There are multiple reasons why Big Ten football is looking to bounce back in Week 2. Coming off of a great Bowl season, the Big Ten did not have the best opening week of the college football year. The Nebraska Cornhuskers lost on the “Hail Mary” to BYU. Penn State gave up 10 sacks in a loss to Temple, while Purdue threw two game changing interceptions in their loss to Marshall. In addition, Minnesota couldn’t pull out a win against No.3 TCU Horned Frogs, while Wisconsin was a no-show against the vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide running attack.
More from Big Ten News
- Nebraska Football: Iowa’s OC off to bad start on redemption tour
- Big Ten Football: Noah Shannon suspension could snowball, more
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Ted Carter brings more instability, more
- Big Ten Football News: Illinois gets starting QB, more
- Nebraska Football: Notre Dame reportedly the top target for Big Ten addition
Still, all is not lost for Big Ten Football. With the reigning champion playing a dominant style, all eyes will continue to be on the conference. Despite only having two teams in the Top 25 AP Poll, the No.1 Ohio State Buckeyes and No.5 Michigan State Spartans, are in strong contention for a College Football Playoff berth.
The Spartans face the Oregon Ducks in the game of the week, on ABC. After last season’s fourth quarter collapse against the Ducks, Michigan State is ready for some redemption. Connor Cook has had plenty of big wins for the Spartans, but this might be a legacy game for the Spartans’ senior. Michigan State has a strong running game, testing the Ducks’ front seven. However, a victory may come down to the Spartans’ ability to throw the ball down field. Oregon’s defense had too much trouble with Eastern Washington’s receivers.
The Spartans and Ducks aren’t the only match ups between Big Ten Football and the PAC-12 on Saturday. The Michigan Wolverines face off with Nebraska head coach Mike Riley’s former team, the Oregon State Beavers. It’s the Wolverines first home game during the Jim Harbaugh tenure, and they are a 14.5 point favorite. Therefore, this is a must-win for Harbaugh and the Michigan program. A victory will also give Big Ten Football some conference strength.
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights scored 63 points in their debut over Norfolk State. This Saturday, they welcome Washington State into New Jersey for the third Big Ten Football match up with a PAC-12 school. After dismissing six players within the last week, Rutgers has been a program in turmoil off the field.
The rest of the Big Ten Football schedule should turn into victories. However, it’s not feasible to expect the Big Ten to go undefeated this week. Maryland takes on Bowling Green to start the day. The Terrapins displayed offensive explosiveness in Week 1, but they have to continue to progress each week.
More from Husker Corner
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
The Ohio State Buckeyes host Hawaii in Cardale Jones’ first home start of his career. Jones has played great football on the road, and in neutral site venues, so he might be a little excited at the Horseshoe. In the end, it won’t matter. The Buckeyes are going to win.
Indiana survived a one point victory over Southern Illinois, while giving up 411 yards passing on 24 receptions. They also gave up 248 rushing yards in the win. The Hoosiers’ offense must produce every game for the team to be successful.
Penn State is a heavy favorite over the Buffalo Bulls, but it’s unclear if the Nittany Lions’ offensive line can protect Christian Hackenberg. It’s safe to say, Penn State’s season is on the line against the Bulls. Back to back losses to start the season might put the Penn State program in the tank.
The Big Ten West has plenty of work to do this week. Due to the top three teams in the division losing last week, Big Ten Football desperately needs victories. The Nebraska Cornhuskers welcome South Alabama into Lincoln for a prime time event. The Huskers are looking to get back on track, welcoming a couple of defensive starters back into the fold. Nebraska also made changes to the I-back rotation this week. The Huskers hope to create rhythm with the running game. If all goes well, the Huskers will enter their first road trip on a high.
The Minnesota Gophers bring their dominant defense to Colorado State on Saturday. Hopefully, the Gophers find some offense to make an appearance in a must-win game. Minnesota only gained 341 yards in their loss to TCU. The Iowa Hawkeyes also hit the road in their annual match up with the Iowa State Cyclones. Meanwhile, Wisconsin is a 31 point favorite over Miami, (Ohio).
Purdue looks for their first win against Indiana State, while Illinois takes on Western Illinois. Northwestern also takes on Eastern Illinois in the Big Ten’s version of FBS vs FCS games. As with all games of this magnitude, there’s no credit for winning, but there will be a lot of laughs for losing.