This weekend’s Big Ten opponents ran the gamut from some of the best teams in the FBS to some teams that aren’t even in the FBS. The conference finished with a 10-2 record for week one. After the first round of live bullets teams now know a little more about their strengths and the areas that need work. Some have more work to do than others.
Offensive Player of the week:
Le’Veon Bell – RB Michigan State
Le’Veon Bell – RB Michigan State
Defensive Player of the week:
Abraheim Campbell – DB Northwestern
Abraheim Campbell – DB Northwestern
The game: Minnesota and UNLV turn three and a half quarters of unremarkable football into a three overtime thriller.
The Studs: MarQueis Gray- the senior came through when he had to throwing two Touchdowns in overtime and getting The Gophers started out right.
John Rabe- someone has to get open and actually make the catches in the clutch. Rabe did it twice. I would expect to see this combo hooking up throughout the season, now they just need to learn to do it before the very end of a game.
What it means: This is a solid win for a team who really needed it. If minnesota is to have any kind of success this season a quick start is vital. Keep in mind the Runnin’ Rebels gave Wisconsin all sorts of trouble in Vegas a few years ago.
Up next: New Hampshire, I’m not a fan of scheduling FCS teams. A loss here is disastrous, in fact anything less than a very convincing win is not good. See Wisconsin.
The Studs: MarQueis Gray- the senior came through when he had to throwing two Touchdowns in overtime and getting The Gophers started out right.
John Rabe- someone has to get open and actually make the catches in the clutch. Rabe did it twice. I would expect to see this combo hooking up throughout the season, now they just need to learn to do it before the very end of a game.
What it means: This is a solid win for a team who really needed it. If minnesota is to have any kind of success this season a quick start is vital. Keep in mind the Runnin’ Rebels gave Wisconsin all sorts of trouble in Vegas a few years ago.
Up next: New Hampshire, I’m not a fan of scheduling FCS teams. A loss here is disastrous, in fact anything less than a very convincing win is not good. See Wisconsin.
The game: The Spartans out physical Boise state and get a nice out of conference win for the Big Ten.
The Studs: Le’Veon Bell-he reminded us what a Big Ten tailback looks like. The 245 pounder had 210 yards on 44 carries, 55 yards on 6 receptions, and a couple of nice highlight reel plays. Bell put the offense on his back and had the Bronco front gassed by the fourth quarter.
Dion Sims- Led the team in receiving yards, but more importantly, he made several drive salvaging grabs, and he is always looking for someone to hit.
Darqueze Dennard: since we’re talking about a unit that didn’t give up a touchdown and basically dominated on on levels it was hard to pick one. Dennard was solid all night and had several breakups that stalled Boise drives late in the game.
What it means: You can still win national games by playing Big Ten Football. They need to cleanup the mistakes but Dantonio’s desire to get to a Rose Bowl is within reach.
Up next: Central Michigan. This isn’t the Chippewas of recent history. They were unimpressive in their opener against FCS Southeast Missouri State. The only problem could be if Sparty gets caught looking ahead to Notre Dame.
The Studs: Le’Veon Bell-he reminded us what a Big Ten tailback looks like. The 245 pounder had 210 yards on 44 carries, 55 yards on 6 receptions, and a couple of nice highlight reel plays. Bell put the offense on his back and had the Bronco front gassed by the fourth quarter.
Dion Sims- Led the team in receiving yards, but more importantly, he made several drive salvaging grabs, and he is always looking for someone to hit.
Darqueze Dennard: since we’re talking about a unit that didn’t give up a touchdown and basically dominated on on levels it was hard to pick one. Dennard was solid all night and had several breakups that stalled Boise drives late in the game.
What it means: You can still win national games by playing Big Ten Football. They need to cleanup the mistakes but Dantonio’s desire to get to a Rose Bowl is within reach.
Up next: Central Michigan. This isn’t the Chippewas of recent history. They were unimpressive in their opener against FCS Southeast Missouri State. The only problem could be if Sparty gets caught looking ahead to Notre Dame.
