Around the Big Ten (Football): Week 8

Story posted October 25, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Zach Donaldson

As bye weeks have begun, the action in the Big Ten has simmered down a bit. But there were still five matchups with storylines that have to be hit on.

Ohio State continues to obliterate its opponents, Penn State gets back in the win column in the White Out and Northwestern resumes its nosedive.

No. 2 Ohio State 54, Iowa 10

Going in, with what we know about the Hawkeyes (3-4, 1-3) offense, there was no way that they were going to be able to keep up with the Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0) on the scoreboard, and the final score showed for it.

Next (Ohio State): @ Penn State
Next (Iowa): vs. Northwestern

No. 16 Penn State 45, Minnesota 17

The Nittany Lions (6-1, 3-1) got back on track in dominant fashion by dismantling the Golden Gophers (4-3, 1-3) under the White Out lights.

Sean Clifford bounced back following an early interception and had a big night, while the defense took advantage of the absence of Minnesota’s quarterback Tanner Morgan and kept Mo Ibrahim in check, only allowing a total of 17 points. Linebacker Curtis Jacobs led the way with 14 tackles and two tackles-for-loss for the Nittany Lions.

They move up three spots to No. 13 in this week’s AP Poll in response to their efforts.

Next (Penn State): vs. Ohio State
Next: (Minnesota): vs. Rutgers

Wisconsin 35, Purdue 24

The Badgers (4-4, 2-3) put a pin in the Boilermakers (5-3, 3-2) potent passing attack by intercepting Aidan O’Connell three times taking one to the house part of a three-touchdown first quarter.

Purdue’s Big Ten West division title hopes took a hit with the loss, as the Illinois remains rolling.

Next (Wisconsin): BYE
Next (Purdue): BYE

Maryland 31, Northwestern 24

The Terps (6-2, 3-2) survived the absence of their starting quarterback, Taulia Tagovailoa, and took it to the Wildcats of Northwestern large in part to freshman running back Roman Hemby’s 179 yards and three touchdowns.

The Wildcats (1-6, 1-3) started off the season strong with a win at Nebraska but haven’t gotten back in the left column since.

Next (Maryland): BYE
Next (Northwestern): @ Iowa

Rutgers 24, Indiana 17

The Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-3) were down 14-0 early at home to the Hoosiers (3-5, 1-4) but were able to climb out of the hole and didn’t look back.

Next (Rutgers): @ Minnesota
Next (Indiana): BYE

Bye Weeks:

No. 4 Michigan (7-0, 4-0)

Next: vs. Michigan State

No. 18 Illinois (6-1, 3-1)

The Fighting Illini moved up one spot to No. 17 despite their bye week as Top-25 teams continue to fall like flies.

Next: @ Nebraska

Michigan State (3-4, 1-3)

Next: @ Michigan

Nebraska (3-4, 2-2)

Next: vs. Illinois

Zach Donaldson is a fifth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zach.donaldson1@gmail.com.