Some big statements were made in the Big Ten as conference play kicked off this past week. No more cakewalk games; the top-tier contenders intend to prove themselves as threats not only in the conference but in college football as a whole. Indiana did just that, as did Maryland. Other teams, such as Wisconsin, could be next in line behind UCLA in firing their coach earlier than expected.
Here are the scores from this weekend in Big Ten football for Week 4, plus my breakdown for each team:
Friday: Iowa 38-28 vs Rutgers
Iowa did everything they could to help Rutgers win this football game, unfortunately Rutgers just could not capitalize. Rutgers had their way offensively in their first half but the Scarlet Knights allowed Iowa to hang around with them for too long. Rutgers was the better team in this game and this could have been a statement victory but Iowa remembered late in the game that they can pass the ball. Mark Gronowski and this Hawkeyes defense came up big in the clutch. Rutgers showed that they are not there yet to beat the more experienced teams.
Maryland 27-10 vs Wisconsin
The Malik Washington story continues after yet another impressive showing. Washington just might be the best true freshman quarterback in college football. He just might also have put the nail in the coffin for Luke Fickell. The Badgers did not score until the 3rd quarter in this game. The Badgers do not do anything well offensively and their defense got embarrassed for yet another week. This game showed me that Maryland is ready to get taken seriously and Luke Fickell will be the next head coach fired.
Oregon 41-7 vs Oregon State
As expected the Ducks covered the wide margin set for this game. Dante Moore Jr. has been very impressive early. It will be clear or not if he can be that Heisman caliber player these next two games against Penn State and Indiana. The competition is heating up for the Ducks and we will see if Oregon gets a great return on investment from their big spending spree this offseason.
Michigan 30-27 vs Nebraska
Dylan Raiola was the best quarterback on the field in this game. Unfortunately for him and the Cornhuskers Michigan dominated every other area of this football game. Michigan’s run game will make them a tough team to beat for any team in the Big Ten. It is year 3 for Matt Rhule at Nebraska, this is the year that his teams finally contend in their conference. If Nebraska was going to take that jump this season it would have been this game. The Cornhuskers still feel like they are a year or two away still. Michigan on the other hand maybe should ride with Biff Poggi a little longer, this is a different team with him calling the shots.
Notre Dame 56-30 vs Purdue
Everybody can beat Notre Dame except for Purdue. This was a great get right game for Notre Dame’s offense but defensively giving up 30 points to Purdue is not impressive by any means. Purdue was able to throw the ball all game long on this Fighting Irish’s defense. Purdue is one of the worst teams in the Big Ten, this game should have not been that close. It is nice to get the first victory on the season but this game said more about Notre Dame not being as good as we thought instead of it being a dominant victory. This game was a nice moral victory game for the Boilermakers I suppose.
Indiana 63-10 vs Illinois
The biggest surprise of this weekend had to be this football game. Illinois missed one of their best players defensively but as the 9th ranked team in the country no way is losing like this acceptable. The Fighting Illini should not be ranked anymore after this loss. Indiana made a statement and they showed they are even better than they were last season. This dominant defense for the Hoosiers put up 7 sacks for the game and made Luke Altmyer run for his life all game. Both sides of the ball can make it a long day for any team they face. Fernando Mendoza has played so well, he is putting himself in conversation to be next draft’s first quarterback taken. The expectation is we will see a Penn State and Ohio State face off in the Big Ten Championship this season. It is still early but after this win Indiana should be a team viewed to have a shot to make the Big Ten Championship game too.
Washington 59-24 vs Washington State
Desmond Williams Jr. makes this Washington team such an exciting team to watch. He is a sleeper for the Heisman. I would not be surprised if he gives the Huskies a fighting chance against the #1 team in the country Ohio State this weekend.
USC 45-31 vs Michigan State
The Trojans get their second win in the Big Ten but still leave a lot of room for concern, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Trojans can get away with a lot against their 4 previous opponents but now their schedule is getting more intense they have a lot to clean up before they play their tougher opponents. This game is a step on the right direction but the Trojans did not come into this season with a lot of changes just to go 2-0 in the Big Ten and then shrivel up the rest of the season. The Trojans have what it takes to compete but the inconsistencies and them being undisciplined at times could all be factors for their downfall in the end.