The Buckeyes didn’t allow anoth er score, and that motivated their offense to generate their come back victory, according to thirdyear quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Ryan Day said the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish bat tled over field position, making it important to maintain possession of the “Whenfootball.you'replaying against a team that wants to run the ball, you have to be smart because all it takes is one turnover, and you could be up against it,” Day said. “We tried to do the same thing — run the football, take care of the football and win that style of game — which is a different style of game than maybe we've been in the Ratherpast.”than risk a turnover on downs or giveaway, Day opted to punt in some scenarios and put faith in the Buckeye defense, such as when the Buckeyes chose to not go for it on fourth down with three yards to go on Notre Dame’s 39-yard line while trail ing 10-7 with less than nine min utes left in the second quarter.
ZACHARY RILLEY PHOTO EDITOR
Even under the bright lights with stakes high during No. 3 Ohio State’s first top-five season-opener against then-No. 5 Notre Dame, defensive coor dinator Jim Knowles and the Buckeyes kept their defense simple.
The Buckeyes made adjustments at halftime Satur day, overcoming a 10-7 deficit by shutting out the Fighting Irish and limiting them to 72 total yards in the second half. Despite hype surrounding the newlook defense, Knowles said Ohio State was “rather basic” in applying new concepts. “There's still a lot of things that we haven't shown,” Knowles said. “I wanted to keep it that way for the players so they could play fast and not worry about making mistakes.” Notre Dame outdueled Ohio State in the first half, totaling 181 yards of offense to the Buckeyes’ 149.
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On the first offensive play in the first quarter, Fight ing Irish second-year quarterback Tyler Buchner completed a pass to second-year wide receiver Lorenzo Styles Jr. for 54 yards. The opening reception was among Buchner’s eight first-half completions, but he was held to two throughout the third and fourth quarters. Safeties coach Perry Eliano said Tuesday Ohio State’s secondary and defense overall took the coaches’ message throughout the preseason and rose to the occasion against Notre Dame.
JACOB BENGE SPORTS EDITOR
“I was more proud because we were tough. We were physical,” Eliano said. “I’m more proud about that, that we really, really stepped up to the challenge of being able to respond when adverse situations hit and also being able to be physical and tough and make sure that they felt this at the end of the Neithergame.”Notre Dame nor Ohio State committed a turnover in the season-opener, and both teams near ly matched one another in the run game in the first half behind 53 and 50 rushing yards, respectively.
Ohio State’s defense responded by allowing the Fighting Irish to gain 23 yards on the ensuing drive, the first after Notre Dame took the lead on a go-ahead touchdown earlier in the quarter.
“It's definitely a great feeling as an offense knowing that you have a great defense that you can rely on,” Stroud said. “Even on some of those fourth downs where I thought that we're going to go for it, coach Day decided to punt, which I had no problem with, because he has so much trust in our defense.”
Buckeye defense ‘stepped up to the challenge’ in second-half comeback over Notre Dame
Ohio State graduate cornerback Cameron Brown (26) lines up prior to the snap during then-No. 2 Ohio State’s 21-10 win over then-No. 5 Notre Dame on Saturday.
