Around the Big Ten Football: Week 8

Week 7 of Big Ten Football highlighted the dominance of the three undefeated teams and provided for some competition amongst the rest of the Big Ten.

Iowa vs Wisconsin

No. 24 Iowa came out on top of this low-scoring matchup 15-6. The Hawkeyes now have sole possession of the Big Ten West, and if this trend continues they will be heading to the Big Ten Championship game come December.

Wisconsin quarterback Tanner Mordecai left the game during the second quarter with a hand injury. The Badgers had to turn to Mississippi State transfer Braedyn Locke who only threw one career pass prior to Saturday’s game.

During the Hawkeyes’ second drive, tight end Erick All was taken into the locker room. All is a top playmaker for Iowa, who usually relies heavily on their tight ends.

Iowa prepares to host Minnesota next Saturday while Wisconsin gears up for an away game against Illinois.

Illinois vs. Maryland

Illinois got their first Big Ten victory against Maryland this past Saturday. A field goal by Caleb Griffin as time expired gave the Fighting Illini the edge 27-24.

The Terrapins started the season 5-0 and have now fallen 5-2 after losing to Ohio State and Illinois. This win improves Illinois to 3-4 overall.

Maryland was up 14-7 in the second quarter when Kaden Prather fumbled on the Illinois 27. Giving the momentum back to the Illini, they were able to score the evening touchdown at 14-14 as they headed into the half.

The second half was back and forth with the Illini scoring first in the third quarter after a failed onside kick by Maryland.

Although the Terps tried to stay in it, Illinois had the ball as time expired giving them the win.

Maryland looks to put this loss behind them as they head into the bye week followed by a trip to Northwestern. Whereas Illinois is preparing to host Wisconsin at home this Saturday.

The Three Undefeated

Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State are the three remaining undefeated Big Ten teams and have remained in the AP Poll Top Ten all season.

Last weekend, all three teams showed their dominance against teams they drastically out-match.

No. 2 Michigan faced off against Indiana in a 52-7 win. The Wolverines started slow with two possessions ending in a punt and allowing Indiana to Score first, but quickly got it turned around scoring 52 unanswered points.

Michigan is the third team to beat opponents by an average of 33 points and is allowing only 6.7 points per game.

The Wolverines have two games and a bye before they face their first tough competition against No. 7 Penn State on Nov. 11.

No. 3 Ohio State was able to route Purdue in a 41-7 victory. Despite different injuries to key players on the Buckeyes offense, especially the running backs, Dallan Hayden was able to step up and help propel the offense.

Ohio State scored on three of their first four possessions to lead them into halftime 20-0.

That moment continued into the second half with two more touchdowns for the Buckeyes.

The Buckeyes will now face their first big competition of the season against Penn State.

No. 7 Penn State is coming off a shut-out victory against UMass 63-0.

Cornerback Daequan Hardy returned two punts for a touchdown. Drew Allar threw for three additional touchdowns creating exciting offensive gameplay.

In addition to Hardy’s punt returns, the defense was able to hold UMass to 109 yards of total offense with seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss.

Penn State now prepares for their most competitive game of the season, Ohio State.

Both teams will look to keep their undefeated season going, but unfortunately, one team will fall to 6-1.

Lauren is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email lah6271@psu.edu.