The final Saturday of October delivered an entertaining slate of Big Ten football, with rivalry heat, playoff pressure, and postseason dreams on the line. As the conference barrels toward November, contenders are separating from the pack — and a few surprise teams are making noise.
Bruins Were Broken
The No. 2 Hoosiers made a statement in Bloomington, dismantling UCLA with a relentless offensive attack, 56-6. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 3 touchdowns, and the defense held the Bruins to under 200 total yards. Indiana’s playoff hopes are alive and well — and their margin of victory could prove crucial in CFP rankings. Indiana remains undefeated at 8-0 and tied for The Big Ten conference lead, while UCLA lost its first game after a three game winning streak, leaving the Bruins at 3-5 overall, and 3-2 in The Big Ten.
Huskers Are Bowl Bound
Nebraska nearly squandered a 15 point lead at home versus Northwestern, but prevailed 28-21. The win improved Nebraska’s record to 6-2, so the Cornhuskers know they will be in a bowl game for the second straight season. Nebraska sits at 3-2 in Big Ten play, while Northwestern fell to 5-3 overall, and also have a 3-2 record in The Big Ten.
Boo Hoo For The Boilers
Rutgers snapped a four game losing streak by earning its first Big Ten win of the 2025 season by defeating Purdue, 27-24. Purdue lost in the last minute, as Boilermakers QB Ryan Browne caught his own deflected pass, then fumbled it at the Purdue 30 yard line. Rutgers improved to 4-4 overall, and 1-4 in The Big Ten. Purdue is now 2-6 for the season, and still looking for their first Big Ten win of 2025, with an 0-5 conference record.
Floyd Of Rosedale Or Routsdale?
Iowa dominated Minnesota, 41-3, allowing the Hawkeyes to retain the coveted Floyd Of Rosedale trophy. Iowa is now 6-2 overall, and 4-1 in The Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are still in the thick of it for a Big Ten championship, as well as a possible College Football Playoff berth. Minnesota is now 5-3 overall, and 3-2 in The Big Ten. The Golden Gophers may be on the outside looking in at The College Football Playoff.
Saturday Was Not Alright For The Fighting Illini
Washington did not play sluggishly in the first half versus the visiting Fighting Illini, as the Huskies jumped out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter behind a couple of touchdown receptions by Dezmen Roebuck, and won 42-25. Washington improved to 6-2 overall, with a 3-2 conference record. The Huskies may be able to get to The College Football Playoff if they win the remaining games on their schedule. Illinois is now 5-3 for the season, and 2-3 in Big Ten play. A College Football Playoff berth seems unlikely at this point.
The Ducks Were Not Too Dominant Versus Wisconsin
Oregon was expected to crush the visiting Wisconsin Badgers, and eventually won 21-7. Oregon only held a 7-0 lead over Wisconsin at the half, sparking some confusion by Oregon fans and possible hope by Wisconsin fans. The Badgers avoided a shutout as Wisconsin quarterback Hunter Simmons threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Lance Mason late in the 4th quarter. Oregon improved to 7-1 overall, with a 4-1 Big Ten record. Wisconsin played better than in their previous two games, but are 2-6 for the season and still looking for their first 2025 Big Ten win as they are now 0-5 in conference play.
The Paul Bunyan Trophy Is Still Residing In Ann Arbor
The Wolverines never trailed in this game, jumping out to a 10-0 first quarter lead, before defeating the Michigan State Spartans, 31-20. This marked the fourth straight win by Michigan over Michigan State in this rivalry game, and allowed the Wolverines to hold onto the coveted Paul Bunyan Trophy for at least another year. The Wolverines’ rushing attack led by Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall combined for over 250 yards on the ground and 3 touchdowns. Michigan improved to 6-2 on the season, with a 4-1 Big Ten record. Michigan State is now 3-5, and at 0-5 within conference play.
Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, and USC all had bye weeks. Heading into the first weekend of November, Ohio State and Indiana are the only teams within The Big Ten that are undefeated. Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, and USC all have only one conference loss. Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin are seeking their first Big Ten win for the 2025 season.