However, Ohio State pulled away in the trench battle in the second half, running for 122 yards and a score while holding the Fight ing Irish to just 23 yards on the Headground.coach
CornhuskersNebraska
Head Coach: Mel Tucker 2021 record: 11-2 Location: East Lansing, Michigan Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 3-15 Head Coach: Scott Frost 2021 record: 3-9 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 1-7
Location: Piscataway, New Jersey Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 0-8
Head Coach: Greg Schiano 2021 record: 5-8
WolverinesMichigan MichiganSpartansState
Location: Bloomington, Indiana Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 0-18
Head Coach: Bret Bielema 2021 record: 5-7 Location: Champaign, Illinois Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 2-12
Penn NittanyStateLions BoilermakersPurdue ScarletRutgersKnights WisconsinBadgers
Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz 2021 record: 10-4 Location: Iowa City, Iowa Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 2-6
NorthwesternMinnesotaGophersWildcatsOhioStateBuckeyes
Head Coach: P.J. Fleck 2021 record: 9-4 Location: MinnesotaMinneapolis, Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 1-11 Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald 2021 record: 3-9 Location: Evanston, Illinois Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 1-12
Head Coach: Tom Allen 2021 record: 2-10
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Head Coach: Ryan Day 2021 record: 11-2 Location: Columbus, Ohio Head Coach: James Franklin 2021 record: 7-6 Location: University Park, Pennsylvania Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 5-16
GUIDE
Location: College Park, Maryland Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 0-7
FightingIllinoisIllini HoosiersIndiana HawkeyesIowa TerrapinsMaryland
Head Coach: Paul Chryst 2021 record: 9-4 Location: WisconsinMadison, Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 4-13
Head Coach: Je Brohm 2021 record: 9-4 Location: West Lafayette, Indiana Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 5-8
Head Coach: Michael Lock sley 2021 record: 7-6
BEGINNER’S TO THE BIG TEN
Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh 2021 record: 12-2 Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan Record versus Ohio State since 2000: 4-16
Key defensive player: Fourth-year linebacker Tommy Eichenberg capped his 2021 season by earning Defensive Player of the Game honors after a Rose Bowl performance in which he recorded 17 tackles. Selected as a captain entering this season, Eichenberg will lead not only Buckeye lineback ers, but their defense overall. He kept pressure on Notre Dame by bringing down three tackles for loss, including two sacks. Eichenberg adjusted to responsibilities as a starter in 2021, and his role became greater this season in a new-look Buckeye defense.
KATIE GOOD ASST. PHOTO EDITOR
JACOB BENGE SPORTS EDITOR
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
Second-year TreVeyon Henderson and third-year Miyan Williams split carries in the running backs room, earning 15 and 14 carries, respectively, to total 172 yards on the ground against Notre Dame.
Third-year quarterback C.J. Stroud returns as Ohio State’s starter after competing for the Heisman Trophy a year ago. Stroud claimed several postseason awards after the 2021 season, including the Big Ten’s Brees-Griese Quarterback of the Year award and an All-American se lection by the Associated Press. During the season-open er against Notre Dame, Stroud completed 71 percent of his passes for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
Plenty of hype surrounded Ohio State entering the season after making sweeping changes to the Buckeye coaching Headstaff coach Ryan Day brought in Jim Knowles from Oklahoma State as the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordi nator. Ohio State also hired Perry Eliano from Cincinnati as its safeties coach and Tim Walton from the Jackson ville Jaguars as the cornerbacks and secondary coach. During their first top-five season-opener in program history against then-No. 5 Notre Dame Saturday, the Buckeyes showed they could grind out four quarters against top-ranked opposition.
Defensively, fourth-year linebacker Tommy Eichenberg brought down a game-high nine tackles and a pass break up to lead the Buckeyes under their new-look defense.
What’s happened so far in 2022?
The then-No. 2 Ohio State football team takes the field ahead of the Ohio State-Notre Dame game Saturday. Ohio State won 21-10.
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An unexpected injury to third-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a 10-7 halftime deficit prompted Ohio State to adjust in the second half against the Fight ing Irish. The Buckeye defense shut out Notre Dame, prompting a comeback.
Weaknesses: When Smith-Njigba exited in the first quarter and was held out of the second half, the Buckeye offense quickly reshuffled and adjusted to playing without their return ing lead receiver. Second-year wideout Emeka Egbuka caught nine receptions for 90 yards and a touchdown, and seven Buckeyes caught a pass in their win over Notre Dame. Day said Ohio State will evaluate Smith-Njigba going forward, so the Buckeyes will be challenged to make up for the loss in production. Ohio State’s second ary served as a question mark entering the season as well, and the additions of Eliano and Walton were signs that Day and the Buckeyes expect improvements.
Ohio State’s offensive and defensive depth, including graduate wideout Xavier Johnson, whose first-career reception scored the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter, and second-year defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr., who recorded a fourth-quarter sack, banded together to score 14 unanswered points.
