Around the Big Ten: Week 5

Week 5 of college football included five conference matchups in the Big Ten.​ Three teams in the Big Ten remain in the top five of the AP Rankings, and all three of these teams are currently undefeated.

No. 4 Ohio State and Wisconsin both had a Week 5 bye.

No. 2 Michigan vs. Nebraska

No. 2 Michigan beat Nebraska 45-7 on Saturday. The Wolverine offense started their domination on the first drive, an 11-play drive ending with a quarterback J.J. McCarthy 29-yard pass touchdown to wide receiver, Roman Wilson.

The Cornhusker’s first offensive drive of the game ended with an interception on the second play. This allowed for another Wolverine touchdown, on their second offensive drive.

This pattern of play continued throughout the game with the Michigan defense giving up just one touchdown to Nebraska.

No. 6 Penn State vs. Northwestern

Penn State beat Northwestern 41-13 last Saturday. The Nittany Lions struggled in the first half as they entered halftime tied 10-10 with the Wildcats.

Their defense was strong all game holding the Northwestern offense to just 175 yards and creating havoc with seven sacks.

In the second half, the Penn State offense picked up intensity and scored 31 points. Drew Allar ended the day going 18-33, for 189 yards and one touchdown. To beat a team such as Michigan or Ohio State, Penn State will need to play a complete four quarters.

Penn State continued to score 30 or more points. They have done so in 12 straight games, currently tied for the third-longest streak in Big Ten history. Ohio State holds the record with 15 games (2014-15).

Indiana University vs. University of Maryland

Maryland, under quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, beat Indiana 44-17. Tagovailoa completed 24-32 passing attempts for 352 yards and five touchdowns. The Terrapins controlled this game from the first quarter, scoring on three of their five first-quarter drives.

Maryland remains one of four undefeated Big Ten teams heading into Week 6; their first 5-0 start since 2001.

Wagner vs. Rutgers

Rutgers beat Wagner 52-3 at SHI Stadium. Rutgers gained 436 total yards compared to Wagner’s 106 yards. The Scarlet Knights have four wins before October for the first time in the last nine seasons.

Illinois vs. Purdue

Purdue won against Illinois 44-19 in a Big Ten West matchup. Illinois headed into the locker room with a 16-13 lead and were outscored 31-3 in the second half.

In the first half, Illinois excelled on special teams, having blocked two kicks. The five sacks and three fumbles ultimately hurt Illinois and contributed to the loss.

Michigan State vs. Iowa

Iowa beat Michigan State 26-16, improving to 4-1 on the season while Michigan St. dropped to 2-3. Iowa’s 70-yard go-ahead punt return is the program’s longest in the last ten seasons.

Minnesota vs. Louisiana

Minnesota beat Louisiana 35-24. The Gophers needed this win following a crushing overtime loss to Northwestern last weekend. Minnesota’s quarterback and three running backs stepped up as freshman star, Darius Taylor missed the game with a leg injury.

Julia Henry is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email jbh6443@psu.edu.