:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/51834969/622863642.1479175869.jpg)
Kent State Golden Flashes (3-7)
Lost to #21 Western Michigan 37-21
Kent State came out and played with its hair on fire, taking a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter. WMU fought back to get a 21-14 lead in the third quarter, only to see the Flashes tie it up at the beginning of the fourth. Unfortunately a safety and a couple touchdown runs by the Broncos sealed KSU’s fate. Still, they played tough against a quality opponent, and should carry some momentum into their game against Bowling Green.
Up Next: Bowling Green Falcons (2-8)
Pitt Panthers (6-4)
Beat #4 Clemson 43-42
How ‘bout them Panthers! On the season, Penn State has two losses, and the worse of the two by far had been to unranked Pitt. While Pitt still has four losses to its name, they now lay claim to one of the best wins of the season. Pitt took down undefeated Clemson thanks to some stingy defense, hard running, and yes, some questionable officiating. But having our worst loss of the season come at the hands of a team that beat a top-five squad can only help our case!
Up Next: Duke Blue Devils (4-6)
Temple Owls (7-3)
Bye
Temple was on their bye week this week, getting rested after playing 10 straight weeks of football. This week the Owls will look to continue their winning ways as they take on the Green Wave of Tulane.
Up Next: Tulane Green Wave (3-7)
#3 Michigan Wolverines (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten)
Lost to Iowa 14-13
Ahahaha! There’s still a lot of work to be done for Penn State and its hopes for postseason glory, but the door that had been slammed firmly shut against them just creaked open. On the road, Michigan never was able to get its offense going, and the Iowa defense made them pay. PSU fans will feel (some) empathy for the Wolverines, as we know what it’s like to lose a game in Kinnick Stadium on a last-second field goal.
Up Next: Indiana Hoosiers (5-5, 3-4)
Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-3, 4-3)
Lost to #18 Nebraska 24-17
I had faith in Minnesota that it could pull this game out, and I was almost rewarded for my belief. Alas, after taking a 17-10 lead into halftime, the Gophers were shut out in the second half. After being knocked out of the game a week ago against Ohio State, quarterback Tommy Armstrong reappeared for the Cornhuskers and led them to the win. With the loss, the Gophers need a lot of help to make the B1G conference championship game, and will be rooting for #chaos the rest of the way.
Up Next: Northwestern Wildcats (5-5, 4-3)
Maryland Terrapins (5-5, 2-5)
Lost to #2 Ohio State 62-3
Ouch. A week after being demolished by Michigan 59-3, the Terrapins managed to up (lower?) their game against Ohio State. Maryland gets Nebraska next, which still has B1G West hopes, and should be a tough go. Luckily, the Terps play Rutgers to end the season, and should get that elusive sixth win for bowl eligibility.
Up Next: #18 Nebraska Cornhuskers (8-2, 5-2)
#2 Ohio State Buckeyes (9-1, 6-1)
Beat Maryland 62-3
If there was any doubt about the Ohio State offense, let it be put to rest. The Buckeyes scored 62 points in consecutive weeks, against two teams that are not all that bad. At this point, the biggest hurdle remaining for the Buckeyes is the Wolverines in a couple weeks. They need to win out and hope Penn State stumbles to have a chance at the B1G conference championship game. Even so, if they don’t make it to the B1G CCG, they may still sneak into the playoffs if they finish 11-1.
Up Next: Michigan State Spartans (3-7, 1-6)
Purdue Boilermakers (3-7, 1-6)
Lost to Northwestern 45-17
Oh Purdue. For as good as the top of the Big Ten is this year (four top 10 teams), the bottom is equally bad. Purdue finds itself firmly amongst the bottom-dwellers of the conference (again), and just can’t seem to find a way to win right now. Next week doesn’t bode well for the Boilermakers either, who may not win again this season.
Up Next: #7 Wisconsin Badgers (8-2, 5-2)
Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3)
Beat #3 Michigan 14-13
Goodness me. 6-4 will never be forgivable, and 2008 is a year we don’t speak of in my household. But man, right now I could give the nearest Iowa fan a hug. We’re not in the clear yet, but the improbable defeat over the Wolverines has breathed new life into Penn State’s Big Ten championship hopes. Here’s something I never thought I’d say – thank you, Hawkeyes!
Up Next: Illinois Fighting Illini (3-7, 2-5)
Indiana Hoosiers (5-5, 3-4)
#mosthatedrival indeed
Here’s something that pains me to say – Penn State should have lost this weekend. There are myriad reasons for it, mostly stemming from our offensive line being incredibly banged up, and our defensive backs seemingly forgetting how to cover receivers, but the fact is Penn State did not look like it deserved to beat the Hoosiers. Were it not for five turnovers, including a muffed punt inside the 10 yard line, Penn State probably loses this game. I have hope that our OL will get healthier, and that we won’t face a QB-receiving corps combo as dangerous as Indiana’s the rest of the way, but man. These next 2 weeks for the Lions will be crucial to try to get healthy again.