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While Maryland football had a bye week for some rest following a 20-17 loss against Temple, other Big Ten teams had some eventful matchups in Week 4 of the college football season.
Along with the Terps, Penn State, Minnesota, Iowa and Purdue had a break before going into conference play.
But in case you missed any other Week 4 Big Ten football games, Testudo Times has got you covered. Here’s a short roundup of the action.
Big Ten East
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record | Weekend Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record | Weekend Outcome |
| Ohio State | 7-0 | 10-0 | W, 56-21, Rutgers |
| Penn State | 6-1 | 9-1 | W, 34-27, Indiana |
| Michigan | 5-2 | 8-2 | W, 44-10, Michigan State |
| Indiana | 4-3 | 7-3 | L, 34-27, Penn State |
| Michigan State | 2-5 | 4-6 | L, 44-10, Michigan |
| Maryland | 1-6 | 3-7 | Bye |
| Rutgers | 0-7 | 2-8 | L, 56-21, Ohio State |
Big Ten West
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record | Weekend Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Conf. Record | Overall Record | Weekend Outcome |
| Minnesota | 6-1 | 9-1 | L, 23-19, Iowa |
| Wisconsin | 5-2 | 8-2 | W, 37-21, Nebraska |
| Iowa | 4-3 | 7-3 | W, 23-19, Minnesota |
| Illinois | 4-3 | 6-4 | Bye |
| Purdue | 3-4 | 4-6 | Bye |
| Nebraska | 2-5 | 4-6 | L, 37-21, Wisconsin |
| Northwestern | 0-7 | 2-8 | W, 45-6, UMass |
Biggest Surprise: Michigan State vs Northwestern
For the second straight week, Michigan State receives our biggest surprise superlative.
A week after putting up seven points against Arizona State in a 10-7 loss, Michigan State bounced back this weekend with a 21-point win over Northwestern.
The Spartans had the opportunity last week to tie the game with a field goal. But a penalty for 12 men on the field caused Michigan State to rekick, where the Spartans ultimately missed and lost the game.
However, this week, Michigan State’s offense had a much better showing, totalling over four times the amount of points against the Wildcats.
Spartan quarterback Brian Lewerke led Michigan State’s offense with 228 passing yards and three touchdown passes, while the Michigan State’s defense had three interceptions, two sacks and eight tackles for loss.
Statement game: No. 13 Wisconsin vs No. 11 Michigan
If we’re being honest, this game could have applied for the biggest surprise of the weekend.
Even though Wisconsin only won by 21 points, the Badgers completely dominated Michigan — even with Heisman hopeful Jonathan Taylor sidelined with cramps for part of the game.
Wisconsin held a 35-0 advantage until late in the fourth quarter when the Wolverines were able to finally put together a few scores, which were the first points that the Badgers had given up all season.
Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan looked in control all game in Madison, Wisconsin. The junior went 13-16 with 128 yards but did not throw a touchdown pass.
While people were high on Michigan coming into the season, the Wolverines have not lived up the expectations. After struggling against Army in Week 3 and losing to the Badgers, Michigan looks vulnerable this season.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, looks dominant. Not only does the team have Taylor and a quarterback who can distribute the ball in Coan, but Wisconsin has a defense that has only allowed 14 points in three weeks.
The Badgers look poised to make some noise in the Big Ten this year, especially in a weaker West division.
Upset game: N/A
With so many teams on byes, we couldn’t determine an upset game for Week 4.
However, Illinois almost pulled out an upset over Nebraska. Despite only putting up 299 yards of total offense compared to Nebraska’s 690 yards, Illinois only lost by four points in the team’s Big Ten opener.
But behind Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez and his 327 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and 118 rushing yards, Nebraska won its first road game in the past six contests.