The Big Ten conference wrapped up a majority of its out-of-conference games this week, with a majority of its games being decided in blowout fashion. A few sneaky good games were sprinkled in as well. This list will have each game grouped into a certain category depending on how the final score was and who played in the game.
Big Ten Matchups
No.4 Oregon 34, Northwestern 14: Oregon’s defense suffocated the Wildcats, recording two interceptions, 2 sacks, and four tackles for loss, helping to lift the Ducks to their
first Big Ten win of the 2025 season. Quarterback Dante Moore had a passable game, going 16 of 20 through the air for one touchdown and a pick, while Oregon’s running game recorded 176 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone was kept quiet throughout the game by Oregon’s defense, only recording 135 yards while throwing two picks. This performance makes Oregon our Big Ten Star of the week.
USC 33, Purdue 17: Bishop Fitzgerald and the USC pass defense had a great showing against the Boilermakers. Fitzgerald recorded two interceptions, with Jamaal Jarrett recording another, which was taken back to the house. The passing offense on both sides was kept largely quiet as USC quarterback Jayden Maiava went 17/28 for 282 yards but did not score. USC would only score twice on offense via the run game, but would use their defensive touchdown and their kicker to push past Purdue.
The Blowout OOC Wins
No.22 Indiana 73, Indiana State 0: It does not get any more lopsided than this, as the Sycamores could do nothing against Indiana. Hoosier quarterback Fernando Mendoza went 19.20 on the day and threw for five touchdowns, with wide receiver Omar Cooper catching four of them. Running back Khobie Martin ran the ball 11 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns while Indiana’s defense recorded five sacks and 16 tackles for loss.
No.2 Penn State 52, Villanova 6: Another instance of a ranked Big Ten team flexing its muscles against an FCS opponent. Nittany Lions starting quarterback Drew Allar did not have a great game, throwing 16 for 29 for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, but that proved to be a non-factor as they cruised to victory on the back of a running game that racked up three touchdowns. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for another touchdown on one of his two attempts. The defense smothered Villanova, registering 3 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, two picks, and one pick-six.
No.9 Illinois 38, Western Michigan 0: Illinois’ running game and strong defense took center stage in their game against the Broncos. Running back Kaden Feagin carried the ball 20 times for 100 yards and one touchdown, while backup Ca’Lil Valentine carried the ball 10 times for 63 yards and a score. Quarterback Luke Altmeyer added 196 yards and two touchdowns through the air, and one more on the ground. The Illini defense held the entire Bronco offense to just 205 total yards on the day.
No.23 Michigan 63, Central Michigan 3: This was another instance of a Big Ten school using its line of scrimmage advantage to impose its will on a weaker opponent, as Michigan had a total of 390 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns on the day. Despite having a shaky performance through the air, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood showed his running prowess, gaining 114 yards and scoring two touchdowns on the ground. Justice Hayes added 14 carries for 104 yards and one touchdown, while Jordan Marshall had 10 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns on the day. The Wolverine defense recorded 3 sacks and 1 interception as well.
Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7: Nebraska dominated both in the air and on the ground in this game, piling up 192 yards rushing with 4 rushing touchdowns, and went 23/29 for 362 yards and three touchdowns in the air across three different quarterbacks. The defense was once again suffocating, holding their opponent to just 160 yards of total offense.
Iowa 47, UMass 7: Iowa quarterback Mark Gronoski looked much better this game than he has in the past, completing 16 out of 24 passes for 179 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added six rushes for 12 yards and a score on the ground. As always with Iowa, the defense and special teams stole the show, with the punt return unit running one back and the defense recording 5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
Maryland 44, Towson 17: In this game, Maryland used their Big Ten offensive line to roll over the Tigers. The Terrapins would run the ball 42 times for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Maryland would have a solid day on defense as well, forcing one fumble and taking an interception back to the house.
Ohio State 37, Ohio 9: I was slightly debating putting this in the close win section of this article because of how long it took Ohio State to pull away. With that being said, the Buckeyes would pour on 21 points late to secure the blowout. Ohio State would total over 570 yards of total offense during this game, despite Julian Sayin throwing two picks.
Close Wins
Michigan State 41, Youngstown State 24: Youngstown State was able to keep it close for most of the game, with Michigan State slowly pulling away throughout. The Penguins missed a field goal in the fourth but only found themselves down by 10 points with five minutes remaining in the game. The Spartans relied mostly on their ground game to pull away, tallying 174 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the day.
OOC Losses
Alabama 38, Wisconsin 14: Despite the Alabama championship dynasty supposedly being at its end, that doesn’t mean they can’t thrash a struggling power five team. The Crimson Tide’s passing game made quick work of the Badger defense, carving them up for 382 yards and four touchdowns. The Tide’s defense locked up their opponent in the air as well, recording 2 picks and holding Wisconsin to only 117 passing yards.
Cal 27, Minnesota 14: Minnesota struggled to move the ball against the Cal defense and gave up two costly turnovers that ended up being too much to overcome at the end.
New Mexico 25, UCLA 10: The Bruins are the only team that has been in this section every single week throughout the year so far. They have just fired head coach DeShaun Foster. Now the question is, will they rally around their interim coach or free-fall? The way they performed on both sides of the ball during this game suggests the latter.
