Ohio State Stands Tall in Ann Arbor
The marquee matchup lived up to its billing, though only one side left satisfied. Ohio State controlled Michigan from start to finish, earning a 27–9 victory that cemented the Buckeyes’ place atop the conference and strengthened their case as the nation’s No. 1 team. Quarterback Julian Sayin threw for 233 yards, while running back Bo Jackson added 117 on the ground. Michigan’s offense sputtered, leaving the Wolverines to regroup ahead of bowl season. Ohio State heads to Indianapolis undefeated at 12-0, while Michigan finished 9-3 for the regular season and await their bowl game destination.

Trophy Games Deliver Tradition
Indiana kept the Old Oaken Bucket with a resounding 56–3 win over Purdue, powered by Fernando Mendoza’s 2 touchdowns passing and Roman Hemby’s 152 rushing yards. In Minneapolis, Minnesota claimed Paul Bunyan’s Axe by defeating Wisconsin 17–7, with Darius Taylor rushing for 100 yards and 1 touchdown to secure bragging rights. Illinois edged Northwestern 20–13 in the battle for the Land of Lincoln Trophy, thanks to Hayden Eligon II’s 99 receiving yards and 1 touchdown.

The West Coast Teams Battled Intensely

Oregon traveled to Washington and defeated the Huskies, 26-14. Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson had a dynamic 64 yard touchdown reception that put the Ducks in the lead for good. USC hosted in-city rival UCLA and defeated the Bruins, 29-10. USC running back King Miller carried the ball 17 times for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns, as the Trojans broke the game open in the second half versus UCLA.

Penn State Survives Rutgers Shootout
In one of the weekend’s most entertaining contests, Penn State outlasted Rutgers 40–36. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns for the Scarlet Knights, while Kaytron Allen rushed for 226 and 1 touchdown, showcasing the Nittany Lions’ offensive balance. The win kept Penn State in the conversation for a bowl game, as the Nittany Lions finished 6-6.

Hawkeyes and Spartans Close Strong
Iowa rolled past Nebraska 40–16, highlighted by Emmett Johnson’s 217 rushing yards. Michigan State ended its season on a high note, defeating Maryland 38–28 and surviving Malik Washington’s staggering 459 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Looking Ahead
The weekend underscored the Big Ten’s blend of tradition and high stakes. Ohio State and Indiana will meet for The Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis the evening of December 6th (televised by Fox; 8pm ET kickoff). Oregon projects as a College Football Playoff participant, likely to host an initial playoff game the weekend of December 19th-December 20th. Michigan and USC (9-3), Iowa, Illinois, and Washington (8-4), Minnesota and Nebraska (7-5), and Northwestern and Penn State (6-6) all will find out their respective bowl game destinations the afternoon of December 7th.

As for UCLA (6-6), Rutgers (5-7), Maryland, Michigan State, and Wisconsin (4-8), and Purdue (2-9), a long offseason of recruiting and retooling awaits. Keep your eyes and ears open for any possible coaching changes that may be taking place at any of these respective institutions.

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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.

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