Big Ten Rundown: Week 4

Purdue (1-3, 0-1) - 10

Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0) - 41

In the first conference game of the year, Wisconsin continued to do what they do. Behind one of the most impressive running attacks in the country, Wisconsin ground the Boilermakers into submission, rolling up 388 yards behind Melvin Gordon’s 167 yard, three TD effort. Purdue failed to get past the 200 yard mark offensively and after 10 points early in the 2nd quarter, never really posed much of a challenge. Next: Wisconsin - @ Ohio State (ABC), Purdue vs. Northern Illinois (ESPN2)

Minnesota (4-0): Defeated San Jose St. 43-24. This was a nip and tuck battle for the first half. The second half was a different story as the Gophers scored the first 23 points of the second half to pull away. Minnesota took a big step towards bowl eligibility as they head into conference play which has done them no favors in that quest. Next: vs. Iowa (BTN)

Ohio State (4-0): Defeated Florida A&M 76-0. This was a no contest from the opening gun. The Buckeyes scored every which way, putting up 603 yards of offense, 388 on the ground. Braxton Miller missed this game for the second consecutive week. Next: vs. Wisconsin (ABC)

Iowa (3-1): Defeated Western Michigan 59-3. Perhaps the most complete game for the Hawkeyes in recent memory. They Hawks were effective running, passing and but also returned two punts for TD’s and had two pick six’s. Next: @ Minnesota (BTN)

Northwestern (4-0): Defeated 35-21. Bit of a letdown game for the Wildcats who had trouble putting away Maine, with two interceptions returned for touchdowns the difference. The Black Bears outgained the Wildcats offensively, which likely isn’t sitting well with Coach Fitzgerald. Next: Bye

Nebraska (3-1): Defeated South Dakota State 59-20. After a tumultous week, this was a get well game for the Huskers. Without senior QB Taylor Martinez, the Huskers got a chance to look at the future at the QB spot. There’s not controversy there...yet...but many left hopeful they’re in good hands in 2014 and beyond. Next: Bye

Michigan State (3-1): Lost to Notre Dame 17-13. The Spartan still can’t get out of it’s own way as a failed trick play and a series of penalties prevented MSU from knocking off the Irish. Next: Bye

Penn State (3-1): Defeated Kent State 34-0. It was a nice bounce back win for the Nittany Lions. PSU did their damage on the ground as Akeel Lynch led the way with 123 yards and three touchdowns from Zack Zwinak. Next: Bye.

Michigan (4-0): Defeated UCONN 24-21. The Wolverines are still undefeated, but all is not well in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines needed a rally from down 21-7 to knock off the pesky Huskies. Michigan struggled to move the ball and four turnovers that let UCONN hang around. The defense kept this game from being one that will be remembered for the ages by completely bottling up the Husky attack allowing only 47 yards on the ground. Still a lot to get figured out heading into conference play for the Wolverines. Next: Bye

Indiana (2-2): lost to Missouri 45-28. Indiana was hoping this would be a statement game for this game but it wasn’t meant to be. The Tigers got off to a fast start and the Hoosiers never were able to make up that ground. The Hoosiers old bugaboo reared it’s ugly head as they gave up 623 yards to Mizzou. Indiana will also need to find a running game if they’re going to make a run in conference play. They’ve got a chance and the schedule to do it, but they’re going to need to improve in those two areas. Next: Bye.

Players of the Week: Melvin Gordon - RB Wisconsin. Gordon led the way as Wisconsin got conference play off on the right foot. Gordon rushed for 147 yards and three TD’s as the Badgers bullied the Boilermakers to get a jump on the rest of the league.