Week 8 in the Big 10
Let’s take a look at everything that happened on the field in the Big Ten in Week 8 and look ahead to Week 9!
Week 8 Results
Michigan 49 @ Michigan St. 0
Penn St. 12 @ Ohio St. 20
Minnesota 12 @ Iowa 10
Rutgers 31 @ Indiana 14
Wisconsin 25 @ Illinois 21
Northwestern 9 @ Nebraska 17
Top 3 Notable Games of Week 8
3) Wisconsin 25 @ Illinois 21
This one looked over as Illinois was cruising through 3 quarters. Wisconsin couldn’t get anything going on offense, and their defense had given up 2 TD passes to QB Luke Altmeyer. Incredibly, they were able to flip the switch in the 4th quarter and score 18 unanswered points to shock the Fighting Illini at home. QB Braedyn Locke threw for 2 TDs, including the game-winner with 27 seconds left, as the Badgers held onto 1st place in the Big Ten West.
2) Minnesota 12 @ Iowa 10
Yet another awful performance by the Iowa offense is overshadowed by a controversial ending. Hawkeye punt returner Cooper DeJean ran back a late punt for what looked like the game-winning score but after review officials determined that he made an invalid fair catch signal. QB Deacon Hill continued his abysmal play by throwing an interception that allowed the Golden Gophers to run out the clock for the victory.
1) Penn St. 12 @ Ohio St. 20
In a battle of 2 conference heavyweights, the Buckeyes prevailed thanks to their defense holding the Nittany Lions to just 240 yards of total offense and another incredible performance by one of the most exciting offensive players in the nation, WR Marvin Harrison Jr. He put up 11 catches for 162 yards and a TD as Ohio St. got a win that strengthens their College Football Playoff resume.
Week 8 Summary
This conference’s playoff chances typically come down to the two teams at the top, and Ohio St. went a long way toward making sure they can claim a spot with their win against the Nittany Lions. The major news is off the field as the Michigan Wolverines are embroiled in a Spy Gate-type controversy that could have ramifications on their own playoff hopes.
Top Individual Performances of Week 8
Passing:
J. J. McCarthy, Michigan - 21/27 for 287 yards/4 TDs vs. Michigan St.
Rushing:
Gavin Wimsatt, Rutgers - 16 carries/143 yards/3 rushing TDs vs. Indiana
Receiving:
Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State - 11 rec/162 yards/1 TD vs. Penn St.
Defense:
Nash Hutmacher, Nebraska - 7 tackles/2.5 sacks vs. Northwestern
Power Rankings After Week 8
Ohio St.
Michigan
Penn St.
Wisconsin
Rutgers
Iowa
Maryland
Minnesota
Nebraska
Northwestern
Illinois
Purdue
Indiana
Michigan St.
Week 9 Games To Watch
3) Michigan St. @ Minnesota: The Spartans have had an awful season both on and off the field. They face a Golden Gopher team coming off of a wild victory against Iowa. Will that lead to just enough of an emotional letdown for Michigan St. to steal their first conference win of the season?
2) Purdue @ Nebraska: This figures to be the most evenly matched game of the weekend. Can the Cornhusker defense again do just enough for them to come away with a victory? Or will this Boilermaker team come off their bye week prepared to take advantage of Nebraska’s struggles on offense?
1) Ohio St. @ Wisconsin: The Badgers remained at the top of the Big Ten West thanks to an amazing comeback last week. They face an Ohio St. team that just proved themselves to be one of the best the entire conference has to offer. This one should let us know exactly how good the Badgers are.