Creeping The B1G: Chalk Everywhere But College Park

No. 11 Wisconsin 17, Iowa 9

For selfish reasons, I was personally pulling for Iowa in this game. It was foolish of me. Iowa seems like a shell of its 2015 self, being unable to get anything going on offense in the Big Ten, save for one time against Northwestern. Unfortunately for them, that day it was the defense who couldn’t stop the Wildcats. Wisconsin, on the other hand, has positioned themselves to win the West if they can win their rest of their games.

What this means for Wisconsin: They’re still alive in the West. They’ll need help from Ohio State, but if they can beat Nebraska this weekend, they’ll be in good position the rest of the way.

Up Next: Nebraska

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What this means for Iowa: With games against Penn State, Michigan, and Nebraska left on the schedule, the Hawkeyes are looking at a potential 7-5 finish if they can’t pull an upset.

Up Next: BYE

Northwestern 24, Indiana 14

Man, what a waste. Indiana finally has an adequate defense, and now it’s their offense that can’t get anything done. Against a Northwestern team that has allowed over 20 points against every opponent except for one this season, the Hoosiers managed to only score 14 points, and two of the were the result of a pity safety at the end of the game.

What this means for Northwestern: A few weeks ago, this seemed like a doomed season for the Wildcats. With games against Purdue and Illinois still left to play, it will be pretty disappointing if they miss a bowl.

Up Next: at Ohio State

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What this means for Indiana: The Hoosiers have no room for error if they want to make back to back bowl games. They still have three winnable games against Maryland, Rutgers, and Purdue, with Penn State not being totally out of the question yet. If they slip up once more, however, those dreams could end right quick.

Up Next: Maryland

Minnesota 34, Rutgers 32

Another week for “I really feel bad for Rutgers.” I don’t know if this is more an indictment of Minnesota or a testament to Rutgers, but this game was a battle from beginning to end. Rutgers found itself up 32-31 with about four minutes left in the game, but they couldn’t stop Minnesota’s last drive. The change at quarterback for Rutgers is seemingly paying dividends, so don’t be surprised if they pick off someone on their remaining schedule.

What this means for Minnesota: They survived, but if they play like that against the rest of their schedule, they should expect to lose.

Up Next: at Illinois

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What this means for Rutgers: Moral victories aren’t fun, but they’re a lot better than losing 78-0.

Up Next: BYE

No. 2 Michigan 41, Illinois 8

Illinois had a pity score in the fourth quarter. Michigan tried a fake field goal up 34-0. Jim Harbaugh was ABSOLUTELY not trying to run up the score. Next.

What this means for Michigan: Nothing. They’re most likely not losing again until they play Ohio State (or more likely, until they meet Alabama in the championship game).

Up Next: at Michigan State

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What this means for Illinois: Nothing. The Fighting Illini lost to a superior team. Maybe they can beat Northwestern in the season finale. Maybe.

Up Next: Minnesota

No. 7 Nebraska 27, Purdue 14

If I told you the Boilermakers led at halftime, would you believe me? Well you would because you can look up the score. Nonetheless, this is another game, like last week against Indiana, where Nebraska just couldn’t put away an inferior opponent and cruise to victory, as expected of a top ten team. The competition heats up the next two weeks, however, so the Huskers had better be ready.

What this means for Nebraska: They’re undefeated and in the top 10. Beat Wisconsin and the West is theirs.

Up Next: at Wisconsin

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What this means for Purdue: They’re relegated to playing spoiler, and they have a great opportunity this weekend.

Up Next: Penn State

Maryland 27, Michigan State 17

The bottom has officially fallen out for the Spartans. They’ve lost five games in a row, and some are wondering whether these Spartans have quit on Mark Dantonio. What’s worse, Michigan State tried a fake field goal before the half of a 14-14 tie game, opting for 7 instead of 3. It didn’t work.

What this means for Maryland: One more game and you make a bowl game. Don’t lose to Rutgers.

Up Next: at Indiana

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What this means for Michigan State: They’re going to need to beat one of Michigan, Ohio State, or Penn State in order to make a bowl. Yeah, about that...

Up Next: Michigan