The Big Ten football world is upside-down. A lot of teams that have been at the bottom of the conference in previous seasons could jump over traditional Big Ten powers. The Northwestern Wildcats have been fueled by Aidan Chiles, who looks like a completely different quarterback this season. Both the Michigan Wolverines and the Iowa Hawkeyes
have similar problems holding them back this season. USC remains stuck.Here is what we learned in the Big Ten in Week 8:
The Michigan Wolverines have much bigger problems than quarterback play
Tommy Carr helped lead the Wolverines past Penn State, but this week it was a whole different story. The passing attack and the entire offense struggled all game against the Indiana Hoosiers. If there was any bit of offensive success by Michigan, they would have knocked off the Hoosiers. Instead
of looking solely at Bryce Underwood's struggles, Michigan needs to evaluate everything.
Quarterback is the Iowa Hawkeyes' biggest hurdle ... again
The Hawkeyes consistently have a great run game, and their defense can keep them in every game. Yet Iowa just lost a football game to the Minnesota Gophers 10-13 because both of their quarterbacks could not get it done. This issue has been what has hindered this program from real success in the Big Ten. It looks like they will be headed towards another 8-4 finish this season.
Oregon Ducks' run to the College Football Playoff ended
Just following the first game of the season, it was apparent this year's Oregon Ducks team looked different than previous Ducks teams. Then came the loss to Oklahoma State and the loss to the UCLA Bruins. Dan Lanning has already fired his offensive coordinator. If this team has another disappointing loss, he could be next, given how talks have heated up. This season, the Ducks are in consideration for one of the most disappointing teams in college football. They will not be representing the Big Ten in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana Hoosiers will make an early College Football Playoff exit
The Indiana Hoosiers may have unofficially locked in their spot in the College Football Playoff; this team has given no confidence that they will match last year's success. They should have 3 losses in the season, and if they face a high-caliber team in the playoff, they will get knocked off with ease. Ohio State exposed that notion. The Hoosiers should be looked at for more than just what their record dictates. This is a struggling team that has a disappointing loss coming up on the horizon.
Aidan Chiles is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten and the country
It is time for Aidan Chiles to no longer be underrated. He looked like a star in Week 8. He had 300 yards and 5 touchdowns total against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He has been very consistent this season both as a passer and with his legs. The Wildcats offense is super dangerous, and Saturday they should show what it looks like when everything is clicking on all cylinders. This team, however, does not have the same success if it is not for Aidan Chiles playing at the level he is. If he continues this play, he could be looking at walking away this season with a prestigious award.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: 5 key takeaways from Big Ten football after explosive Week 8
