We got a small taste of Big Ten action last weekend, but a larger slate of league matchups this weekend ushers in the first full week of conference play.
Bye weeks are now on the menu, too, with five teams who will watch from their couches this Saturday. They’ll have plenty to digest with an 11-hour gap between the day’s first matchup, Maryland vs. Wisconsin, and its late-night finale, Michigan State vs. USC.
1. Ohio State (3-0)
Previous: 1. Last Week: W, 37-9 vs. Ohio.
After a slow start, the Buckeyes picked up the pace to take care of their final nonconference opponent. After allowing just 16 points across its first three games, top-ranked Ohio State is set for its first bye week.
2. Penn State (3-0)
Previous: 2. LW: W, 52-6 vs. Villanova.
Penn State handled its business as expected against an FCS opponent and can now rest up this weekend ahead of one of the biggest games of its season. An Oregon-Penn State matchup awaits in two weeks’ time.
3. Oregon (3-0, 1-0 Big Ten)
Previous: 3. LW: W, 34-14 vs. Northwestern.
After starting league play with a victory, Oregon can turn its attention toward in-state rival Oregon State. As a consequence of national realignment, the matchup traditionally played after Thanksgiving now takes place in mid-September. With Oregon State off to a 0-3 start, the Ducks are again heavy favorites.
4. Illinois (3-0)
Previous: 4. LW: W, 38-0 vs. Western Michigan.
A shutout performance sets up the Illini nicely for the game of the week around the conference. Set for a Top 25 showdown with Indiana on Saturday, a win there would give Illinois early visions of College Football Playoff contention.
5. Indiana (3-0)
Previous: 6. LW: W, 73-0 vs. Indiana State.
Back-to-back offensive showcases have Indiana rolling ahead of a primetime matchup against No. 9 Illinois. Will quarterback Fernando Mendoza be ready for the big stage?
6. USC (3-0, 1-0)
Previous: 5. LW: W, 33-17 vs. Purdue.
Pushed by Purdue, the Trojans can thank their defense for a three-interception day, which helped secure their first Big Ten win of the season. Now ranked inside the Top 25, USC hosts Michigan State this weekend.
7. Michigan (2-1)
Previous: 7. LW: W, 63-3 vs. Central Michigan.
With head coach Sherrone Moore sitting out the first of a two-game suspension, it was smooth sailing for Michigan at home. A road trip to an undefeated Nebraska team will be a much larger challenge for the Wolverines to overcome.
8. Nebraska (3-0)
Previous: 8. LW: W, 59-7 vs. Houston Christian.
Quarterback Dylan Raiola and a surging Husker offense have paced back-to-back blowout victories. Nebraska’s search for the program’s first ranked win since 2016 brings it to a pivotal home date against No. 21 Michigan.
9. Iowa (2-1)
Previous: 10. LW: W, 47-7 vs. Massachusetts.
The Iowa defense held a struggling Massachusetts offense to 119 total yards in a bounce-back effort that secured win No. 206 for head coach Kirk Ferentz, the most in Big Ten history. A quick turnaround to Friday night comes with a road date at Rutgers.
10. Washington (2-0)
Previous: 11. LW: Bye.
Much like Oregon and Oregon State, Washington’s rivalry matchup also arrives earlier than usual. The Huskies are on the road at Washington State this weekend.
11. Minnesota (2-1)
Previous: 9. LW: L, 27-14 vs. California.
Highly disappointing in a road loss, Minnesota can search the film for answers during a bye week.
12. Wisconsin (2-1)
Previous: 12. LW: L, 38-14 vs. Alabama.
As other Big Ten schools faced FCS opposition, Wisconsin fell short against a national powerhouse. The Badgers need starting quarterback Billy Edwards back from injury to face his former school, Maryland.
13. Maryland (3-0)
Previous: 13. LW: W, 44-17 vs. Towson.
Undefeated through nonconference play, a road date at Wisconsin to open its conference slate will be a difficult matchup for Maryland.
14. Michigan State (3-0)
Previous: 14. LW: W, 41-24 vs. Youngstown State.
Outside of the on-field challenge at USC this weekend, will Michigan State’s fans be able to stay awake to watch? Set to kick off at 10 p.m. CST, it’ll be long into Sunday morning before the game concludes.
15. Rutgers (3-0)
Previous: 15. LW: W, 60-10 vs. Norfolk State.
Again off to a 3-0 start, which helps its push for bowl eligibility, Rutgers’ transition to Big Ten play hasn’t always gone smoothly. It hosts Iowa on Friday.
16. Purdue (2-1, 0-1)
Previous: 16. LW: L, 33-17 vs. USC.
Already far more competitive in Big Ten play than it was a year ago, Purdue runs into one of its rivals at a bad time. Still in search of its first win, No. 24 Notre Dame is hosting the Boilermakers this weekend.
17. Northwestern (1-2, 0-1)
Previous: 17. LW: L, 34-14 vs. Oregon.
Northwestern kept close against a talented opponent, but an offense that has produced 17 points in eight quarters against FBS opponents will need to be examined during a bye week.
18. UCLA (0-3)
Previous: 18. LW: L, 35-10 vs. New Mexico.
An embarrassing home loss to New Mexico was the final straw for head coach DeShaun Foster, whose UCLA tenure ended after just 15 games. Interim coach Tim Skipper will try to pick up the pieces during a bye week.
Love
0
Funny
0
Wow
0
Sad
0
Angry
0
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
* I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.
Luke Mullin
Husker football/baseball reporter
Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily!
Your notification has been saved.
There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Followed notifications
Please log in to use this feature
Log In
Don’t have an account? Sign Up Today