Around The Big Ten Recap: Week 7

Story posted October 18, 2015 in CommRadio, Sports by Mike Wszolek

It was a busy week around the Big Ten with some exciting matchups taking place. There were two games this week that featured ranked opponents in the same game. Even though there were only two, there was plenty of action around the Big Ten in Week 7.

No. 7 Michigan State at No. 12 Michigan: MSU 27-23

Let’s just say all social media sites blew up after this game ended. This game in Ann Arbor had been highly anticipated for many weeks. College Gameday was there, and this was a huge game for both teams if they wanted to have any chance of making it into the College Football Playoff. Michigan came into the game with a 12 quarter shutout streak. The Wolverines extended their streak to 13 quarters, but it finally ended in the second quarter when LJ Scott ran it in from 11 yards out with a little over seven minutes to play. It seemed like throughout the game, when Michigan tried to pull away, the Spartans had an answer and kept it close. Michigan led by two scores with nine minutes left and even though it wasn’t over, it looked like the Wolverines were going to knock off the undefeated Spartans. However, Michigan State didn’t want to lose. Experienced quarterback, Connor Cook, threw for over 300 yards and is the reason why the Spartans stayed in the game. Michigan State trailed by 23-21 with 10 seconds left to play and had a 0.2 percent chance to win the football game when Michigan attempted to punt the ball, according to ESPN. Did you notice the key word, “attempted?” Michigan’s punter, Blake O’Neill, botched the snap and eventually fumbled. Michigan State’s Jalen-Watts Jackson scooped up the fumble and returned it 38 yards to give Michigan State the win. You definitely have to feel for O’Neill after he’s been such a consistent punter for the Wolverines. Aaron Burbridge was the target of the day for Connor Cook, catching nine balls for 132 yards. Michigan State moves up to No. 4 in the latest AP rankings and will play at Indiana next Saturday. On the other hand, Michigan drops to No. 15 and will have off next week.

No. 17 Iowa at No. 20 Northwestern: Iowa 40-10

Undefeated Iowa went into Evanston on Saturday and took care of business against Northwestern. Two teams in the Top 20 should be close, right? This definitely was the case in the first half of the game, but the Hawkeyes clawed away at the Wildcats in the second half. With Iowa leading by six at the break, we expected the game to end in single digits, but the offense for the team in black and gold woke up. Iowa scored 24 second half points while shutting out the Wildcats offense in the second half. Akrum Wadley went off for Iowa scoring two touchdowns in each half to propel the Hawkeyes to victory. Wadley also had 153 more rushing yards than the whole Northwestern team did. He was the key and spark to the Hawkeyes win. Iowa moves to No. 12 in the rankings and will be off next weekend, but Northwestern drops out of the rankings and will be an underdog next Saturday at Nebraska.

Rutgers at Indiana: RU 55-52

Whenever you lead a football game 52-33 after the third quarter, your chances to win are extremely high. The Rutgers Scarlet Knights had other plans. Rutgers led by three at half, and then the Hoosiers scored four touchdowns in the third to take a big lead. The Knights scored 28 unanswered points to defeat Indiana by three. Rutgers was coming off of a tough loss and Indiana the same to Penn State. Both teams were looking to pick up a key victory to improve their record. Indiana quarterback, Nate Sudfeld, was back after missing last week’s game, and his presence was felt throughout. Sudfeld finished with 464 passing yards. Even though Indiana ended up losing the football game, you have to be excited for the remainder of the season if you’re an Indiana fan and if Sudfeld can stay healthy. Chris Laviano for Rutgers threw the football well and led the team to victory. Laviano has played very well for Rutgers, but there have been a few games that just haven’t gone his way. It’s a big win for the Scarlet Knights especially because they have a date with No. 1 Ohio State next Saturday.

Also across the league, Wisconsin defeated Purdue by 17 and Nebraska blew out Minnesota by 23. Next week will only feature five games around the Big Ten, but will be an exciting one just the same.

Mike Wszolek is a freshman majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email mewszolek@gmail.com