Key offensive player:
RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS
Weaknesses: While the future seems bright for head coach Mel Tucker and the Spartans, to say the team over performed in 2021 is hardly a stretch. Looking ahead at the 2022 schedule, winning on the road at Washington, Michigan and Penn State will be no easy feat. Additionally, with a less-than-sound secondary, the Spartans face no lack of pass-hap py offenses, and their first test comes Sept. 17 against Washington in Seattle. Ultimately, the 2022 campaign looks to be a defining season of Tucker’s tenure at Michigan State, where the Spartans will likely be content to match their record from the previous season.
WISCONSIN BADGERS
Kicking off their season under Friday, the Spar tans logged their first victory of 2022, defeating Western Michigan 35-13. Michigan State came out with some drawbacks, notably from redshirt junior quarterback Payton Thorne, who had some jitters and often put too much air under his throws early. However, he ultimately put the game away with a 43-yard touchdown to redshirt junior wide receiver Tre Mosley. Additionally, senior linebacker Jacoby Windmon was awarded Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, tallying four tackles for loss with a forced fumble.
What’s happened so far in 2022?
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Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst makes calls to the team in the first half of the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State Dec. 7, 2019. Ohio State won 34-21.
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Key defensive player: Junior linebacker Nick Herbig made his presence felt as a sophomore, recording nine sacks and a forced fumble last season. Now, as the leader of the Badger defense, Herbig already picked up two sacks and four tackles. Herbig has the ability to slice through the middle of offensive lines and get to the quarterback, standing at 6-foot-2, 228 pounds and playing quick for his size.
The Badgers enjoyed a 38-0 Week 1 shutout against Illinois State Saturday. The offense looked scary, led by sophomore running back Braelon Allen’s 148 yards and two touchdowns, including a 96-yard breakaway in the second quarter. In addition, junior quarterback Graham Mertz threw for 219 yards and a touchdown at a near-90 percent completion rate.
An Ohio native, it is no secret that defensive tackle Jacob Slade is one of the leaders of the Spartan de fense, and the redshirt senior’s name is on the pre season watch list for the Lombardi Trophy and the Outland Trophy. With new names in the front-seven rotation, Slade will be a grounding force and key production unit like he was last season, in which he tallied 40 tackles and five tackles for loss.
GAURAV LAW ASST. CAMPUS EDITOR
What’s happened so far in 2022?
Key offensive player: Redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Berger is ready to show the Big Ten what he is capable of after transfering from Wisconsin in January. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, one would think Berger is twenty pounds lighter with the way he hits the hole with such force and acceleration. Tallying 120 yards on the ground — with a long of 50 — and a touchdown, Berger looks to be the X-factor to the Spartans’ success for the duration of the season, like many Spartan running backs before him.
SCOTT FAYTOK TNS
Key offensive player: After a solid first season with the Badgers in 2021, Allen’s big touchdown run against Illinois State helped him start the year strong. Allen’s shown he’s the boost the Wisconsin offense may need after an up-and-down season last year. The Badgers return all key starters on the offensive line, so another year behind them can give Allen more confidence. In addition, if head coach Paul Chryst decides to use Allen as a receiver as well, like he did with back-to-back Doak Walker Award-winner Jonathan Taylor, defenses beware.
Key defensive player:
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano takes in the Rumble on the Raritan football game between Salem and Camden at SHI Stadium at Rutgers University in Piscatway, NJ on Sunday.
Weaknesses: Wisconsin’s secondary looked vulnerable Saturday against Illinois State. Cardinals junior quarterback Zack Annexstad found big holes in the defense, throwing for 186 yards. The Badgers gave up four passes of at least 20 yards to the Redbirds Saturday and must close those gaps come big games against teams, such as Ohio State Sept. 24 and Michigan State Oct. 15.
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BRETT PRICE
Michigan State Spartans defensive tackle Simeon Barrow (8) celebrates after recovering a Western Michigan Broncos fumble during the second quarter in East Lansing, Michigan on Friday Sept. 2, 2022.
