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Thursday:
Indiana:
defeated Indiana State 73-35. You shouldn't be shocked that the Hoosiers put up 73 points. You should be shocked that one of their drives ended in a field goal. Jury is still out on the defense, which is what did them in last season. They only gave up 21 points (ISU got two defensive touchdowns). Turnovers might be a stat to watch for the Hoosiers. If they lose the turnover margin later in the season, that will be a problem. Next week: vs. Navy (BTN)
Minnesota:
defeated UNLV 51-23. The Gophers ran over the Rebels despite being out gained by nearly 100 yards. Gophers scored touchdowns on the opening kick-off of the second half, by returning a blocked field goal and returned an interception for a touchdown. Next week: @ New Mexico St. (BTN2GO)
Friday:
Michigan State:
defeated Western Michigan 26-13. The defense looked as good as most expected. The offense looked as poor as most in East Lansing feared. The defense scored more touchdowns than the offense (2-1). Next week: vs. South Florida (ESPNU)
Saturday:
Ohio State:
defeated Buffalo 40-20. Buckeye fan are used to seeing points galore in games like this. That wasn't the case, at least not to the extreme most expect from the #2 team in the country. Buckeyes held the Bulls under 300 yards and 14 points. If not for a pick six of Braxton Miller this one probably looks a lot more lopsided. Next week: vs. San Diego St. (ESPN2)
Wisconsin:
defeated UMass 45-0. The Minutemen were overmatched from the beginning as the Badgers pitch the shut out in Gary Anderson's debut putting three above the century mark on the ground. The offense put up nearly 600 yards while the defense held UMass to 212. In short the Badgers simply took care of business. Next week: Tennessee Tech (BTN)
Michigan:
defeated Central Michigan 59-9. This was the biggest statement of the weekend as the Wolverines pounded the Chippewas. Michigan ran for six TD's including two from Gardner and Toussaint, making his return from his season ending injury in '12. Next week: vs. Notre Dame (ESPN)
Purdue:
lost to Cincinnati 42-7. This was a rough way to start out the Darrell Hazell era. Cincinnati ran circles around the Boilermakers, scoring a clean 14 in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters. Purdue struggled to get anything going, especially on the ground, only amassing 65 yards for the game. Next week: vs. Indiana St. (BTN)
Illinois:
defeated Southern Illinois 42-34. Illinois, it's not supposed to be this difficult. If not for a huge game out of SR. QB Nathan Scheelhasse who threw for 416 yards and 2 TDs, this might not have ended so well for Illinois. Next week: vs. Cincinnati (ESPN2)
Penn State:
defeated Syracuse 23-17. Pretty impressive debut for FR QB Christian Hackenberg who threw for 278 yards and 2 TD's in the spotlight of the Meadowlands. He'll have to learn to avoid the INT bug as he grows, but he's got all the tools to be a great one. Next week: vs. Eastern Michigan (BTN)
Iowa:
lost to Northern Illinois 30-27. The Huskies returned the favor capping the fourth quarter comeback, hitting a 36 yard field goal with four seconds to go. The Hawkeyes had a nice day offensively, but it wasn't enough to over come the Northern Illinois' late charge. Turnovers did the Hawkeyes in, with an interception near midfield setting up the game winner for the Huskies. Next week: vs. Missouri St. (BTN)
Nebraska:
defeated Wyoming 37-34. Young defense got worked over by a talented, experienced QB and Taylor Martinez was his usual enigmatic self. Bright spot for the Huskers? The debut of FR RB Terrell Newby who looked every bit the part, so did punter Sam Foltz. Kicker U lives. Huskers had 4 rushers average 5 ypc or better for the game. They'll take that every time. Next week: vs. Southern Miss (BTN)
Northwestern:
defeated Cal 44-30. Collin Ellis was Johnny on the spot for the Wildcats. His two INT returns for touchdown were the difference in the game. Wildcat offense took a big blow when QB Kain Colter was knocked out of the game. If he's out for any extended period of time, that will be difficult for Northwestern to navigate. Venric Mark also did not see much action in Berkley as he's working through some injury issues as well. Despite that, Northwestern still put up 508 yards of offense. One are of concern, the defense gave up 548 yards, 455 through the air. Makes Ellis' plays that much bigger. Also, the white helmets looked sharp. Next week: vs. Syracuse (BTN)