Here’s what stood out from the past weekend of Big Ten football.
There were five Big Ten games that finished with one-possession scorelines this past weekend, along with a few electric offense showings and standout individual performances.
Here’s a recap of a few notable games and performances from the past weekend of Big Ten football.
Close call: No. 3 Michigan 31, Maryland 24
The nationally-televised contest started on the wrong foot for Maryland. Michigan capped a nine-play drive with a two-yard Blake Corum touchdown to take a 7-3 lead.
Then, Michigan’s conference-leading defense caused havoc in the backfield. The Wolverines’ pressure forced a fumble by Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, picked up by edge rusher Derrick Moore for a touchdown.
Minutes later, a blocked punt resulted in a safety, putting Michigan up 16-3, and that momentum continued on the ensuing possession. A 15-play, 64 yard drive that lasted over seven minutes ended with Corum hitting pay dirt for the second time.
Maryland responded, though. The Terps went 75 yards, with backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. sneaking into the end zone to trim the deficit.
Coming out of intermission, Maryland started the second half with another methodical touchdown drive. The teams traded touchdowns in the third, which sent the contest to a surprisingly intriguing final quarter of play.
The Terps recorded several stops on defense, but their offense was unable to complete the comeback.
Surprising result: Northwestern 23, Purdue 15
Northwestern and Purdue struggled to sustain drives in the first half, leading the former to take a marginal 6-0 lead into the break.
To start the second half, Northwestern kicker Jack Olsen booted his third field goal through the uprights. Purdue responded with an 82-yard drive, which resulted in wide receiver Tyrone Tracy Jr. rushing for a 20-yard score.
On Northwestern’s next possession, its needed only four plays for quarterback Ben Bryant to find wide receiver Cam Johnson for a 52-yard strike.
Purdue cut its deficit to a single possession following running back Devin Mockobee’s two-yard touchdown, but the Wildcats held on for the 23-15 victory. They are bowl eligible after a tumultuous offseason.
Player of the week: Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State is a well-oiled machine, equipped with an efficient quarterback, a generational wide receiver and a stout defense.
But one player who can take the Buckeyes to even greater heights is running back TreVeyon Henderson, and he showed why against Minnesota.
Henderson dominated with 146 yards and two scores on 15 carries in the Buckeyes’ 37-3 win over the Golden Gophers on Saturday.
On the first play of the second half, Henderson produced a highlight-reel rush, scampering 75 yards to the house. Earlier in the season, Henderson missed three games with an injury, but he looks to be back to full strength.
Ohio State’s rushing attack as a whole totaled 215 yards, showing its dominance at the line of scrimmage — something it’ll need to replicate against Michigan this coming Saturday.