Around the Big Ten Recap: Week 3
Another week of college football in the Big Ten Conference is in the books. There were fewer blowouts around the league as opponents became tougher for Big Ten teams. Teams went 8-4 against non-conference opponents.
Ohio State held on to defeat the Huskies of Northern Illinois, 20-13. Ohio State looked out of sorts the whole game, and Northern Illinois left Ohio feeling better than the team that won the football game. J.T Barrett and Cardale Jones both struggled, combining to throw for under 150 yards. Not one player stood out for the Ohio State offense, as the unit was only able to produce one touchdown. It was a game that shocked fans around the country.
After a hard fought win last week against Oregon, Michigan State faced Air Force in East Lansing. Many wondered how the team would play after such a huge victory just a week prior. The Spartans didn’t disappoint, but the game was a lot closer than many expected. Michigan State was a big favorite but only won the ballgame by 14. Connor Cook had a big day, though, throwing for 247 yards and four touchdowns. The Spartans will face Central Michigan next Saturday.
The other Big Ten team from Michigan was also in action Saturday. The Wolverines took on winless UNLV in a game where Michigan was looking to get over .500. The team in blue and maize dominated from the start, winning by 21. Ty Isaac had a big game for Michigan averaging a little over 14 yards per carry. Jim Harbaugh and company will look for win number three next Saturday against a tough BYU squad.
The Hawkeyes of Iowa played an exciting game against Pittsburgh. The hero of the game was Marshall Koehn who hit a 57-yard field goal as time expired to shock Pitt. A player overshadowed by Koehn’s kick was quarterback C.J. Beathard, who threw for over 250 yards. Although he didn’t throw any touchdowns, Beathard looked sharp and led this team to victory over the Panthers.
Maryland, Wisconsin, and Northwestern rolled to victories while Indiana and Minnesota both squeaked out three point victories at home. Nebraska’s comeback at Miami fell short while Purdue and Illinois both got blown out on Saturday.
The much anticipated matchup of BYU and Michigan will headline next week's games. BYU has been a bit of a surprise this year but lost a heartbreaker at UCLA this past weekend. It will be a huge game for both the Cougars and Wolverines, as the two teams will look to go to 3-1 and avoid dropping to 2-2.
Mike Wszolek is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email mewszolek@gmail.com.
