A 12-1 week in nonconference play left a good taste in the mouths of most of the Big Ten this weekend. League games start in earnest this weekend with a fresh set of narratives.
The Big Ten found its stride this weekend by returning to the ground game that was its calling card in better days. The old three yards and a cloud of dust, though, was closer to 30 yards and cloud of dust for Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon. He ran for a career-high 253 yards (19.5 per carry) and five touchdowns to lead a record-setting day for the Badgers offense. Gordon was one of three Big Ten backs to run for more than 200 yards. Gordon, Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah (229 yards Saturday), Minnesota’s David Cobb (207 yards) and Indiana’s Tevin Coleman (132 yards) are all now among the top 10 rushers in the nation in 2014. No other conference has more than one runner in the top 10.
A few teams will prepare for the start of league play this week with a decision to make at quarterback. Iowa backup C.J. Beathard may have Wally Pipped his way into a starting job Saturday while leading a 24-20 comeback win at Pittsburgh. Beathard provided a jolt to a Hawkeye offense that had been otherwise lifeless through the first three and a half games of the year. Michigan’s Devin Gardner, on the other hand, may have played himself out of a job after throwing two interceptions (bringing his season total to six) in a 26-10 loss to Utah. Sophomore Shane Morris replaced him in the fourth quarter and promptly added another interception and a fumble. Head coach Brady Hoke said Saturday night he didn’t know who his starter would be this upcoming weekend against Minnesota. The Gophers had their backup, redshirt freshman Chris Streveler, play the whole game against San Jose State. He led the team to a win despite completing only one pass for seven yards.
Indiana and Maryland both bring a burst of momentum into their matchup this weekend, the Big Ten debut for the Terps. Maryland’s definitive win over Syracuse last week came at a cost, though. The team announced Sunday that tight end Andrew Isaacs (dislocated knee) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (right knee) will miss the remainder of the season.
Now for a look around the rest of the conference:
East Division
Penn State’s success with stopping the run this season has been a full team effort.
Bulletin board material helped Maryland prepare for a big win over Syracuse this weekend.
Was Indiana's upset of reigning SEC East champion Missouri a program-changing victory?
Michigan State’s football past could have been a lot different if coaching legend Barry Switzer had a better interview in East Lansing.
Ohio State coach Urban Meyer told HBO he felt like he was dying during the 2009 season at Florida.
A lot of little problems are turning into one very big problem for Michigan.
Rutgers’ offense received a big blow this weekend when star running back Paul James tore his ACL.
West Division
Nebraska’s Heisman candidate projects a much different image than the reigning Heisman winner at Florida State.
The Illini haven’t been world-beaters on offense, but quarterback Wes Lunt is doing as well as any of his fellow former Big 12 transfer players under center.
Iowa showed some needed resolve in its come-from-behind win against Pittsburgh.
Minnesota decided it didn’t need a passing game to get past San Jose State this weekend .
Melvin Gordon wasn’t the only Badger to have a big day Saturday. Quarterback Tanner McEvoy put up big numbers as well.
Purdue defensive tackle Ryan Watson already has more sacks this season than any Boilermaker did a year ago.
Northwestern leaned on a pair of freshman running backs to provide its offense against Western Illinois.