Around the Big Ten Recap: Week 4
As the weeks go on, opponents start getting tougher for teams around the Big Ten. In the fourth week of the season, there were surprisingly no upsets around the conference, but some teams proved they are ready to play in the 2015 season.
Ohio State
The Buckeyes squeaked by Northern Illinois last week and were looking to get back on track against Central Michigan Saturday. This was the first game after head coach, Urban Meyer, named Cardale Jones the starting quarterback, again. In his first game as the true starter, Jones showed improvement. He wasn’t stellar, but threw for two touchdowns and just under 300 yards. Ohio State won by 26, but just doesn’t seem like that same team as they were last year. The team will travel to Bloomington next Saturday to take on an undefeated Indiana squad.
Michigan
WOW--Michigan came out and attacked the Cougars on Saturday. BYU wasn’t ready for the Wolverine attack. Jake Rudock looked strong again and finished the game with a QBR of over 96. De’Veon Smith had another strong game on the ground along with Rudock himself. A 31-point shutout of 22nd ranked BYU proved to the voters that Michigan belongs in the Top 25. The Wolverines will go into their game next week against Maryland ranked 22nd.
Michigan State
The Spartans came into the game ranked number two in all of college football, and after their game against Central Michigan they showed why they should stay put at number two. The running game was the story of the day, rushing for 181 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in a 20-point win. Six different Michigan State players ran the ball on Saturday, as the Chippewas had no answer. It was a solid win which the team will carry into next week against Purdue at home.
Rutgers, Nebraska and Indiana all won their games against nonconference opponents. In addition to these teams, Iowa pummeled North Texas while Minnesota, Illinois, and Northwestern all barely slipped past Ohio, Middle Tennessee and Ball State respectively. Wisconsin shut out Hawaii, 28-0. Purdue fell to Bowling Green and West Virginia pounded Maryland.
There will be six conference games next weekend in what should be an exciting Saturday around the Big Ten.
Mike Wszolek is a freshman majoring in Broadcast Journalism. To contact him, email mewszolek@gmail.com.
