The Big Ten delivered a weekend of decisive victories and defensive dominance on October 16–17, as several top programs solidified their playoff aspirations while others faced mounting questions.
In Madison, No. 1 Ohio State overwhelmed Wisconsin 34–0, pitching a shutout and scoring 27 points in the second half. The Buckeyes’ defense stifled the Badgers’ run game, while quarterback Julian Sayin led a balanced offensive attack that kept Ohio State undefeated. Wisconsin fell to 2-5, and are now 0-4 in The Big Ten.
Michigan rebounded from its loss to USC with a 24–7 win over Washington. The Wolverines leaned on running back Jordan Marshall, whose third-quarter touchdown gave Michigan the lead for the remainder of the contest. Quarterback Bryce Underwood managed the game efficiently, helping Michigan stay in playoff contention. Michigan improved to 5-2 and are 3-1 in The Big Ten, while Washington is also 5-2 and are now 2-2 in the conference standings.
Indiana continued its surprising run with a 38–13 rout of Michigan State. The Hoosiers scored in every quarter and forced multiple turnovers, improving to 7–0 on the season. Michigan State fell to 3-4 overall, and are 0-4 in Big Ten play.
Elsewhere, Oregon dismantled Rutgers 56–10 in a lopsided affair that showcased the Ducks’ explosive offense. Northwestern shut out Purdue 19–0, controlling possession and tempo throughout. Oregon is 6-1 overall, and 3-1 in Big Ten play. Northwestern improved to 5-2 on the season, and are also 3-1 in conference play. Both Rutgers and Purdue are 0-4 in Big Ten play, with Rutgers sitting at 3-4 on the season and Purdue at 2-5.
Minnesota’s defense dominated Nebraska, sacking quarterback Dylan Raiola nine times en route to a 24–6 victory. Running back Darius Taylor rushed for 148 yards, anchoring the Gophers’ ground game. Minnesota improved to 3-1 in conference play, and are 5-2 overall. Nebraska is now 2-2 in Big Ten play, and 5-2 on the season.
In non-conference action, Notre Dame defeated USC 34-24 in South Bend. This game did not impact USC within The Big Ten conference race, but the Trojans are now 5-2 on the season, and have little to no wiggle room for a spot in The College Football Playoff. Talks are ongoing between the two longtime rivals, but this could be the last game in the series for the foreseeable future.
In the weekend’s closest contest, Iowa edged Penn State 25–24 in a back-and-forth battle. Special teams proved decisive, with Iowa converting a late field goal to seal the win. Iowa is 5-2 on the season, with a 3-1 conference record. Penn State, which began the season with so much promise, has fallen to 3-4 on the season, and 0-4 in Big Ten play.
UCLA held off Maryland 20–17 in a gritty, low-scoring affair. The Bruins’ defense made key stops in the fourth quarter to preserve the victory. UCLA improved to 3-4 for the season, and are 3-1 within Big Ten play. Maryland suffered its third straight close loss, falling to 4-3 for the season and are 1-3 within conference play.
Illinois was the only conference team that sat idle this past weekend with a bye. With Ohio State and Indiana still undefeated, and a logjam of seven teams with only one conference loss, the Big Ten’s playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Meanwhile, five Big Ten teams are facing tough questions heading into Week 9, as Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and Wisconsin are all seeking their first Big Ten win for the 2025 season.
