Check out how Big Ten football teams fared this past weekend.
This week’s Big Ten football schedule featured a key win for a team vying for a College Football Playoff spot and the rise of a team many wrote off to start the season.
Here’s a closer look at what happened this weekend in the Big Ten.
Resume builder: No. 8 Indiana 20, Michigan 15
No. 8 Indiana has become one of the biggest surprises this college football season, poised for a College Football Playoff spot after surging to 10-0 under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti.
But against Michigan, the Hoosiers almost blew their chances of a 10-0 start for the first time ever, letting the Wolverines claw their way back late in the game.
After surrendering an opening field goal, Indiana rattled off two straight touchdowns from quarterback Kurtis Rourke, putting it in the driver’s seat early. The Hoosiers’ defense shined in the first half, forcing a punt or turnover on Michigan’s next four drives.
The tides started to turn against Indiana when Rourke threw a pick in its first possession in the second half. The Wolverines responded by rattling off three straight unanswered scoring drives, bringing the contest within two after a Kalel Mullings rushing touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
But Indiana defense’s held strong. After the touchdown, Michigan’s failed two-point conversion keep it a two-point game with five minutes remaining. When the offense stalled yet again, the Hoosiers forced a three-and-out that led to an insurance field goal on their next possession. Michigan faltered on its final comeback chance, sealing the game shut.
Indiana has a date with No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus next week.
Surprising result: UCLA 20, Iowa 17
Rated one of the worst teams in the Big Ten in the preseason poll, UCLA came into the season with low expectations under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster. But in the past two weeks, the Bruins have racked up surprise wins against top-half teams in the Big Ten.
Things started ugly for the Bruins. UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers threw two interceptions, putting the Bruins in a 10-point deficit after the first quarter. Despite multiple red zone mishaps, UCLA worked itself to a halftime lead with two passing touchdowns and a field goal. UCLA kept that lead until the fourth quarter, in largely due to two interceptions by UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
The Hawkeyes made a late push in the third quarter, with a seven-minute drive that resulted in a game-tying touchdown by running back Kamari Moulton. UCLA responded with a long drive of its own, setting up what would be the game-winning field goal midway through the fourth quarter.
Surprisingly, UCLA was the team who dominated the rushing attack. The Bruins outrushed the Hawkeyes, 211-80, in part because a 125-yard performance by T.J. Harden. Their defense limited Kaleb Johnson, the nation’s second-leading rusher, to less than 50 yards.
Performance of the week: Ohio State quarterback Will Howard
No. 2 Ohio State breezed by a struggling Purdue team, 45-0, thanks to an impressive outing by quarterback Will Howard.
Howard recorded four total touchdowns, starting the Buckeyes’ scoring on a short quarterback rush, followed by three passing touchdowns throughout the game.
Since throwing an interception in Ohio State’s first drive against No. 6 Penn State, Howard has looked like the quarterback the Buckeyes need in the final stretch of the season. Ohio State has the best odds to win the national championship across several sportsbooks.
The Buckeyes need a win against Indiana next week in order to keep a path to the Big Ten Championship in their own hands.