There were tricks – how about Penn State’s fake field goal in the first quarter to set up a touchdown? There were treats – seeing two college kickers make back-to-back 60-yard field goals with the game on the line. There was plenty of scary – watching a lot of these Big Ten teams try to play offense. So, let’s catch up on what was a busy day in the Big Ten on Halloween.
Best Win of the Week: Indiana Survives in Overtime – Again!
Charlie Becker made his horror film debut last year against Penn State
– getting more reps because the Hoosiers had a starting receiver down. He made a couple of huge – and one highlight – catches in that game. He’s been doing it ever since. On Saturday, Indiana looked dead after Minnesota hit a 60-yard field goal to take the lead with just seconds to go. But Becker caught a long pass and gave the Hoosiers a chance to match with a 60-yarder of their own. They did and Becker went ahead and caught a touchdown pass in overtime to seal the win. Indiana, and Becker, just won’t die.
Worst Loss of the Week: Ohio State Turns Into a Pumpkin
The loss of Julian Sayin at quarterback was fully felt on Saturday night for the Buckeyes in Los Angeles. Ohio State couldn’t finish some long promising drives, instead settling for field goals in a loss to USC. Does that sound familiar? Things won’t get easier for the Buckeyes with more teams – Oregon, Northwestern, Nebraska, and Michigan – waiting ahead. Ohio State will likely have to be perfect to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Offensive Player of the Week: Dylan Raiola, Oregon
The Ducks controlled the fourth quarter of a somewhat upset of ranked Northwestern on Saturday at Autzen. Raiola, who always seems like he’s dressed up like Patrick Mahomes, threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns in the win.
Defensive Player of the Week: Jayden Montgomery, Iowa
The Hawkeyes shut out Top 25 Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon in Iowa City. Montgomery had six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and recovered a fumble. Oh yeah, he’s also a Wisconsin native who has never lost to the Badgers.
Offensive Play of the Week: Mark Bowman, USC
There were some other great catches, clutch touchdowns, and all else on Saturday. But, this catch and run from USC’s talented freshman tight end is worth watching over and over again.
Defensive Play of the Week: Derrick Barksdale, UCLA
UCLA improved to 8-0 with a non-conference win against Nevada. The first Bruin touchdown came via this interception return for a score.
Most Big Ten Moment of the Week: More Jeremiah Smith History
It came in a disappointing losing effort, but Jeremiah Smith now has the most touchdown receptions in the conference’s history. Smith finished with 10 catches for 83 yards.
Most Big Ten West Moment of the Week: Nebraska Falters in the Fourth AGAIN
Nebraska had a lead at home against Indiana in the fourth quarter and wound up losing it. Nebraska was on the verge of beating Oregon and its former quarterback in Autzen and then lost it in the fourth. On Saturday, the Huskers had held Washington out of the end zone until the closing moments of another fourth quarter loss.
Most Iowa Moment of the Week: A Punt Review in Closing Seconds
I don’t know if anyone was still watching Iowa and Wisconsin in the final moments of the Hawkeyes’ 30-0 bludgeoning of the Badgers in Kinnick. But with the game well decided in the closing moments, there was a long delay to review whether or not a punt should have been downed at the one-yard line or a touchback. The FOX cameras panned the crowd and I couldn’t help but wonder A). why was anyone still there? and B.) who cared where that ball was spotted?
What We’re Looking Forward to the Most: More Chaos
Penn State is out of the playoff race, but there are a number of Big Ten teams that are still battling for the right to get into the bracket. November games should provide plenty of intrigue. This whole season comes and goes so quickly. We’ve got one month of regular season conference games to go! Let’s enjoy.
