The Big Ten
The Big Ten conference is an ironic name to have, since the Big Ten has twelve Division I teams. When it originally was founded in 1896, it was formerly known as the Western Conference and Big Nine Conference; the Big Ten was an obvious merger between these two conferences. The Big Ten is comprised of:
University |
Football Team Name |
University of Illinois | Fighting Illini |
Indiana University | Hoosiers |
University of Iowa | Hawkeyes |
University of Michigan | Wolverines |
Michigan State University | Spartans |
University of Minnesota | Golden Gophers |
University of Nebraska | Cornhuskers |
Northwestern University | Wildcats |
Ohio State University | Buckeyes |
Pennsylvania State University | Nittany Lions |
Purdue University | Boilermakers |
University of Wisconsin | Badgers |
Ohio State University
Ohio State managed a huge win against Miami, ending the game at 56 – 10 in favor.
Ohio State University |
|||
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
Average Score |
10 |
Average Score Against |
18 |
Total Yards |
20 |
Total Yards |
43 |
Rushing Yards |
14 |
Rushing Yards |
3 |
Passing Yards |
48 |
Passing Yards |
102 |
Ohio State has an excellent team, in both offense and defense. Their offense is lead by Braxton Miller, the sophomore QB that not only is a great quarterback, but also runner. He managed to put up 207 passing yards with two touchdowns, as well as rushing for 161 yards, with 17 carries and one touchdown. This is one impressive player. It also helps that he has WR Philly Brown and Devin Smith at his disposal. This lineup makes the Buckeyes offense a very dangerous adversary.
The Buckeye defense isn’t that far behind the offense. They have proven to be very good at stopping the rushing, keeping the Miami running at -1 yard for the entire game. They have shown to have difficulty with pass coverage, and they need to start working on that; if they do improve in this area, Ohio State will certainly become a powerhouse this season.
University of Nebraska
The University of Nebraska is already ranked 17th due to their last season performance, and it would seem that they are continuing that winning attitude.
University of Nebraska |
|||
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
Average Score |
15 |
Average Score Against |
53 |
Total Yards |
4 |
Total Yards |
24 |
Rushing Yards |
18 |
Rushing Yards |
81 |
Passing Yards |
12 |
Passing Yards |
7 |
Beating Southern Miss 49 – 20 in their first matchup has gone to show the nation, fans, and sports bettors just how strong Nebraska is and how strong they can become. Their offense is quite exquisite, with their amazing QB Taylor Martinez posting up 26 completed passes, 354 yards, and a 76.5% completion rate; not to mention the five touchdowns he got from passing. An overall great player, RB Ameer Abdullah has proven to be a great rusher, as well as receiver when the QB has needed him.
Their defense will be proving difficult for those teams that rely more on passing than rushing, as they have great pass coverage by the defensive ends. They already have an impressive offense, they just need to get the defense to match.
Underdog Big Ten Teams
Purdue University
Purdue University has not had very good season in the previous years, whether it was due to lack of player experience or the change in coaching. They have started to gain back the football proficiency they used to have during the Drew Brees years. They defeated Eastern Kentucky, even though they are not a formidable team, Purdue still played very well; final score was 48 – 6.
Purdue University |
|||
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
Average Score |
23 |
Average Score Against |
9 |
Total Yards |
17 |
Total Yards |
9 |
Rushing Yards |
56 |
Rushing Yards |
43 |
Passing Yards |
8 |
Passing Yards |
10 |
Purdue has to continue to put up stats like they did during their first matchup. The Boilermakers have always been a team more focused on offense, but it seems they have started to become a good defensive team as well. Purdue still lacks a good rushing game, but they are doing excellent when it comes to passing. It could be thanks to returning QB, Robert Marve, with his 78.9% completion rate and 3 touchdown passes. Wide receivers O.J. Ross and Antavian Edison have also been key for the success of the offense.
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa put up an impressive match against Northern Illinois, not because they were able to post up impressive stats, but because they managed to be one of the two Big Ten teams to win while on the road; the other team was Northwestern. They beat Northern Illinois 18 – 17 in a close match.
University of Iowa |
|||
Offensive |
Rank |
Defensive |
Rank |
Average Score |
86 |
Average Score Against |
38 |
Total Yards |
102 |
Total Yards |
11 |
Rushing Yards |
76 |
Rushing Yards |
63 |
Passing Yards |
106 |
Passing Yards |
3 |
Iowa is focusing on strengthening their defense, and as it goes, a better defense will win games; as proven here. They were on the road and still managed to win the game. Their offense has no real stake in the games, where they only managed to make one touchdown, and the rest of the points were made by Mike Meyer, the kicker with 4 field goals made; an 80% field goal rate.
They rely a great deal on the defensive backs, safeties, and cornerbacks. DB Tanner Miller and Kevin Buford were key in blocking and tackling the receivers during the match against N. Illinois. We hope to see much more from the Hawkeye defensive lineup.
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