Indiana 35 at Maryland 38

The Terrapins improved their chances of getting to a bowl game this week with a victory against Indiana. This game was incredibly entertaining and both teams fought hard as Indiana attempted a late-game comeback. In a game that lacked defense, ultimately, Maryland’s offense executed better than the Hoosiers. The Terrapins had 503-total yards of offense and Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa had his best game as a college quarterback. Tagovailoa went 26-40 and had 419-yards with two touchdowns with no turnovers. Indiana is seeing their bowl hopes dwindle each week as they move to 2-6 on the year. Next week the Terrapins have a challenge in Penn State while Indiana plays a hungry Michigan team. 

Rutgers 20 at Illinois 14

Rutgers is coming off an embarrassing loss to Northwestern in week eight, the program needed this game in terms of bowl contention. The Scarlett Knights were able to pull off the victory behind the efforts of their running game. Rutgers’ running backs Isaih Pacheco, Kyle Monangai, and quarterback Noah Verdal combined for 224-rushing yards and two touchdowns. At halftime, the Scarlett Knights trailed 14-10 and it looked doom and gloom for Rutgers, but they were able to have 10 unanswered second-half points. Illinois blew yet another opportunity to win a game and this loss almost guarantees they won’t make it to a bowl game in 2021. Next week, Illinois faces a legit Minnesota team while Rutgers plays Wisconsin.

No. 9 Iowa 7 at Wisconsin 27

The Badgers started the year off 1-3 and things looked bad for Wisconsin. However, the Badgers have been able to string together four straight wins including solid wins versus Purdue and now Iowa. This game was a blowout and most people saw it coming. The only thing that made Iowa successful was running the football and that was Wisconsin’s strength on defense. The Badgers held Iowa to just 24-rushing yards and a team total of 156-yards. Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz did his job, he threw for one touchdown and was able to give his team a spark with two rushing touchdowns. Watch out for Wisconsin as they could win the West if Iowa continues to skid. Next week Iowa plays Northwestern and Wisconsin plays Rutgers. 

 

No. 6 Michigan 33 at No. 8 Michigan State 37

This past weekend, the best game in the Big Ten lived up to the hype as both undefeated teams found themselves badly late in the fourth quarter. This game will be a hard pill to swallow for Michigan fans and head coach Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines were up 30-22 headed into the fourth quarter and they were unable to pull off the victory. Other than Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara’s late-game interception that sealed the deal for the Spartans, he played well with 383-yards and two touchdowns. This game was about Kenneth Walker III who is working his way into becoming a Heisman front runner with five touchdowns and 197-yards against Michigan. The Wolverines no longer control their fate in the Big Ten while the Spartans are setting up for a showdown against the Buckeyes. Next week Michigan faces Indiana while Michigan State plays Purdue. 

Purdue 28 at Nebraska 23

Purdue took care of business on Saturday; they kept their slim hopes of winning the Big Ten west alive by beating Nebraska. The defense for the Boilermakers stepped up and forced Nebraska’s quarterback Adrian Martinez into throwing four interceptions. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell wielded his team to victory he completed 75% of his throws for 233-yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska head coach Scott Frost has been on the hot seat and this loss to Nebraska seems insurmountable for Frost to overcome. Frost proves that he cannot win close ball games at a school that has plenty of pride. The hopes for the Cornhuskers to make a bowl game seems unlikely at this point as they play Ohio State on Saturday. Purdue will play Michigan State on Saturday in a tough matchup.

Minnesota 41 at Northwestern 14

Minnesota showed up on Saturday and they have a legitimate chance at winning the Big Ten West as they sit at 6-2 on the season. The Golden Gophers dominated the Wildcats in all facets of the game, they held the Wildcats to just 242-total yards on the game and Minnesota’s running game was elite. The Golden Gophers hung four touchdowns on Northwestern on the ground while they rushed for 308-yards. Minnesota running backs Ky Thomas and Mar’Keise Irving led the charge combining for 216-yards and two touchdowns. Minnesota controls their future as they are on top of the Big Ten West standings, they face Illinois in week ten in a game where they should roll. Northwestern’s struggles might continue in week 10 as they face Iowa.

No. 20 Penn State 24 at No. 5 Ohio State 33

Ohio State played their toughest defense yet and it showed on Saturday. The Buckeyes looked good on offense, but they left points on the table as they settled for four touchdowns in the red zone. The defense is what won this game for Ohio State. While the Buckeyes did allow Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford to throw for 361-yards and a touchdown, they held the Nittany Lions to only 33-rushing yards. The Buckeyes defense forced three turnovers, one resulting in a scoop-and-score touchdown. The win for Ohio State keeps them undefeated in the conference while the loss for Penn State should knock them out of contention to win the Big Ten. In week ten, the Buckeyes play Nebraska while Penn State faces Maryland. 

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

Writer

-By: Justin Howard