The Game: Ohio State gets the machine rolling after a sluggish start and takes Miami to the woodshed.
The studs: Carlos Hyde- he is big, strong, and is unstoppable between the tackles. He had 17 carries for 82 yards every one of them earned. He also scored two touchdowns.
Braxton Miller-Miller set an Ohio State record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 165 and he made good decisions for the most part when throwing the ball.
What it means: There is room for improvement everywhere. Miller needs to work on his accuracy, the offensive line needs to open more holes, the defensive line has to play up to their potential and be able to get pressure with four. Perhaps most troubling was the amount of times that Redhawk receivers got behind the Buckeye secondary. These are fixable problems and, with this coaching staff, should be corrected before conference play.
Up next: Central Florida. The Golden Knights have an outstanding defensive front and they can score points. While the Bucckeyes should handle them don’t be surprised if its closer than most fans would like it to be.
The studs: Carlos Hyde- he is big, strong, and is unstoppable between the tackles. He had 17 carries for 82 yards every one of them earned. He also scored two touchdowns.
Braxton Miller-Miller set an Ohio State record for rushing yards by a quarterback with 165 and he made good decisions for the most part when throwing the ball.
What it means: There is room for improvement everywhere. Miller needs to work on his accuracy, the offensive line needs to open more holes, the defensive line has to play up to their potential and be able to get pressure with four. Perhaps most troubling was the amount of times that Redhawk receivers got behind the Buckeye secondary. These are fixable problems and, with this coaching staff, should be corrected before conference play.
Up next: Central Florida. The Golden Knights have an outstanding defensive front and they can score points. While the Bucckeyes should handle them don’t be surprised if its closer than most fans would like it to be.
The Game: In a fast paced battle in the Carrier Dome, Northwestern builds a lead, loses the lead, and pulls it out at the end like only Northwestern can.
The Studs: Venric Mark - this scat back did it all in this game; he ran a punt back for a touchdown and another back to Syracuse’s 28, caught a pass for a touchdown, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. He is the perfect compliment to Kain Coulter’s unique quarterbacking skills. His stature is on the smallish side but his game is large! Mark is a threat every time he touches the ball.
Abraheim Campbell- Did Campbell make the tackle on every single defensive snap in this game? It certainly seemed like it. His nose for the ball, sure tackling, and good cover skills made Campbell the Wildcats’ defensive MVP today. His 13 tackles led the team.
What it means: The Wildcats have completely bought into Pat Fitzgerald’s never say die approach. This makes them dangerous to anyone (in or out of conference) that they play. My only concern is about the amount of wear and tear on the undersized Northwestern team, especially as they get further into the season.
Up next: Vanderbilt. The Wildcats get the Commodores under the lights at Ryan Field next Saturday. Honestly it’s a toss up between these two great academic universities, but any B1G vs SEC matchup is important.
The Studs: Venric Mark - this scat back did it all in this game; he ran a punt back for a touchdown and another back to Syracuse’s 28, caught a pass for a touchdown, and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. He is the perfect compliment to Kain Coulter’s unique quarterbacking skills. His stature is on the smallish side but his game is large! Mark is a threat every time he touches the ball.
Abraheim Campbell- Did Campbell make the tackle on every single defensive snap in this game? It certainly seemed like it. His nose for the ball, sure tackling, and good cover skills made Campbell the Wildcats’ defensive MVP today. His 13 tackles led the team.
What it means: The Wildcats have completely bought into Pat Fitzgerald’s never say die approach. This makes them dangerous to anyone (in or out of conference) that they play. My only concern is about the amount of wear and tear on the undersized Northwestern team, especially as they get further into the season.
Up next: Vanderbilt. The Wildcats get the Commodores under the lights at Ryan Field next Saturday. Honestly it’s a toss up between these two great academic universities, but any B1G vs SEC matchup is important.
The game: Iowa realizes it is a running football team just in time to pull out the victory over a Northern Illinois team that came ready.