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Weaknesses: The Hawkeyes quarterback position and the offensive line are both weak again in 2022, which is not a great combination. Petras threw for 1,880 yards and 10 touch downs last season and didn’t start well against the Jackrabbits with 109 yards and an interception. Iowa also allowed 32 sacks last year, which was 13th in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes only allowed two sacks on Saturday, but it will only become tougher once they start playing Big Ten teams.
MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS ASST. ARTS & LIFE EDITOR
Weaknesses: While the future seems bright for head coach Mel Tucker and the Spartans, to say the team over performed in 2021 is hardly a stretch. Looking ahead at the 2022 schedule, winning on the road at Washington, Michigan and Penn State will be no easy feat. Additionally, with a less-than-sound secondary, the Spartans face no lack of pass-hap py offenses, and their first test comes Sept. 17 against Washington in Seattle. Ultimately, the 2022 campaign looks to be a defining season of Tucker’s tenure at Michigan State, where the Spartans will likely be content to match their record from the previous season. VIA TNS
JOE HERMITT | JHERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS Penn State running back Noah Cain is tackled by Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell during the fourth quarter on Oct. 9, 2021.
Key defensive player: An Ohio native, it is no secret that defensive tackle Jacob Slade is one of the leaders of the Spartan de fense, and the redshirt senior’s name is on the pre season watch list for the Lombardi Trophy and the Outland Trophy. With new names in the front-seven rotation, Slade will be a grounding force and key production unit like he was last season, in which he tallied 40 tackles and five tackles for loss.
Key defensive player: Senior linebacker Jack Campbell finished 2021 with 143 total tackles and two in terceptions. He stood out in a strong Iowa defense and is primed to do so again this season. Campbell had 12 tackles in the game against South Dakota State and was responsible for one of the two safeties the defense forced.
What’s happened so far in 2022? Kicking off their season under Friday, the Spar tans logged their first victory of 2022, defeating Western Michigan 35-13. Michigan State came out with some drawbacks, notably from redshirt junior quarterback Payton Thorne, who had some jitters and often put too much air under his throws early. However, he ultimately put the game away with a 43-yard touchdown to redshirt junior wide receiver Tre Mosley. Additionally, senior linebacker Jacoby Windmon was awarded Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, tallying four tackles for loss with a forced fumble. Key offensive player: Redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Berger is ready to show the Big Ten what he is capable of after transfering from Wisconsin in January. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 215 pounds, one would think Berger is twenty pounds lighter with the way he hits the hole with such force and acceleration. Tallying 120 yards on the ground — with a long of 50 — and a touchdown, Berger looks to be the X-factor to the Spartans’ success for the duration of the season, like many Spartan running backs before him.
The Iowa Hawkeyes beat South Dakota State 7-3 Saturday, and the defense showed it could limit opposition like its 2021 season. The Hawkeyes forced two safeties and held the Jackrabbits to a field goal offensively. The offense, however, had a bit of a tough time, only able to manage a field goal.
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Key offensive player: Senior tight end Sam LaPorta led the Hawkeyes in receiving last season. He had more than double the catches that any returning player had in 2021 with 53. He ended the year with 670 yards and three touchdowns, and he has a connection with senior quarterback Spencer Petras that will likely continue into this season.
IOWA HAWKEYES
What’s happened so far in 2022?
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Weaknesses: Although Northwestern is known for its defensive prowess, the team struggled to create pressure last year, only producing 11 sacks, second-fewest in the Big Ten. The Wildcats hope to pounce on opposing quarterbacks more than 11 times this season with the help of senior defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore, who led the team with 4.5 sacks last year. He’ll need others on the defensive line to step up if Northwestern hopes to get back to winning this season.
