We’re officially through the non-conference portion of the schedule with conference matchups beginning, and teams starting to separate themselves from the pack

Although, there’s still a lot of season left to go. So let’s recap last week and take a brief look ahead as well.

No. 3 Ohio State 52, Wisconsin 21

The Buckeyes (4-0) bested the Badgers (2-2) by a considerable margin of 31.

Ohio State looks seemingly unstoppable, and Wisconsin continues to plunge after beginning the season ranked. The Buckeyes remain in the No. 3 spot.

Next (Ohio State): vs. Rutgers, 3:30 p.m.
Next (Wisconsin): vs. Illinois, noon

No. 4 Michigan 34, Maryland 27

The Wolverines (4-0) narrowly escape an upset attempt by the Terrapins (3-1) in the battle of the undefeated and hand them their first loss of the season.

Michigan looked a bit shaky for the fourth-ranked team in the country, but they won nonetheless largely in thanks to 30 carries, 243 yards and two touchdowns from running back Blake Corum. For Maryland, all eyes are on the health of its quarterback, Taulia Tagovailoa who sustained an injury in the loss and is a game-time decision this upcoming weekend.

Next (Michigan): @ Iowa, noon
Next (Maryland): vs. Michigan State, 3:30 p.m.

No. 14 Penn State 33, Central Michigan 14

It wasn’t pretty, but the Nittany Lions (4-0) got a gritty win over the Chippewas (1-3) to stay unblemished.

Penn State got key contributions from freshman Kaytron Allen, rushing 13 times for 111 yards as well as its secondary. The secondary forced three turnovers, with the third being at the hands of punter Barney Amor. Amor sent a booming punt into the sky and the Clippewas’ fumbled it, with Curtis Jacobs recovering to headline an excellent day.

The effort was good enough for Penn State to jump three spots to No. 11 in the AP Poll. This week, the Nittany Lions take on the one-win Northwestern Wildcats at home at 3:30 p.m.

Minnesota 34, Michigan State 7

The Golden Gophers (4-0) defeat the Spartans (2-2) handily to remain undefeated.

PJ Fleck’s squad is proving to be a force in the conference. Tanner Morgan was extremely efficient, going 23-for-26 for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The Golden Gophers picked off Payton Thorne twice and shutting down the Spartans’ offense.

The Golden Gophers move into the AP Top 25 to No. 21 ahead of their Week 5 matchup with Illinois. Michigan State, beginning the year ranked is now an even .500.

Next (Minnesota): vs. Purdue, noon
Next (Michigan State): @ Maryland, 3:30 p.m.

Indiana 24, Cincinnati 45

The Hoosiers (3-1) found some success in the air against the Bears (3-1) who aren’t nearly as dominant as they were last year when they made the CFP as the first Group of Five team to ever to accomplish that feat.

They did enough to take down the Hoosiers, however as quarterback Ben Bryant exploded, completing 24-for-40 for 354 yards and four touchdowns. 10 of those catches, 185 yards and three touchdowns were snagged by junior receiver Tyler Scott.

This week, Indiana faces Nebraska coming off a bye in Lincoln in prime time, with kick off slated for 7:30 p.m.

Purdue 28, FL Atlantic 26

The Boilermakers (2-2) snuck by the Owls (2-3) to keep their record at an even .500.

With Aidan O’Connell out with an injury, Purdue was able to get enough production out of sixth-year quarterback Austin Burton and junior running back Dylan Downing. Burton went 21-for-41, tossing three touchdowns (two to Charlie Jones) and one interception. Downing complimented him nicely on the ground, taking 15 carries and dashing for 113 yards and one touchdown.

This week, the Boilermakers have a date with the No. 21 Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis at noon.

Iowa 27, Rutgers 20

The Hawkeyes (3-1) handed the Scarlet Knights (3-1) their first loss of the season in convincing fashion.

Iowa got the win, largely aided by a dominant defensive effort. A 45-yard pick-6 by Cooper DeJean and 30-yard fumble return touchdown by Kaevon Merriweather propelled the Hawkeyes to the victory. Spencer Petras still only has thrown one touchdown this season, and two interceptions but the Hawkeyes are 3-1 as are the Scarlet Knights, who have started off the season strong for their standards.

Next (Iowa): @ Illinois, 7:30 p.m.
Next (Rutgers): @ Ohio State, 3:30 p.m.

Illinois 31, Chattanooga 0

The Fighting Illini (3-1) obliterated the Mocs (3-1) handing the leaders of the Southern Conference their first loss of the season.

Don’t look now, but Illinois is 3-1 with the only blemish on its resume being a loss to Indiana. Tommy Devito shredded Chattnooga’s secondary, completing 24-of-32 passes for three touchdowns. The Fighting Illini defense also had two interceptions to round out a balanced effort.

This week, they travel to Madison to take on the Badgers at noon.

Northwestern 14, Miami (OH) 17

The Wildcats (1-3) endured a tough loss to Miami (Ohio) (2-2) of the MAC.

The fact that Northwestern won a game shows how bad Nebraska really is. The Wildcats bested the Cornhuskers 31-28 in the season opener, which is their lone win.

This week, they have the No. 11 Penn State Nittany Lions. Yikes.

Nebraska (BYE)

The Cornhuskers (1-3) were on a bye, but that might be good for them and their fanbase.

Nebraska welcomes Indiana (3-1) to Lincoln this upcoming Saturday.

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