The Studs: MikeMeyer- Meyer single-footedly kept victory only a score away for the Hawkeyes. He had 12 of Iowa’s 18 points.
Damon Bullock- Bullock had 30 carries for 150 and scored the game winning touchdown on a run around the left end. Iowa desperately needed someone to step up at the tailback position, and Bullock responded in a big way.
Mark Weisman- The fullback gets an honorable mention here because every time he was in the game, his blocks would spring Bullock for nice gains from scrimmage. But they didn’t use him nearly enough.
What it means: The defense is strong enough and the running game will be fine. Vandenberg, though, can’t have anymore games like he did today, he has to be the leader on this offense. And while the O- line was decent in the run game, their pass blocking has a long way too go.
Up next: The Cy-Hawk rivalry game against Iowa State. All bets are off in this one but I look for the Cyclones to be another stout challenge to a developing Iowa squad.
The Studs: MikeMeyer- Meyer single-footedly kept victory only a score away for the Hawkeyes. He had 12 of Iowa’s 18 points.
Damon Bullock- Bullock had 30 carries for 150 and scored the game winning touchdown on a run around the left end. Iowa desperately needed someone to step up at the tailback position, and Bullock responded in a big way.
Mark Weisman- The fullback gets an honorable mention here because every time he was in the game, his blocks would spring Bullock for nice gains from scrimmage. But they didn’t use him nearly enough.
What it means: The defense is strong enough and the running game will be fine. Vandenberg, though, can’t have anymore games like he did today, he has to be the leader on this offense. And while the O- line was decent in the run game, their pass blocking has a long way too go.
Up next: The Cy-Hawk rivalry game against Iowa State. All bets are off in this one but I look for the Cyclones to be another stout challenge to a developing Iowa squad.
The game: Wisconsin played 30 minutes of football, and it was just good enough to beat Northern Iowa who played 60.
The Studs: Jared Abbrederis- Wouldn’t every college QB love to have a guy like Abbrederis to throw to? Sure hands, always open, and he can return punts! Wisconsin always seems to find these guys.
What it means: Not much, I still think that Wisconsin is probably the best team in the Big Ten, although the Spartans are right there with them.
Up next: Oregon State. The Beavers have a good defensive line but not much else. Corvallis has been the stage for many upsets, but Wisconsin’s power run game can quiet any crowd.
The Studs: Jared Abbrederis- Wouldn’t every college QB love to have a guy like Abbrederis to throw to? Sure hands, always open, and he can return punts! Wisconsin always seems to find these guys.
What it means: Not much, I still think that Wisconsin is probably the best team in the Big Ten, although the Spartans are right there with them.
Up next: Oregon State. The Beavers have a good defensive line but not much else. Corvallis has been the stage for many upsets, but Wisconsin’s power run game can quiet any crowd.
The Game: Penn State is defeated by the NCAA and an Ohio Bobcat’s second half rally.
The Studs: Allen Robinson: The receiver made himself a solid target for Matt McGloin. He had nine catches for 97 yards on the day, and emerged as the number 1 pass catcher in a group that may have to carry this PSU team.
What it means: It’s going to be a tough road for the Nittany Lions. There is plenty of heart on this team but their talent was decimated by the sanctions. They are going to need leaders to really step up, otherwise Bill O’Brien could lose this team quickly. They do have a good receiving corps and I would go as far as to say that is this team’s strength. So they will need to ride the passing game for now until the can figure something else out.
Up Next: Virginia. The Lions travel to Charlottesville to face the Cavaliers and coach Mike London who are coming off an 8 win season last year. Could be another tough one for Penn St., and 0-2 isn’t going to go over well in State College.
The Studs: Allen Robinson: The receiver made himself a solid target for Matt McGloin. He had nine catches for 97 yards on the day, and emerged as the number 1 pass catcher in a group that may have to carry this PSU team.
