Important Take Aways From The Games You Probably Missed

Written By Quai Chandler (@Hoosier_Huddle)

It’s the bye week for the Indiana Hoosiers but that doesn’t mean it’s an week off. The Hoosiers will have their eye on BGSU, and we have our eyes on some important match-ups around the country, and in the Big Ten. 

In Big Ten football every game is big, however week two is one that experts will look back to for future predictions. Early Non-Conference match ups usually result either in blow-outs or barn burners, however this week holds an interesting twist. Most of these games are close, challenging and possibly season altering match ups. With this being such a big week in college football there were a few important early games that you may have missed. Here are some things to take away from those match-ups.

Purdue ball carrier stopped short if a first down by Central Michigan defenders

What to take away:

Illinois: Barely squeaking past a poor western Kentucky defense, it looks like Illinois has made little to no improvement from last year. With a porous offensive line and a pedestrian defense, they may have even taken a small step back. One bright spot is the young quarter back Wes Lunt who could progress quickly in Big Ten play.

Nebraska: Looking at Nebraska, there are a ton of things to take away from the McNeese State match up however, the most important thing is to remember that it’s early.  Nebraska won the game due to the late game heroics of Ameer Abdullah, however don’t think this Nebraska team lacks for talent. While many mistakes were made, Nebraska’s passing attack will improve and expect the defense to find its groove again as well.

Penn State: While the Zips proved to be no match for the perennial Big Ten powerhouse, Nittney Lion fans should have a few concerns with the lack of offense in the first half. It sometimes takes time for an offence to find a groove however the problem was upfront in the offensive line. Not opening up running lanes or giving your quarterback time is a good way to have your offense shut down in Big Ten play.  

Purdue: Central Michigan is who we thought they were, an average to below average team who will be competitive in its own division however has no business beating any self-respecting Big Ten team. Yet that didn’t stop the Boiler Makers from losing to them. With a final score of 38-17 the game was a lot less close than the score indicated. Looks like Purdue may be getting a fresh start on a new losing streak.

As the late games conclude there will be more to talk about, some interesting games that could sneak past you will be Minnesota vs. Middle Tennessee, Maryland vs. South Florida and Iowa vs. Ball State.  All three match-ups could end in upsets, and with the hoopla of such a big weekend in college football will be under represented in the media.

UPDATE:

What a disaster this night turned out to be. The Big Ten lost all three of the marquee games by a a large margin.

Michigan State: The Spartans stood strong for the first half and then got blown away as Oregon scored 28 second half points. Connor Cook came back to earth and a team that prides itself on defense looked like they lost five starters from a year ago. The Spartans are still the class of the Big Ten, but after last night what does that even mean? 

Michigan: One Word. Atrocious. Michigan was shut out by Notre Dame 31-0, marking the first time they have been blanked since 1984. Questions about Brady Hoke being the right guy to bring the Maize and Blue back to national prominence are starting the fly around the web. 

Ohio State: Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes lost at home for the first time in his two plus years in Columbus. The loss to Virginia Tech also ended a 25 game regular season winning streak. The offensive line looked like swiss cheese and JT Barrett played like a freshman. The losses the Buckeyes suffered in the offseason are finally catching up to the Scarlett and Grey.