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- Iowa (2-0)
The best defense in the Big Ten so far resides in Iowa City. They lead the nation in defensive efficiency and have taken the ball away 7 times in 2 games while allowing an impressive 11.5 points a game. Keep in mind their first two opponents were Top 25 teams.
Next Up: Kent State
- Penn State (2-0)
Sean Clifford and the Penn State offense had a day against Ball State racking up 493 yards with 240 of them on the ground. Clifford finished 230 yards in the air and 66 on the ground with a total of 2 touchdowns.
Next Up: Auburn
- Ohio State (1-1)
Ohio State never led and was constantly chasing Oregon’s fast pace and explosive offense. Even though they out-gained Oregon by 100 yards in total offense (612 to 505), their defense struggled for the second game in a row. No doubt the Buckeyes can score, but their defense will dictate the success of their season.
Next Up: Akron
- Wisconsin (1-1)
Wisconsin’s defense held Eastern Michigan to a total of 3 first downs, 92 total yards, and 0.9 yards a rush. Yes, Wisconsin’s defense is legit. Jalen Berger returned averaging 4 yards a carry and a touchdown but Chez Mellusi is giving him a battle for the top RB spot.
Next Up: Bye Week.
- Michigan (2-0)
Michigan had no problem beating a good Washington team without their top playmaker in Ronnie Bell, who is out for the season. Michigan went to the ground and amassed 343 yards. Blake Corun and Hassan Haskins combined for 326 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Next Up: Northern Illinois
- Maryland (2-0)
So far, so good in 2021 for Maryland coach Michael Locksley. Maryland had no problem with Howard beating them 62-0. Maryland put 38 points in the first half and kept Howard under 200 total yards for the game. Is Howard bad? Yes, but Maryland looks like their talent is coming together.
Next Up: @Illinois
- Michigan State (2-0)
Payton Thorne led the Michigan State offense with 280 yards and 4 touchdowns while Michigan State remains perfect while beating Youngstown State. Their toughest test of the season comes next up as they go to Florida to face Miami.
Next Up: @Miami
- Minnesota (1-1)
It was a tale of two halves for the Gophers that left many fans wondering which team will show up in Colorado next week. Minnesota was up 21-3 at halftime and then left Miami (Oh) come back 21-20 before Minnesota scored 10 straight in the 4th quarter.
Next Up: @Colorado
- Purdue (2-0)
They beat a team 49-0 last week, but that team is arguably the worst team in the nation. Yes, I am talking about UCONN. It wasn’t all positive as running back Zander Horvath left the game in the first quarter with a wrist injury and appears to be out for a while.
Next Up: Notre Dame
- Rutgers (2-0)
Not the prettiest game of the week but Rutgers won are 2-0 for the first time since 2014. Syracuse turned the ball over 3 times and had 8 penalties for 55 yards while both offenses struggled.
Next Up: Delaware
- Indiana (1-1)
The Hoosiers bounce back from their loss to Iowa by handling Idaho 56-14. Michale Penix Jr threw two touchdowns and ran for another while Indiana special teams scored 14 points as well.
Next Up: Cincinnati
- Nebraska (2-1)
The Cornhuskers beat a good Buffalo team behind a stellar performance from Adrian Martinez, who made plays in every which way on Saturday. Nebraska’s defense continues to improve and should be good, but their offensive line is worrisome.
Next Up: @Oklahoma
- Northwestern (1-1)
Evan Hull rushed for 126 yards and had 2 touchdowns against Indiana State. Northwestern was up 14-0 after the first quarter but didn’t do much the rest of the game.
Next Up: @Duke
The honeymoon is over in Champaign as Illinois has lost two in a row after their season-opening win against Nebraska. This time, they get rocked by Virginia 42-14 with Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong throwing 405 yards and 5 Touchdowns.
Next Up: Maryland