Big Ten Rundown
One of the best conferences is in the meat of their schedule and there are some exciting teams to watch the rest of the season.
Let’s start off at the top in the Big Ten East:
Ohio State: After a shocking loss at home against Oregon the Buckeyes have found their stride on offense and have been showing they have one of the most exciting teams in all of college football. With an amazing wide receiving core and great running backs this is one of the best offenses in the game. The only question is their defense they have not played anyone that has posed a threat to them but that could change this Saturday as they face Penn State.
Michigan: Is this the year Michigan can get over the hump. Last season was an ugly throwaway season for them as they finished 2-4 but they look different and ready for a different outcome this year. Can this be the season Michigan finally beats Ohio State? That questions will have to wait until November 27th. Already 7-0 and ranked 6th in the country the Wolverines face their biggest test this season as they go to their instate rivals Michigan State for an epic top 10 showdown.
Michigan State: This season Michigan State has been on a tear as they are 7-0 with first year head coach Mel Tucker pushing all the right buttons. They are led by their amazing running back Kenneth Walker III who has 997 rushing yards and averaging 6.6 rushing yards a carry. Look for them to run the ball early and try to beat down the Wolverines Saturday afternoon.
Penn State: Reeling after a bad record breaking nine overtime lost to Illinois Penn State is looking to bounce back against Ohio State Saturday night but that will not be an easy thing to do. Starting quarterback Sean Clifford should be at full strength but needs help in other areas such as the running game which is struggling this season averaging 118 rushing yards per game.
Maryland: The Terps have not looked as great in conference play as they have only one win out of four. Losing their last three to Iowa, Ohio State and Minnesota look for them to bounce back against Indiana another struggling team in the conference.
Rutgers: After a strong 3-0 start, conference play has not been good to Rutgers losing all four of their games so far. Look for them to be reset and ready to face off against Illinois who is coming off of a big time win against Penn State.
Indiana: The Hoosiers looked to be a team that could make some noise this season as they were ranked 17th in the nation and returned a good quarterback and good receiving core but nothing was able to click for this team struggling at 2-5 with no wins in the conference Indiana could be looking to play spoiler to some teams for the rest of the year.
Big Ten West:
Iowa: The Hawkeyes defense was one of the most feared in the country led by defensive back Riley Moss who had four interceptions this season and helping them climb to number two in the rankings before Purdue came in and spoiled that away two weeks. This bad loss dropped them down to 9th in the nation but look for them to get back on track against Wisconsin this Saturday as they try to stay at the top of the Big Ten West.
Minnesota: Minnesota only has one lost in the conference which was their opening game against Ohio State. So far they are looking good winning their last three in the conference look for them to stay on the attack with their running game from their two freshman standouts and a powerful offensive line as they face Northwestern and try to keep pace with Iowa.
Wisconsin: The Badgers have looked fairly good this season with a 2-2 record in the conference. The Badgers defense is still good and can give Iowa problems as they are third in the nation in rushing yards allowed at 64 yards a game and was able to hold Purdue to minus 13 yards on 24 rushing attempts. Riding a three game win streak they have Iowa rolling in and looking to take advantage of a team who just lost a shocker to Purdue a couple weeks ago.
Purdue: After a big win a couple of weeks ago against Iowa Purdue looked to keep the tide rolling as they faced Wisconsin last week but stumbled as they lost 30-13. Purdue could get nothing rolling on the ground and gave the ball away throwing away three interceptions and fumbling twice. Look for Purdue to bounce back against a tough Nebraska team.
Illinois: The fighting Illini pulled off a big nine overtime win against Penn State and look to keep the ball rolling as they host Rutgers Saturday. The Illini will have the ball in backup quarterback Brandon Peters hands. Peters came into the game against the Nitty Lions in the game in the fifth overtime as Art Sitkowski broke his arm in the fourth overtime. Look for the Illini to go to the running attack as they were successful on the ground against Penn State rushing for 357 yards.
Northwestern: After a bad lost to the red hot Wolverines the Wildcats look to try their luck against Minnesota a team still at the top of the Big Ten west. After losing two of their best running back Minnesota has not missed a beat as they have two dynamic freshman running backs who are tearing up the game. Northwestern will have their hands full trying to stop this rushing attack.
Nebraska: Every year Nebraska is one of those teams where you have no idea if they will be either really good or bad. This year sadly they have not answered the bell. Most of their losses all come within eight points. Just not able to close out on games and get into the win column. They face Purdue Saturday who is also coming back from their own lost. Look for another close one between these two teams.