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.

The post November Has Arrived, And Big Ten Teams Are Angling For Playoff Positions appeared first on Saturday Glory.

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.

The post The Big Ten Finishes October With Spooky Endings For Some Teams’ Playoff Hopes appeared first on Saturday Glory.

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.

The post Big Ten Powers Flex Muscle in Week 8 Showdowns appeared first on Saturday Glory.