Around The Big Ten: Week 3
Six Big Ten teams are now ranked inside the AP Top 25 after some impressive Week 3 showings, including some upsets and out of conference victories.
Spartans Dominate the “U” for First Ranked Win
Despite being a popular upset pick, the Michigan State Spartans pulled through and dominated the University of Miami (Florida) by a final score of 38-17.
The game was close in the fourth quarter until Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorn hooked up with Jalen Nailor for a 39-yard score to ice the game.
The Spartans are now 3-0 to start the season and have earned themselves the No. 20 spot in this week's AP Top 25.
Up next for Michigan State is a Nebraska Cornhuskers squad that is looking a lot better than their 2-2 record.
Nebraska recently hung around with No. 4 Oklahoma in a one-touchdown game.
Lions Outlast Tigers in Famed Whiteout
Possibly the best win for the Big Ten this week came in taking down a strong SEC side.
Penn State’s 28-20 victory over the Auburn Tigers was not only huge for the Nittany Lions, but also the Big Ten conference by showing that they can play with top teams from the SEC.
It could have been more of a statement for the conference if Penn State was able to have a more decisive victory. The Lions had a scoop-and-score on the field that was overturned by replay and a strange fourth-down conversion attempt that left points off the board.
Despite those mistakes, the Nittany Lions still played a strong game with quarterback Sean Clifford, having possibly his best outing as Penn State’s starter. Clifford completed 28 out of 32 attempts, for 280 yards, two touchdowns and one interception on a ball he was trying to throw away.
Next up for the Nittany Lions is a matchup with fellow Pennsylvania school Villanova in the two schools’ first meeting.
Hoosiers Fall after Halftime Lead vs. No. 8 Cincinnati
After a tough start to the season for Indiana, the Hoosiers had an opportunity to be ranked again with an upset win against Cincinnati.
Despite a strong start from the Hoosiers, the Bearcats were able to regather themselves in the locker room and rally for a 38-24 victory.
Indiana’s star quarterback Michael Penix struggled again tossing three interceptions and completing less than 50% of his passes. No Indiana runner was able to eclipse 60 yards or more on the ground.
Despite the offensive struggles, Indiana did have some positives to take away from the matchup.
For starters, the defense was playing lights out in the first half forcing two turnovers. The Hoosiers were dominating the game until linebacker Micah McFadden was ejected for targeting late in the first half.
Despite the 1-2 record, Indiana has certainly shown they have the ability to play with college football’s best and possibly upset a ranked squad down the line.
With six Big Ten schools now inside the AP Top 25, it is time to see if the Big Ten can defend itself as one of the best conferences in college football.
Maclain Young is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email macyoung21@gmail.com.
