Michigan State
(2-0): defeated South Florida 21-6. Everything about Michigan State is as advertised. The defense has scored four touchdowns, the offense only two, but they have two wins. Next week: vs. Youngstown St. (BTN)
Penn St
(2-0): defeated Eastern Michigan 45-7. Hackenberg continues to impress, but the Lions are going to have to get better on 3rd down. They’re 2/26 on the season. That’s not gonna cut it.
Wisconsin
(2-0): defeated Tennessee Tech 48-0. The Badgers haven’t surrendered a single point all year. They also haven’t played anyone of consequence. But to not allow a point in two games is impressive. So is their running game. We’ll have a better idea about them next week. Next week: at Arizona State (ESPN)
Illinois
(2-0): defeated Cincinnati 45-17. Illinois made the statement of the week in their demolition of the Bearcats. Scheelhaase had another monster game and the hounds nipping at the heels of Tim Beckman have been held back another day. Next week: vs. Washington (BTN)
Iowa
(1-1): defeated Missouri State 28-14. Well, it’s a win, not sure how many of those will be there for the Hawkeyes. This one was so luckluster the ESPN headline only read "Iowa beats Missouri St. 28-14". It was that nondescript. The most notable thing about it was that it was the lowest attended game in Iowa City in a decade. Next week: at Iowa State (Fox Sports 1)
Purdue
(1-1): defeated Indiana State 20-14. If you can tell the difference between Iowa and Purdue right now, be my guest. The next 6 weeks for the Boilers: vs. Notre Dame, at Wisconsin, vs. Northern Illinois, vs. Nebraska, at Michigan State, vs. Ohio State...oof. Next week: vs Notre Dame (ABC)
Ohio State
(2-0): defeated San Diego State 42-7. It was a typical route of an inferior opponent in Columbus for the Buckeyes. This one, however, saw Braxton Miller go down with an MCL sprain. they’re calling it minor, but MCL sprains can be tricky things. See: Burkhead, Rex. Next week: at California (FOX)
Northwestern
(2-0): defeated Syracuse 48-27. Just another BCS opponent, just another win for the Wildcats. Kain Colter looked just fine, but it was the other guy, Trevor Siemian who had the big night, throwing for 259 yards on only 15 completions. Next week: vs. Western Michigan (BTN)
Nebraska
(2-0): defeated Southern Miss 56-13. Two defensive touchdowns and a much improved overall defensive effort left Husker fans breathing easier after the route of the Golden Eagles. Something seems to be missing from the offense. Perhaps we’ll see Tim Beck unleash more of it when it’s more necessary. Next week: vs. UCLA (ABC)
Indiana
(1-1): lost to Navy 41-35. The Hoosiers struggled with the disciplined option of Navy. This game is one Indiana needed if they’re going to make it back to a bowl game. The offense had another good day, Nate Sudfeld threw for more than 363 yards and four TD’s, but if they can’t slow down opposing offenses, the Hoosiers are going to have to wait another year for a bowl date.
Michigan
(2-0): defeated Notre Dame 41-30. The Wolverines had their way with the Irish, but they almost gave it away when Devin Gardner, who had a terrific game, inexplicably threw away a pass in the endzone which Notre Dame picked off to bring the score to within a touchdown. Michigan was able to hold on and add one more score and claimed the statement win of the day. Next week: vs. Akron (BTN)
Minnesota
(2-0): defeated New Mexico State 44-21. New Mexico State isn’t very good, but Minnesota isn’t a team that can beggars when it comes to road wins. The Gophers amassed nearly 500 yards of offense and three rushing touchdowns. They also got a special teams and defensive touchdown to provide that final separation. Still a long way to go for the Gophers but they’re off to the start they need to get to if they want to make it back to back bowling seasons. Next week: vs. Western Illinois (BTN)
Player of the week
Shilique Calhoun: Michigan State. Calhoun scored two toucndowns, one on a fumble return and the other on an interception return and had a sack to help the Spartans top South Florida. Calhoun has 3 TD's on the season, the Michigan State offense has two.