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Key offensive player: It appears head coach James Franklin has put all of his faith into Clifford. Although freshman quarterback Drew Allar appeared in the second half while Clifford dealt with an injury, Franklin allowed his veteran gunslinger to throw the ball in the fourth quarter, where Clifford accounted for two of his four passing touchdowns. Clifford, who has a history with injuries, will need to stay healthy in order to bolster a Nittany Lions offense that finished ninth in the Big Ten in scoring last season and lost its star wide receiver, Jahan Dotson, in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Key defensive player: Redshirt junior cornerback Joey Porter Jr. faces the daunting task of matching up with opposing teams’ top wide receivers on a weekly basis. With a new defensive coordinator this season in Manny Diaz, Porter will likely spend time guarding those receivers one-on-one. Diaz puts a lot of responsibility on the shoulders of the potential 2023 first-round pick, but Porter proved that he could handle the role in Week 1 against Purdue, leading the team with eight tackles. He tied for the team lead with three passes defended, while also recovering a fumble late in the second quarter, which led to a Penn State touchdown drive.
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS AARON POROTSKY LANTERN REPORTER
Weaknesses: Penn State’s defense has the luxury of returning several key members of its secondary from last season’s roster, which should leave the Nittany Lions optimistic about their ability to defend the pass this season. However, after allowing 160.2 rushing yards per game last season, the thirdmost in the Big Ten, Penn State lost its two leading tacklers, Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith, to the NFL. These linebackers played critical roles in stopping opposing running backs a season ago, meaning that the struggles this defense endured against the run could linger.
CREDIT: JOE HERMITT | JHERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS Penn State running back Kaytron Allen runs for a big gain during the fourth quarter at Ross Ade Stadium for the Purdue game on Sept. 1, 2022. What’s happened so far in 2022?
Penn State opened its season with a thrilling 35-31 road win over Purdue Sept. 1. In a back-andforth game that included three lead changes in the fourth quarter alone, sixth-year quarterback Sean Clifford put the Nittany ahead for good with a touchdown pass to third-year running back Keyvone Lee with under a minute to play, capping an eight-play, 80yard drive that earned Penn State its 10th-consecutive win over the Boilermakers.
NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Northwestern University head coach Pat Fitzgerald during a game against Ohio State at Ryan Field in Evanston in Oct. 2019. What’s happened so far in 2022? After a disappointing 2021 season, following an appearance in the Big Ten Championship game in 2020, Northwestern kicked off its 2022 campaign at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, defeating the Nebraska Cornhuskers 31-24. It was a test of adversity for the Wildcats as they trailed by 11 points with nine minutes left in the third quarter. A failed onside kick attempt by the Cornhuskers led to 14 unanswered Northwestern points, and the Wildcats sealed the deal in the fourth quarter with a gamewinning interception from junior linebacker Xander Mueller. Key offensive player: Junior running back Evan Hull had a great 2021 campaign, rushing for 1,019 yards. Hull will be a major catalyst for the Wildcat offense this year. What makes the team more dangerous is the return of fellow junior running back Cam Porter, who missed last season due to a torn ACL and meniscus. Porter’s return in 2022 bolsters an already strong rushing attack and gives the Wildcats a quality two-headed monster to lean on. Key defensive player: The strength of this year’s defense is in their secondary as the Wildcats return several starting defensive backs. They lost junior safety Brandon Joseph to Notre Dame in the transfer portal but look to junior Cam Mitchell and senior A.J. Hampton Jr., both of whom received Big Ten honorable mention awards last year. Hampton and Mitchell are both experienced and capable players, and the latter wasted no time getting to work on a successful 2022 campaign recording his first interception in the win against Nebraska.
