Check out how Big Ten football teams fared this past weekend.
By Sohccem Ruphael
This week’s Big Ten football schedule featured an overtime thriller and a competitive matchup between two top-four ranked teams.
Let’s take a closer look at what happened this weekend.
Statement victory: No. 4 Ohio State 20, No. 3 Penn State 13
Although this matchup was the lowest-scoring game in the conference this week, it showed the expected level of skill.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard threw for 182 yards and two touchdowns, and despite being down two starters, the Buckeyes’ offensive line dominated physically. Ohio State’s also held the Nittany Lions to their lowest-scoring game of the season so far.
Penn State’s offensive play calls in the final six minutes were unexpected and questionable to many. The Nittany Lions found themselves with first-and-goal at the 3-yard line. They ran the same play three downs in a row and gained just 2 yards. Needing a touchdown to tie the game, Penn State went for it on fourth down, pass across the middle of the field went incomplete.
Ohio State then ran the clock down, as Howard slid for a first down to end the game.
Ohio State snatched Penn State’s No. 3 spot in the national rankings, as the Nittany Lions slid down to No. 6.
Surprising result: Minnesota 25, No. 24 Illinois 17
Minnesota took Illinois out of the national rankings and handed the Fighting Illini their first loss at home this season.
Minnesota quarterback Max Brosmer and Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer engaged in a quarterback showdown. Brosmer threw for 213 yards, while Altmyer threw for 216 yards. Both quarterbacks tossed one touchdown and did not throw any interceptions. But Altmyer fumbled the ball twice, the second of which cost Illinois the game on its final drive.
Minnesota running back Darius Taylor ran for 131 yards and a touchdown. He was also Minnesota’s leading receiver, with nine catches for 58 yards.
Minnesota will travel to Rutgers next week, hoping to extend its winning streak to five games.
Performance of the week: Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel
No. 1 Oregon marched on as it defeated Michigan, 38-17. The Ducks have yet to lose a game this season.
Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 294 pass yards and a touchdown. He also scored a contactless 23-yard rushing touchdown. He made few mistakes, as he did not throw an interception and evaded any potential sacks. He is now just 11 touchdowns away from tying Case Keenum’s record for most career touchdowns in FBS history.
Oregon is 9-0 for the first time since 2012. The Ducks will welcome Maryland next week in search of their 10th victory.