As expected, week seven wasn't the most earth-shattering slate of games in the B10. We did learn a few things, however: Michigan State and Purdue are tripping over each other to be the most disappointing team in the conference, Wisconsin's offense seems to have got its groove back, and Ohio State's defense has far more holes than usual.
Iowa- 19
Michigan State- 16 (2OT)
Iowa spent most of the game just trying to find any way to move the ball, while Sparty couldn't stop shooting itself in the foot. Michigan State is a far cry from the team they were last year that narrowly missed out on a Big Ten Championship. The Spartans were constantly having trouble lining up correctly and executing simple plays. Iowa's offense struggled all day, but came through with a long touchdown drive when it needed it the most in the last minute of regulation. Iowa RB Mark Weisman continues to be one of the best stories in the B10 this season, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown- including a crucial 37 yard carry late in the game that set up the game-tying touchdown. Both teams exchanged field goals in the first overtime, but Iowa DB Greg Castillo intercepted a tipped pass in the second overtime to to seal an unlikely victory for the Hawkeyes.
Up Next: Penn State at Iowa, Michigan State at Michigan
(8)Ohio State- 52
Indiana- 49
Somewhere, Jim Tressel weeps. Ohio State has taken the form of a Big 12 team as it racked up its sevent consecutive win to start the season- score a ridiculous amount of points, but allowing its defense to get gouged in the process. Ohio State took the lead for good after recovering a blocked punt late in the first half to go up 17-14 on the Hoosiers. Indiana scored 22 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn't enough to complete a furious comeback attempt. Braxton Miller once again had a huge day, picking up 211 yards and 2 TDs through the air and 149 yards and 1 TD on the ground. With Geno Smith's lackluster performance in a blowout loss to Texas Tech, Miller may just work his way into the top of the Heisman list. Carlos Hyde also had a big day for the Buckeyes, rushing for 156 yards and a touchdown.
Up Next: Purdue at Ohio State, Indiana at Navy
Wisconsin- 38
Purdue- 14
If you enjoy seeing Danny Hope and his glorious mustache on the Purdue sidelines, you may want to take in that sight soon before it's too late. Purdue was supposed to have it's best team in years as they contend for a Big Ten Leaders Division championship. Instead, they find themselves at 0-2 in conference play after blowout losses against Michigan and Wisconsin. Wisconsin shed its anemic offense and looked more like the Badgers from the past two seasons. Montee Ball picked up 247 yards and 3 TDs on 29 carries.
Up Next: Minnesota at Wisconsin, Purdue at Ohio State
(25)Michigan- 45
Illinois- 0
Illinois made Michigan look like a national title contender as the Wolverines completely throttled a lifeless Illini squad. What else can you say about a game where Michigan outgained Illinois 527-134 in total yardage? Denard Robinson was his usual self, accounting for 287 total yards and four TDs.
Up Next: Michigan State at Michigan, Indiana at Illinois (10/27)
Northwestern- 21
Minnesota- 13
Northwestern bounced back to become the first B10 team to reach bowl eligibility. Minnesota drove all the way to the Northwestern six late in the game, but the Wildcats defense made a stand and kept the Golden Gophers out of the end zone. Venric Mack continues his meteoric rise by rushing for 182 yards and 2 TDs on 20 carries. Minnesota dropped its second straight after starting off 4-0.
Up Next: Nebraska at Northwestern, Minnesota at Wisconsin
Idle: Penn State and Nebraska