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Kent State Golden Flashes (2-6)
Lost to Ohio 14-10
At this point it just has to be said: Kent State is not a good football team this year. Quarterback Nick Holley continues to do his best to win games by his lonesome, totaling 101 pass yards and 159 rushing yards on the day. Not much else went right for the Flashes this week, even when Ohio turned the ball over three times. The going doesn’t get any easier this week as Central Michigan is on deck.
Up Next: Central Michigan Chippewas (5-3)
Pitt Panthers (5-2)
Bye
Pitt is coming off their bye week, and are hoping to make some noise in an intra-divisional game for them against the Hokies. Virginia Tech finds itself right behind Penn State in the rankings (WHOO HOO) after dismantling Miami 37-16. This game should be a pretty good indicator for both of these teams on just where they stand nationally.
Up Next: #25 Virginia Tech Hokies (5-2)
Temple Owls (5-3)
Beat South Florida 46-30
Don’t look now, but Temple is secretly good this year. Phillip Walker threw for 209 yards, and Ryquell Armstead ran for another 210 in a game that saw the Owls rack up 528 total yards, 25 first downs, and over 39 minutes in time of possession. Temple is now first in their AAC division, and face the ever-difficult Bearcats next.
Up Next: Cincinnati Bearcats (4-3)
#2 Michigan Wolverines (7-0, 4-0 Big Ten)
Beat Illinois 41-8
Michigan continues to dominate its opponents on both sides of the ball. The Wolverines were up 31-0 at the half, and didn’t allow Illinois to score until the fourth quarter. Looking ahead, I just don’t see any teams that can even threaten Michigan until they travel to Columbus to end the season. That being said, this week is a rivalry game, and we all know how rivalries can throw things out of whack.
Up Next: Michigan State Spartans (2-5, 0-4)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 2-2)
Beat Rutgers 34-32
Minnesota had this game in the bag early, leading 21-3 at the end of the first quarter. Then they turtled up, and let quarterback Giovanni Rescigno (yes, that’s his name) slowly lead the Knights back into the game, which ultimately saw Rutgers go ahead 32-31. A field goal with 6 seconds remaining saved the day for the Gophers, but showed that BTPR won’t just mail it in this season.
Up Next: Illinois Fighting Illini (2-5, 1-3)
Maryland Terrapins (5-2, 2-2)
Beat Michigan State 28-17
In last week’s Big Ten preview, I called this game a coin flip, and at the half, it was 14-14. In fact, Michigan State led 17-14 at the end of the third, but two fourth quarter touchdowns gave Maryland the win. Perry Hills sparkled in his return from injury, amassing 200 yards passing with two touchdowns. Next up, Maryland travels to take on #teamchaos.
Up Next: Indiana Hoosiers (3-4, 1-3)
#6 Ohio State (6-1, 3-1)
Good times never seemed so good
A lot has been said about this game, and what it means for Penn State. Personally I don’t think the win can be undersold for the players and coaches on this team. For two and a half seasons now, Penn State has been under the cloud of sanctions, struggling to 7-win seasons, and looking fairly mediocre in the early goings of this season. To come out and ride the defense to a hard-fought 24-21 victory is a testament to the heart and character of everyone on this team. What really speaks to me is that this team is allegedly a year away from truly being “back.” Next year is when the roster will begin to level out with a good age distribution, as the underclassmen move up and another talented recruiting class comes in. That this team could find a way to win when, by most accounts, they’re a year away still, speaks volumes to Coach Franklin and his staff, and the incredible work they’ve done. It also makes me irrationally excited for 2017 (and beyond). Buckle up, it’s gonna be a fun ride.