There IS a superior intelligence “out there” – and a loving one too. Your Creator wants you to acknowledge Him, and come to know Him and His ways. Don’t be deceived by evolutionism. All creation screams of intelligent design! The odds alone of DNA evolving are virtually nil. Evolutionism is the only “science” that denies the law of degeneration (entropy). God alone is the origin of life, and the true God wants/needs no one to take away life for Him – beware the “god” that does! What is unique about the Bible? It is the only book with fulflled prophecy (Isaiah 46:9-10). Try (current situation) Psalm 83 and Zechariah 12; (reformation of Israel after nearly 1900 years) Isaiah 66:8, Jeremiah 16:14-15, Amos 9:9-15, Ezekiel 34:12-31, and Ezekiel 36; (suffering/crucifxion of Christ) Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53; (future situation) Zechariah 13:7 – 14:21; (timing of the 2nd Coming of Christ) Joel 3:1-2, 2Peter 3:8/Hosea 5:14 – 6:2. “No one knows the day or the hour!” you cry? The Word says: 1Thessalonians 5:1-6. “Too hard to read and understand” you say? Try the KJV/Amplifed/Complete Jewish parallel bible (biblegateway.com). “It’s all in how you interpret it” you say? The Bible, despite numerous transcribers over hundreds of years, is remarkably consistent/coherent and interprets itself (2Peter 1:1621). Beware of modern, liberal translations from “the higher critics” which seriously distort the Word! Finally, if there is a God, why is there so much evil? We have rejected God, and now see what it is like to live in a world where God has permitted us (temporarily) to rule ourselves. Give up your lusts, and come to your Creator and follow His ways (Jude 1:18-25). All that this world has to offer is as nothing compared to what He has in store for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9, John 14:15). Isaiah 55:6-7!
Key defensive player: The momentum looked to be all but with Penn State in the season opener after the Nittany Lions scored a touchdown on a deep pass, then forced a Purdue threeFifth-yearand-out. safety Chris Jefferson had other ideas. Jefferson picked off Penn State sixth-year quarterback Sean Clif ford and made a 72-yard house call to put the Boilermakers up 31-28 with eight minutes to go in the fourth quarter.
Weaknesses: Purdue’s ground game will hin der its success this season. Though O’Connell possesses top-tier Big Ten arm talent, he can’t be tasked with throwing 36 passes per game like he was in The2021.Boilermakers can’t contin ually trot out a one-dimensional offense and expect to contend with a defense like what they’ll face against Wisconsin Oct. 22. Rushing attempts, yards, yards per carry, touchdowns and yards per game all had Purdue’s name written in big red ink next to it, sitting last in the Big Ten in each statistical category. The Boilermakers were the only team in the conference to fail to reach 100 yards per game, only crawling to 84 per contest.
PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
CASEY SMITH LTV SPORTS PRODUCER What’s happened so far in 2022? The Boilermakers looked to make a statement in their season opener against Penn State, as they are legitimate contenders in the Big Ten West. Ross-Ade Stadium was rock ing Sept. 1, and Purdue was a whisker away from delivering the 57,307-person crowd what they were looking for: a home-open ing Unfortunately,win. it fell short. Sixth-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell went 30-for-59 with 365 passing yards and a touch down, but the Boilermakers lost 35-31 to Penn State after sur rendering an eight-play, 80-yard drive in which the Nittany Lions scored with just under a minute to go in the game. Though Purdue aimed to start the season on the right foot, there is no reason it should be written off to represent the Big Ten West in Indianapolis during champion ship weekend. The Boilermakers face a favor able Big Ten slate with their only tough matchups on the road against Minnesota Oct. 1 and Wisconsin Oct. 22 as well as at home versus Iowa Nov. 5. If they can win two of those three games, they should be in prime position as a two-loss team to be in contention for a bid to the Big Ten Championship Dec. 3.
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The Boilermakers’ pass defense ranked fifth in the Big Ten last season, allowing just 208.7 yards per game, so expect Jefferson to have a hand in keeping up the secondary’s stout play in 2022.
Purdue’s leading rusher a season ago, King Doerue — only rushing for 557 yards in 2021 — returns looking to have a more productive senior season. He’ll have help in the backfield from junior Dylan Downing who ran for 185 yards on 44 carries in 2021 and redshirt junior Kobe Lewis — a transfer from Central Michigan who missed all of last season with an injury.
Someone is Looking for You!
JOE HERMITT | HERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS Purdue running back King Doerue dives into the end zone as Penn State linebacker Jonathan Sutherland defends during the third quarter at Ross-Ade Stadium for the Purdue game on Sept. 1, 2022.
The Euclid, Ohio, native was ev erywhere on the field against the Nittany Lions Sept. 1, leading Purdue with seven tackles. In addition to his one intercep tion, he broke up a Clifford pass as well. In 12 games a season ago, Jef ferson had 47 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception.
