Big Ten Review: Week Two

It was a pretty heartbreaking Saturday all around the Big Ten, with the exception of a couple surprising bright spots. I would say it was the worst day for the Big Ten in a long time, but that saying is starting to become a regular thing. Misery loves company, right?

(22)Notre Dame- 20
Purdue- 17

The Boilermakers fought and fought, but were edged out by Notre Dame on a last-second field goal. Purdue scored a tying touchdown on a 15-yard touchdown pass by Caleb TerBush with two minutes on the clock, but it was two minutes too many for the Irish. Tommy Rees led a masterful drive down the field for the game-winning field goal that crushed the Boilermakers chance to make a big early-season statement. Purdue held Notre Dame to only 52 yards rushing on the day, which should make the rest of the B10 take notice.

Up Next for Purdue: Eastern Michigan

UCLA- 36
(16)Nebraska- 30

UCLA Head Coach Jim Mora made a huge statement in his second game at UCLA as the Bruins pulled off a stunning upset at the Rose Bowl. The game started out as a shootout with both teams scoring 24 points heading into halftime. The scoring slowed down in the second half, but the Huskers had no way to stop UCLA RB Johnathon Franklin, who rushed for 217 yards as well as catching an 8-yard pass to clinch the game for the Bruins. Redshirt freshman QB Brett Hundley also torched the Huskers for 357 yards and four touchdowns.

Up Next for Nebraska: Arkansas State

Oregon State- 10
(13)Wisconsin- 7

Oregon State might play for a national title if they only played tams in the top 15. It seems like the Beavers are good for a big upset every season, and this year it was the Badgers who were on the wrong side of things. Wisconsin's offense could not get anything going all day. Their only touchdown came in the final moments, and the Badgers failed to (legally) recover an onside kick attempt that may have given them a chance for an improbable comeback. RB Montee Ball rushed for 61 yards, seemingly putting an early end to his Heisman campaign.

Up next for Wisconsin: Utah State

(19)Michigan- 31
Air Force- 25

Service academies are typically tricky opponents, and this week was no different. Denard Robinson ran wild after being shut down against Alabama. Robinson racked up 218 yards on the ground and added 208 through the air while accounting for four touchdowns. But each time Michigan put points on the board, the Wolverine defense struggled to keep Air Force off the scoreboard. Michigan led most of the contest, but the Cadets were never far behind. With all of the other upsets throughout the B10, Michigan certainly won't complain about the game being a little too close to comfort.

Up Next for Michigan: UMass

(14) Ohio State- 31
Central Florida- 16

It was the Braxton Miller Show in Columbus for the second week in a row. Miller ran for 141 yards and 3 touchdowns on 27 carries while connecting on 18 of 24 passes for another 155 yards. Miller seems to do just enough to keep defenses honest, then punishing them on the ground. Central Florida had a few chances to keep the score close, but was unable to capitalize. UCF QB Blake Bortles threw three interceptions, including one in the end zone late in the game that could have put the Golden Knights within a score of the Buckeyes.

Up Next for Ohio State: Cal

Indiana- 45
UMass- 6

Indiana shellacked UMass in a game where many were picking the Minutemen in a minor upset. The Hoosiers had none of it in surprisingly dominating fashion. Unfortunately, Indiana lost its starting quarterback for the year when Tre Roberson suffered a horrific leg injury after amassing 114 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. After ending 2011 with a nine-game skid, the Hoosiers are now 2-0 on the season.

Up Next for Indiana: Ball State

Northwestern- 23
Vanderbilt- 13

Hey Northwestern, thanks for not letting the B10 completely fall apart in week two! Not many at all were predicting an NW win over a team that nearly upset a top ten South Carolina team last week, but the Wildcats showed again why they should never be taken too lightly. Northwestern was down for most of the game, but a 17-point effort in the fourth quarter helped them make the better of their SEC foe. Northwestern RB Venric Mark had 281 total yards and scored the late touchdown that clinched the game.

Up Next for Northwestern: Boston College

Iowa State- 9
Iowa- 6

Iowa State scored a touchdown on the opening drive, but that was the last time either team found the end zone for the rest of the day. Despite a total lack of offense, Iowa had a great opportunity to win the game in the final moments. After intercepting a pass in the end zone that would have put the game away for the Cyclones, James Vandenberg had a chance to make up for a very sluggish performance. He responded with four straight incompletions, including a dropped pass on fourth-and-ten. After two games against Northern Illinois and Iowa State, the Hawkeyes offense has mustered one touchdown.

Up Next for Iowa: Northern Iowa

(11)Michigan State- 41
Central Michigan- 7

Michigan State appears to be the Big Ten's best shot of a marquee team. This game was never really within question as the Spartans held a comfortable 24-0 halftime lead. Le'Veon Bell was slowed down compared to his monster performance against Boise State, but did score two touchdowns in addition to picking up 70 yards on 18 varries.

Up Next for Michigan State: Notre Dame

Minnesota- 44
New Hampshire- 7

Minnesota has made a habit of losing to FCS programs over the last few years, so a big win over New Hampshire certainly was not overlooked by the Screaming Eagles Golden Gophers fanbase. Marquis Gray led the Gophers in both passing and rushing yards, accounting for 209 yards and four touchdowns (all in the first half).

Up Next for Minnesota: Western Michigan

Arizona State- 45
Illinois- 14

Illinois got Zook'd so hard by former Todd Graham's high-speed attack in a late night battle in the dessert. Illini OB Nate Scheelhaase missed the game with an ankle injury, but his absence does not excuse an Illinois defense that allowed the Sun Devils to score at will.

Up Next for Illinois: Charleston Southern

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