Around The Big Ten Recap: Week 8
There weren’t any ranked matchups around the Big Ten this weekend, but that didn’t mean there weren’t some incredible games. Blowouts and nail biters would fit the category of some games in the Big Ten on Saturday.
No. 1 Ohio State at Rutgers: OSU 49-7
The real Ohio State showed up in this game as the quarterback switch to J.T. Barrett propelled the Buckeyes to victory. Head coach Urban Meyer made the switch to Barrett, and so far it has paid off. Although it was one game, Barrett threw for 223 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for two more. Ohio State put Rutgers away early, leading by 21 at halftime. The Buckeyes added another 28 points in the second half to blow out the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers had been coming off of an incredible comeback win at Indiana. Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood was coaching his first home game after returning from his three game suspension. Next week, 8-0 Ohio State will get a much-needed week off while 4-4 Rutgers will have to travel to Madison to take on Wisconsin.
Indiana at No. 7 Michigan State: MSU 52-26
If you watched the first three quarters of this game, you probably think there’s a typo in the final score. There’s not. The Hoosiers came out strong and hung tough with the No. 7 team in the country. Indiana was coming off of the tough loss to Rutgers, and the Spartans were coming off of that improbable win at Michigan last Saturday. Michigan State led by one at halftime and by two at the end of the third quarter. That’s where the Michigan State offense took over. Although Connor Cook had 22 incompletions, he lit up the Indiana defense. Throwing just two yards shy of 400, the senior threw for four touchdowns and led the Spartans to a nice win. On the flipside, this is the second straight game where the Hoosier defense has given up more than 50 points. The Spartans go to 8-0 on the season and Indiana drops to 4-4. Both teams have off next Saturday.
Northwestern at Nebraska: NU 30-28
This game was a must win for the Cornhuskers, and they yet again dropped a heartbreaker. The Huskers have had their troubles winning close games this season. All five of their losses have come by five points or less. Three of their losses are by two points or less, including this one. On the other hand, Northwestern becomes bowl eligible and gets a much-needed win after dropping two straight. Quarterback Clayton Thorson got the job done for the Wildcats, not only throwing, but also with his legs. Thorson ran for 126 yards and a touchdown. Tommy Armstrong Jr. scored three touchdowns, but it just wasn’t enough. Nebraska will have to move on from another tough loss next Saturday where they will take on a struggling Purdue team. The Huskers will look to improve to 4-5 on the season while Northwestern will have a bye at 6-2.
Also around the Big Ten, Wisconsin defeated Illinois by 11, becoming bowl eligible at 6-2. Next week will feature some exciting teams including Iowa and Michigan who will be taking on Maryland and Minnesota respectively.
Mike Wszolek is a freshman majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email mewszolek@gmail.com
