Big Ten Recap: Week 12

Ohio State- 21
Wisconsin- 14 (OT)
After only putting seven points on the board during the first 59 minutes of regulation, Wisconsin QB Curt Phillips put together a frantic touchdown drive as time ran out to send the gane into overtime. Like much of the game, the Badgers defense could not contain Carlos Hyde as he scored on a 2-yard run to put the Buckeyes up 21-14. The magic that helped the Badgers tie the game escaped them in overtime, as a quick 4-and-out ended the game. Montee Ball finished with 191 yards, but a crucial fumble at the goal line with under three minutes to play nearly sunk any chance Wisconsin had to hand Ohio State its first loss of the season.

Next Week: Wisconsin at Penn State, Michigan at Ohio State

Northwestern- 23
Michigan State- 20
Northwestern went into the fourth quarter with a slim lead, and was able to hang on to improve to 8-3. Michigan State had a chance to hand the Wildcats another heart-wrenching loss, but four consecutive incompletions by Andrew Maxwell with under a minute left sunk the Spartans chances. Michigan State was a heavy favorite to win the Big Ten, but now must defeat Minnesota in the final week of the regular season just to become bowl eligible.

Next Week: Illinois at Northwestern, Michigan State at Minnesota

Michigan- 42
Iowa- 17
Denard Robinson returned to action, but mostly took snaps at running back as Devin Gardener has been simply too good to be displaced at quarterback. Gardener accounted fro every Michigan score of the day, passing for three touchdowns and picking up another three scores on the ground. Iowa is now guaranteed a losing season after losing its fifth straight. Iowa would owe Kirk Ferentz $21 million to show him the door, so it seems as though he has plenty of job security for now.

Next Week: Michigan at Ohio State, Nebraska at Iowa

Nebraska- 38
Minnesota- 14
Nebraska jumped out to a 24-0 lead and completely outclassed Minnesota in every area of the game. Taylor Martinez continues to show vast improvement as a passer, completing 21 of 29 passes for 308 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Nebraska can clinch the Legends division with a win over Iowa on Friday.

Next Week: Nebraska at Iowa (Friday), Michigan State at Minnesota

Purdue- 20
Illinois- 17
After stumbling out the gate, Purdue won its second straight Big Ten match-up. As disappointing as the season has been for the Boilermakers, they can still go bowling with a victory over Indiana next week. Illinois fell to 0-7 in conference play.

Next Week: Indiana at Purdue, Illinois at Northwestern