Contending teams in the Big Ten were able to take full advantage of their opportunities, while the USC Trojans showed the college football world that after five years of Lincoln Riley in charge, they still have a lot of work to do. The Indiana Hoosiers and the Oregon Ducks proved they're ready for more than just Big Ten contention with huge wins this weekend.
Here are the scores from this weekend in Big Ten football, plus my breakdown for each team:
UCLA 22-14 vs. Illinois (Friday)
The Illinois Fighting Illini produced another respectable Friday performance this time; however, they could not pull through. The UCLA Bruins were hit with the injury bug again at the quarterback position, but Ty Dieffenbach was able to return, and UCLA still got the job done. This game was a further
example that UCLA is battle-tested and can handle anything.
Maryland 24-21 vs Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Badgers and the Trojans were both competing for the biggest letdown in Week 11. It is performances like this that show there is a ton of work that still needs to be done before the Badgers can be taken seriously. On the flip side, the Maryland Terrapins are trending in the right direction late.
Ohio State 28-19 vs Northwestern
No Aidan Chiles but the Northwestern Wildcats held their own in this game. The Ohio State Buckeyes got back in the win column, but in the fashion they won, it is still hard to be confident in this team.
Nebraska 31-0 vs Rutgers
The Nebraska Cornhuskers took full advantage of the worst team in the Big Ten, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. A win could not have come at a better time for the Cornhuskers. Matt Rhule should not get to be comfortable; however, both the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Ohio State Buckeyes will be waiting for Nebraska the next 2 weeks.
Oregon 31-7 vs Michigan
The Oregon Ducks put the nail in the coffin for what has been a terrible Michigan Wolverines season. Michigan did not belong on the same field as the Ducks. Dylan Raiola has the offense looking real dangerous heading into the conclusion of the season.
Indiana 27-13 vs USC
This was a game full of mistakes by both teams. However, the Hoosiers came out on top because they made fewer mistakes, and they capitalized on the Trojans' mistakes more often than not. Grant Wilson proved to be the right decision at quarterback, and he was the best quarterback on the field. The Hoosiers look like a contender again, and the Trojans look like a disappointment again.
Washington 21-14 vs Michigan State
Michigan State Spartans continue to provide opposing teams with a tough physical game. Too many injuries and not enough talent still stand in the way of this team having success this year. Demond Williams found a way and led the Washington Huskies to their 6th win of the season.
Penn State 42-14 vs Minnesota
Just like that, the Minnesota Gophers have another letdown. Playing on the road against the Penn State Nittany Lions is no layup win, but the Gophers getting blown out like that to a disappointing Nittany Lions team is inexcusable. As many impressive wins the Gophers have this season, it is hard to appreciate that with losses like this.
Iowa 28-7 vs Purdue
The Hawkeyes get the momentum going with a commanding win over the Purdue Boilermakers. This year could be different for the Hawkeyes.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Big Ten Week 11 showed who premier teams are, and USC isn't one
