Week 11 in the Big Ten!
Let’s take a look at everything that happened on the field in the Big Ten in Week 11 and look ahead to Week 12!
Week 11 Results
Michigan State 3 @ Ohio State 38
Michigan 24 @ Penn State 15
Rutgers 0 @ Iowa 22
Indiana 45 @ Illinois 48 (OT)
Maryland 13 @ Nebraska 10
Minnesota 30 @ Purdue 49
Northwestern 24 @ Wisconsin 10
Top 3 Notable Games of Week 11
3) Maryland 13 @ Nebraska 10
Maryland survived a gritty defensive battle to snap a 4-game losing streak and beat Nebraska on a field goal as time ran out. The win was the Terps’ 6th of the season, making them bowl-eligible. Nebraska was unable to overcome 5 turnovers and must now win 1 of their last 2 games if they want to make a bowl themselves.
2) Michigan 24 @ Penn State 15
News came down as the Wolverines were on their way to this game that head coach Jim Harbaugh would be suspended for the rest of the regular season as a result of an investigation into sign-stealing allegations. Interim coach Sherrone Moore stepped in at the last minute and shut down Penn State’s best opportunity to beat the Wolverines since 2020. RB Blake Corum had 145 yards and 2 TDs on the ground against the vaunted Nittany Lions defense, and Michigan’s College Football Playoff hopes are still alive despite a tumultuous season.
1) Indiana 45 @ Illinois 48 (OT)
Make it 2 in a row for backup QB John Paddock as he had another electric performance filling in for the injured Luke Altmeyer to lead the Fighting Illini to victory. Paddock’s 507 yards passing was the 2nd most in a game in all of FBS this season. 200 of those went to WR Isaiah Williams, including the game-winning TD in overtime. Illinois used the offensive outburst to overcome 14 penalties and come within a win of being bowl-eligible.
Week 11 Summary
Huge implications this week for both the College Football Playoffs and other bowls generated some big-time performances. We’re once again set up for the Michigan-Ohio State showdown to end the regular season, but still plenty to play for as there’s a 5-way tie in the Big Ten West with all 5 teams also needing 1 more win to make a bowl game.
Top Individual Performances of Week 11
Passing:
John Paddock, Illinois - 24/36 for 507 yards/4 TDs/1 INT vs. Indiana
Rushing:
Blake Corum, Michigan - 26 carries/145 yards/2 rushing TDs vs. Penn St.
Receiving:
Isaiah Williams, Illinois - 9 rec/200 yards/2 TDs vs. Indiana
Defense:
Tarheeb Still, Maryland - 7 tackles/2 INTs vs. Nebraska
Power Rankings After Week 11
Ohio St.
Michigan
Penn St.
Iowa
Rutgers
Maryland
Northwestern
Nebraska
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Illinois
Purdue
Indiana
Michigan State
Week 12 Games To Watch
3) Purdue @ Northwestern: Purdue snapped a 4-game losing streak thanks to QB Hudson Card’s best game of the season. Can they keep it rolling and pick up their first conference road win of the season? Or will Northwestern, who just removed the interim label off of head coach David Braun, build on their own impressive win last week versus Wisconsin as they look to finish the season strong?
2) Nebraska @ Wisconsin: These are two teams desperate for a win. Wisconsin started the season winning 5 of their first 7 games, but have been in a tailspin losing 3 in a row. Fans are starting to wonder if first-year head coach Luke Fickell is the answer. Nebraska has their own first-year head coach in Matt Rhule who has shown more promise despite a shaky QB and offensive coordinator situation, but they are coming off of 2 heartbreakingly close losses. Something’s got to give this week.
1) Illinois @ Iowa: Illinois is coming off of a record-breaking offensive performance thanks in large part to backup QB John Paddock. However, Paddock moves back to the bench as Luke Altmyer is healthy again. Can he have similar chemistry with WR Isaiah Williams? Will the Fighting Illini turn back to Paddock if Altmyer struggles against the vaunted Iowa defense? Iowa had a 22-point offensive explosion last week. Have they figured out that side of the ball enough to give their defense a bit more breathing room? How will they adjust to the news of star DB/PR Cooper DeJean being out for the season?
Brandon Silvers