Iowa scored seven points thanks to a field goal and two safeties. They also won. After the game Kirk Ferentz said he “was curious how games in 1931 were won so they were trying to focus on recreating that era.” Well done coach, safe to say you succeeded.
Team of the Week – Penn State – B+ – Not necessarily the most polished win but they had the most impressive victory of the week. On the road, in a league game, and blew multiple leads. There was a lot of chatter about if this Penn State was good enough to compete this year and I don’t think this game answered that BUT it did show that this team will not roll over no matter how shaky things get.
Illinois – D+ – It isn’t so much they lost but how they lost. They had 5 more penalties and 46 more penalty yards. They lost the turnover margin by two. They lost despite holding the Hoosiers to just 32 rushing yards. In the words of Dennis Green, “They were who we thought they were and we let ’em off the hook!”
Indiana – C – A win is a win but you did see what I wrote about Illinois, right? This wasn’t a good enough performance to win against anybody unless the all of IU’s opponents are careless with the ball and racking up the penalties.
Iowa – F+ – They get a plus since they won…and the D was great…and the special teams was good (minus a missed field goal)…and Tory Taylor is the best punter in the nation. The F comes from the fact they scored SEVEN POINTS.
Maryland – A- – The stats show UM dominated this game…so how come they only won by 21? I think Buffalo did some nice things with game plan concepts to shorten the game, in fact the Bulls won time of possession by nearly six minutes. Terps just didn’t get on the field enough times to put up an insane score but like I said, the box score was impressive.
Michigan – A – What can be said about their 51-7 blowout of Colorado State? We knew the Rams were bad. Michigan did as we all expected. They did it very well, but it was to be expected.
Michigan State – B – Entering the fourth quarter only leading 21-13 is not what Sparty had in mind but they put together a great fourth quarter to pull away. Costly injuries to the defense, especially Darius Snow out for the season, are such a disappointing to all of us fans, we want to see these kids healthy and see teams at full strength. I’m gutted for any Sparty readers.
Minnesota – A+ – I know New Mexico is a cupcake but shutting out an opponent and holding them under 100 yards of offense and just six total first downs is some next level defense. Amazing stuff.
Nebraska – C – Leading just 24-17 entering the final quarter is not what the Husker faithful expected against FCS North Dakota but they put in a good final quarter to win the game. Still not the most inspiring 1-1 start though.
Northwestern – Off
Ohio State – B – Hats off to the Irish defense for slowing the Buckeyes down but the OSU defense came to play making Notre Dame’s life miserable. Once OSU finds a little more offensive rhythm, they’ll be as good as advertised.
Purdue – B+ – Purdue did everything you could ask of them but win the game. They rallied back from deficits, made big play after big play, defense did [mostly] well when they were called upon. Just a crazy game that saw the PU defense just a little too gassed at the end.
Rutgers – C+ – It was a truly awkward game in which I have no idea how Rutgers generated enough yards and points to win, yet they did. Great work put in by the defense and an awesome, awesome road win for the Knights. Just a super goofy game, especially with all the different QB looks.
Wisconsin – A – Illinois State moved the ball a little bit more than expected but the defense still posted a shutout. Mertz had a monster day…now can he do it twice in a row? Can he do it against power five competition? That is what we need to see.
Game of the Week – Penn State and Purdue had everything you wanted from a college football game. It is tough for a week one game to be an instant classic since those usually have stakes to them, but if Penn State puts together a season and manages to win the east, I think that could add the necessary heft to their gritty comeback victory.
Why Did I Watch This? Award – Gophers were up 24-0 at the half and New Mexico had yet to cross the 50 (I think, I didn’t take too many notes on this one). Safe to say I watched zero seconds of the second half as Minnesota had it well in hand.
Gambling Report Card:
- Illinois vs Indiana, Points (Indiana, -3.0)
A push, baby! Let’s get that bet back…better than nothing. Still think Illinois is the better team, they were just horribly sloppy and Indiana took advantage of those opportunities, good on them.
- Maryland vs Buffalo, UM (-24.5)
Good news…I was worried about the over being in the 60s and said not to stay away from the total – wish I had said to bet the under. The bad news is Maryland won by 3 touchdowns. Impressive, yes…but not a cover.
- Michigan vs Colorado State, UM (-30.5)
No sweat in this one as Michigan was up 23 at the half and poured it on in the second, winning by 44.
- Michigan State vs Western Michigan, MSU (-22.5)
Broncos made a game of it until faltering in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for us, WMU didn’t falter enough and held on to lose by just 22. Close, but no cigar.
- Minnesota vs New Mexico State, Under (52.5)
As expected the Gopher D shined and shutout the Aggies, resulting in a 38-0 final and an easy under win for us at the book.
- Ohio State vs Notre Dame, OSU (-17.0), Over (59)
Big swing and miss here. The two defenses played lights out and Ohio State’s offense was nowhere near good enough to cover that spread. Nasty 0-2 punch from this game.
- Penn State at Purdue, Over (52.5)
Back on track, literally, as the train builders and the hill lions went back and forth in a 66 point shootout, easily clearing that over.
- Rutgers at Boston College, STAY AWAY
Fell good about this one as it was a one point win for Rutgers (they were touchdown dogs) and 43 points total were scored (48 point over). If you correctly called this one without my advice, good on ya. I had no read in this one.
Week Record: 3-4-1
Season Record: 5-5-1
Big Ten and Counting 