The Big Ten did not have a full slate of games on November 1st, but the implications of these games are starting to have an impact on the conference race, as well as potential College Football Playoff spots. The Big Ten has two remaining undefeated teams, and a few teams that could wind up included in The College Football Playoff field come December.
Buckeyes Took Care Of Business
Ohio State defeated Penn State 38-14, as the Buckeyes delighted in ruining any type of homecoming by former Ohio State defensive coordinator and current Penn State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin had a spectacular game, completing 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards and 4 touchdowns. Penn State has now lost 5 straight games and sits at 3-5 for the season and winless in The Big Ten.
Hoosiers Handle The Terps
Indiana went on the road at Maryland, easily defeating the Terrapins 55-10. Heisman Trophy hopeful Fernando Mendoza threw for 1 touchdown, while also running for 1 touchdown, and the Hoosiers are keeping pace with the Buckeyes as both are undefeated. Maryland is 1-4 in Big Ten play, with a 4-4 overall record.
Still Fight Left In The Fighting Illini
Coming off two disappointing Big Ten losses to Ohio State and at Washington, Illinois defeated Rutgers 35-13. Illinois now sits at 6-3 overall, with a 3-3 Big Ten record. While playing for The Big Ten conference championship is probably not going to happen, Illinois may still be able to qualify for a College Football Playoff berth. Rutgers fell to 1-5 in Big Ten play, and now has a 4-5 record. The Scarlet Knights need to win two more games to qualify for bowl eligibility.
An Overtime Battle In Minnesota
Minnesota held a 10-0 halftime lead over the visiting Michigan State Spartans, then saw Michigan State claw back to take the lead in the second half. Minnesota forced the game into overtime, and Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey scored the winning touchdown on a 3 yard touchdown run to win 23-20. Like Illinois, Minnesota may not be in The Big Ten Championship Game, but may still be able to qualify for a College Football Playoff spot, as the Golden Gophers now sit at 4-2 in Big Ten play and 6-3 overall. Michigan State fell to 3-6 for the season, and are now 0-6 in Big Ten play. The Spartans will need to win their remaining three games of the regular season to qualify for a bowl game.
USC Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
The Trojans went on the road to Lincoln, Nebraska, and defeated the Cornhuskers 21-17. USC still holds Big Ten championship hopes with a 4-1 conference record and a 6-2 record. The defeat was even more painful for Nebraska, as starting quarterback Dylan Raiola sustained an injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. Nebraska now is at 3-3 in Big Ten play, with a 6-3 overall record.
The Wolverines Are Running Into November Contention
Michigan defeated the visiting Purdue Boilermakers 21-16, behind an impressive rushing performance by Jordan Marshall (25 carries for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns). Michigan has a 7-2 overall record, with a 5-1 conference record. Purdue fell to 2-7, and are now 0-6 in Big Ten play.
Ohio State and Indiana sit atop the conference standings as the only undefeated teams in The Big Ten, with Iowa, Michigan, Oregon, and USC all one game behind in The Big Ten race with one conference loss. Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue, and Wisconsin are all winless in conference play as the season begins the final month of the regular season.