What it means: It’s going to be a tough road for the Nittany Lions. There is plenty of heart on this team but their talent was decimated by the sanctions. They are going to need leaders to really step up, otherwise Bill O’Brien could lose this team quickly. They do have a good receiving corps and I would go as far as to say that is this team’s strength. So they will need to ride the passing game for now until the can figure something else out.
Up Next: Virginia. The Lions travel to Charlottesville to face the Cavaliers and coach Mike London who are coming off an 8 win season last year. Could be another tough one for Penn St., and 0-2 isn’t going to go over well in State College.
The Game: Illinois turns in a workmanlike performance in a nice team win over Western Michigan.
The Studs: Ashante Williams: Williams’ performance was the one that most stood out for the Illini. He had 9 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 pass breakup, and an interception that he took to the house electrifying the Memorial Stadium crowd. This defense is full of star power so to stand out like Ashante Williams did Saturday is a very impressive feat.
What it Means: If Scheelhaase is ok, then the Illini are probably a bowl team. With a defense that strong they may be a bowl team without him. The thing is, Illinois is basically in a 4 horse race for the leaders division championship, with Nathan Scheelhaase they can make that race interesting.
Up Next: Arizona St. The Illini travel to the desert to face the Sundevils (sans Osweiler) at night. This was an exciting game last year, and should be entertaining again. A great opportunity to get a nice out of conference win over the PAC 12 and get off to a 2-0 start.
The Studs: Ashante Williams: Williams’ performance was the one that most stood out for the Illini. He had 9 tackles, 2 passes defended, 1 pass breakup, and an interception that he took to the house electrifying the Memorial Stadium crowd. This defense is full of star power so to stand out like Ashante Williams did Saturday is a very impressive feat.
What it Means: If Scheelhaase is ok, then the Illini are probably a bowl team. With a defense that strong they may be a bowl team without him. The thing is, Illinois is basically in a 4 horse race for the leaders division championship, with Nathan Scheelhaase they can make that race interesting.
Up Next: Arizona St. The Illini travel to the desert to face the Sundevils (sans Osweiler) at night. This was an exciting game last year, and should be entertaining again. A great opportunity to get a nice out of conference win over the PAC 12 and get off to a 2-0 start.
The game: Nebraska makes it look easy against a very tough Southern Miss team.
The Studs: Taylor Martinez- “T-Magic” found the passing game that Husker fans have been impatiently waiting on for a couple of years now. Martinez threw for 354 yards, 5 touchdowns, and most importantly no picks.
Baker Steinkuhler- the senior had 8 tackles including 2 for loss and half a sack. He is and should continue to be why the Blackshirts will remain strong up the middle. It should get interesting when they get into playing some of the bigger running backs in conference. On a very good defensive front, Steinkuhler stood out.
What it means: It depends. If Burkhead’s injury isn’t serious, then the Husker’s have just as good of a chance to win the Big Ten as any of the other favorites. If the injury is bad, they are in trouble, because I doubt Martinez can keep up this pace.
Up next: UCLA. The Bruins can score points, at least against Rice, and their defense played shutdown football Against the Owls in the second half. Southern Miss proved that the Blackshirts can be scored on so it may get interesting in Pasadena.
The Studs: Taylor Martinez- “T-Magic” found the passing game that Husker fans have been impatiently waiting on for a couple of years now. Martinez threw for 354 yards, 5 touchdowns, and most importantly no picks.
Baker Steinkuhler- the senior had 8 tackles including 2 for loss and half a sack. He is and should continue to be why the Blackshirts will remain strong up the middle. It should get interesting when they get into playing some of the bigger running backs in conference. On a very good defensive front, Steinkuhler stood out.
What it means: It depends. If Burkhead’s injury isn’t serious, then the Husker’s have just as good of a chance to win the Big Ten as any of the other favorites. If the injury is bad, they are in trouble, because I doubt Martinez can keep up this pace.
Up next: UCLA. The Bruins can score points, at least against Rice, and their defense played shutdown football Against the Owls in the second half. Southern Miss proved that the Blackshirts can be scored on so it may get interesting in Pasadena.
