Big Ten Rundown: Week 6

Illinois (3-2, 0-1) - 19

Nebraska (4-1, 1-0) - 39

The bye week seemingly was just what the Huskers needed. The defense had one of their better days, holding Illinois to 17 points (the other two came on a second quarter safety) and an explosive offensive to 372 yards. They got more pressure on Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase than they have on other mobile QB’s in the past and for at least one week held the wolves at bay. The Huskers, who saw senior QB Taylor Martinez sit out with a bout of turf toe for the second straight game, rode the career day of RB Ameer Abdullah’s 225 yards and two touchdowns who more than capably carried the work load for the Huskers. Next: Nebraska: @ Purdue; Illinois: bye

Penn State (4-1, 0-1) - 24

Indiana (3-2, 1-0) - 44

It was a banner day in Bloomington as Indiana beat Penn State for the first time in school history. The Indiana defense held the Nittany Lion ground game in check, holding them to 70 yards for the game, despite a big game from emerging QB Christian Hackenberg. The Hoosiers racked up 150 yards on the ground, led by 92 from Tevin Coleman. A 21 point burst to start the fourth quarter was the difference for Indiana to collect the win, one which could be key to whether or not the Hoosiers return to a bowl. Next: Penn State: vs. Michigan; Indiana: @ Michigan State

Michigan State (4-1, 1-0) - 26

Iowa (4-2, 1-1)

Iowa held a halftime lead, but couldn’t find the endzone again as the Spartan defense was too much for the Hawkeyes to overcome. Michigan State also found a little offense to go along with it. While not overwhelming, MSU QB Connor Cook threw for 277 yards and two TD’s. But, as usual, it was the Spartan defense that carried the load. They held the Hawkeye ground game in more than check, holding them to just 23 yards on the day. Next: vs. Indiana; Iowa: bye

Minnesota (4-1, 0-2) - 13

Michigan (5-0, 1-0) - 42

After a somewhat lackluster first half, the Wolverines broke the game open in the second half, outscoring the Gophers 28-6. Despite that, the Wolverine offense was not running on all cylinders. The lack of efficient offense for Michigan wasn’t the story of the game. The story was that Minnesota head coach suffered yet another stroke, the second of the season, and had to miss the game. The Gophers were never able to get on track. Next: Minnestoa: bye; Michigan: @ Penn State.

Ohio State (6-0, 2-0) - 40

Northwestern (4-1, 0-1) - 30

This game lived up to it’s billing. The Buckeyes were able to slow down the Wildcat offense enough to find a way to win this one. OSU saw RB Carlos Hyde run for a big day as his 168 yards and 2 TD’s led the way. Wildcat backers will be talking for some time about their opportunities to win this game. OSU blocked a punt for a TD and was on the favorable side of a controversial spot as Northwestern was trying to gain a first down on 4th and 1 after watching OSU take a 34-30 lead. The Wildcats will have to wait for another opportunity to defeat a top five team at Ryan Field. Next: Ohio State: bye; Northwestern: @ Wisconsin

Players of the Week: Ameer Abdullah - RB Nebraska. With senior QB Taylor Martinez on the shelf for the second straight week, Abdullah ran wild, picking up a career high 225 yards and two touchdowns as the Huskers opened up conference play by routing Illinois 39-19.