The game: Indiana prevails in an in-state tussle with FCS Indiana State.
The Studs: Tre Roberson- As Roberson goes, so go the Hoosiers. The sophomore quarterback does a great job of distributing the ball to all receivers at his disposal.Ten different receivers caught passes in the game. Roberson rarely looks to run first but when it’s time he can and will beat defenders with his legs.
Drew Hardin- Hardin led the team in tackles with eight, but it certainly seemed like more. I saw number 8 in the mix every time the Hoosiers were on defense. He also had a fumble recovery that stalled a promising Indiana State drive.
What it means: Indiana won one football game last year, so victories are at a premium right now. The Hoosiers will take anything positive and use it to build on. To be competitive against tougher opposition, however, someone is going to have to make some plays in order to take pressure off of Roberson.They will also need to do a better job of capitalizing on turnovers and the secondary has to buck up as not everyone will drop as many passes as Indiana State did.
Up next: Umass. The Minutemen didn’t fair too well in their first game as an FBS team, and it would seem that Indiana has a good shot at starting 2-0 and doubling their win total from a year ago.
The Studs: Tre Roberson- As Roberson goes, so go the Hoosiers. The sophomore quarterback does a great job of distributing the ball to all receivers at his disposal.Ten different receivers caught passes in the game. Roberson rarely looks to run first but when it’s time he can and will beat defenders with his legs.
Drew Hardin- Hardin led the team in tackles with eight, but it certainly seemed like more. I saw number 8 in the mix every time the Hoosiers were on defense. He also had a fumble recovery that stalled a promising Indiana State drive.
What it means: Indiana won one football game last year, so victories are at a premium right now. The Hoosiers will take anything positive and use it to build on. To be competitive against tougher opposition, however, someone is going to have to make some plays in order to take pressure off of Roberson.They will also need to do a better job of capitalizing on turnovers and the secondary has to buck up as not everyone will drop as many passes as Indiana State did.
Up next: Umass. The Minutemen didn’t fair too well in their first game as an FBS team, and it would seem that Indiana has a good shot at starting 2-0 and doubling their win total from a year ago.
The Game: Michigan thumped by Alabama who used the tried and true formula of making Denard Robinson beat you with his arm.
The Studs: Jeremy Gallon-Gallon was the only Michigan player who was able to do anything against the defending national champions. He actually found some openings in the Crimson Tide secondary unfortunately Robinson never had time to find him. When he did make plays, they were usually for big gains. Gallon finished with 4 receptions for 107 yards. One of those set up Michigan’s first score from inside Alabama’s five yard line.
What it means: Michigan is clearly not “back” yet and Alabama is head and shoulders above the Big Ten’s third or fourth best team. Hoke’s decision to sit Toussaint may have hurt some, but it probably still wouldn’t have been enough to beat a team that may be the best in the country.
Up next: Air Force at home. Michigan will need to lick their wounds after a very physical game against ‘Bama. A good option team isn’t the best group to do that against. That said, Michigan’s athletes should slow the Falcon attack enough to let Shoelace and company do their thing.
The Studs: Jeremy Gallon-Gallon was the only Michigan player who was able to do anything against the defending national champions. He actually found some openings in the Crimson Tide secondary unfortunately Robinson never had time to find him. When he did make plays, they were usually for big gains. Gallon finished with 4 receptions for 107 yards. One of those set up Michigan’s first score from inside Alabama’s five yard line.
What it means: Michigan is clearly not “back” yet and Alabama is head and shoulders above the Big Ten’s third or fourth best team. Hoke’s decision to sit Toussaint may have hurt some, but it probably still wouldn’t have been enough to beat a team that may be the best in the country.
Up next: Air Force at home. Michigan will need to lick their wounds after a very physical game against ‘Bama. A good option team isn’t the best group to do that against. That said, Michigan’s athletes should slow the Falcon attack enough to let Shoelace and company do their thing.
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