Key offensive player: The coal that powers Purdue’s steam engine on offense is un doubtedly O’Connell. He was the second-best sig nal-caller in the Big Ten a season ago behind Ohio State then-sec ond-year C.J. Stroud, who was a Heisman Trophy finalist. In 2021, O’Connell was tasked to carry the load for a Boilermak er offense that has been rather lackluster in years past, but he rose to the occasion, completing a whopping 71.8 percent of his passes for 3,708 yards and 28 Withtouchdowns.dynamic, play-making former wide receiver David Bell now in the NFL, O’Connell seemed to find a new favorite target in Iowa transfer and sixthyear wide receiver Charlie Jones. The two linked up for 12 comple tions, 153 yards and O’Connell’s only touchdown strike in the season opener.
Purdue’s offensive success once again weighs heavy on the shoul ders of O’Connell’s 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame. If he can rise to the occasion, he might contend to break Ohio State’s six-year streak of BreesGriese Quarterback of the Year awards — given to the best gunslinger in the Big Ten.
Key offensive player: Bazelak is already making an impression at Indiana. Previously playing three seasons at Missouri, Bazelak had his share of ups and downs, but is looking to make his name with the Hoosiers. The 2020 SEC Co-Freshman of the Year totaled 5,388 career passing yards along with 24 passing touchdowns across three seasons of play. Coupled with wide receivers graduate D.J. Matthews Jr. and junior Cam Camper — who also helped tie down the season-opening win — Bazelak and the Hoosiers offense have high hopes for the 2022 season.
Weaknesses: The Hoosiers were plagued with injuries in the 2021 season, causing 32 players to miss at least one game, with most missing the majority of the season. In addition to losing receiver duo Ty Fryfogle and Miles Marshall to the NFL Draft as well as four others to the transfer portal, the receiver room depth looks thin. If Indiana is hit with the same magnitude of injuries as the 2021 season, backup players will have
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INDIANA HOOSIERS
Indiana head coach Tom Allen speaks to reporters at Big Ten Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis July 26. to step up into much larger roles if head coach Tom Allen and the TERRAPINS
Maryland running back Antwain Littleton II leaps over the pile to score a touchdown during Saturday’s season-opening win over Bu alo. Littleton added 34 yards on six carries to help the Terps rush for 149 yards and four touchdowns.
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Hoosiers hope to make some noise in the Big Ten.
What’s happened so far in 2022?
The Terrapins handily defeated Buffalo 31-10 Saturday. The run game was effective with redshirt freshman running back Roman Hemby rushing for 114 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per carry. Key offensive player:
Junior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa broke out to throw for 3,860 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2021, good for third in the Big Ten in yards and fourth in touchdowns. He threw for 290 yards and one interception in his season debut Saturday. Key defensive player: Senior defensive back Jakorian Bennett was a bright spot on a defense that ranked 13th in the Big Ten in passing yards per game during 2021. He finished the season with 24 tackles, 13 passes broken up and three interceptions, which tied him for the team lead. He started off 2022 with five tackles and five passes broken up against Buffalo.
CREDIT: KEVIN RICHARDSON VIA TNS
Weaknesses: The Maryland defense struggled in 2021. It ranked 13th out of 14 teams in the Big Ten in points allowed, giving up 30.7 per game. It was also thirdworst in yards per game allowed in the Big Ten, allowing 404.3, topped only by Northwestern and Michigan State. The team also struggled with penalties, losing an average of 57.2 yards per game to penalties in 2021.
MARYLAND
What’s happened so far in 2022? Although unranked in the AP Top 25, Indiana looks to make a statement this season. The Hoosiers, led by redshirt junior quarterback Connor Bazelak, pulled off a 23-20 home win against fellow Big Ten-team Illinois Friday — ending the game with a 75-yard drive in the final two minutes. Indiana hopes to continue its momentum going into this week of play, where it will host the Idaho Vandals Saturday.
Key defensive player: After missing nearly the entire 2021 season due to a foot injury, senior defensive back Tiawan Mullen is back for 2022. Mullen was named to the 2020 AllBig Ten First Team and has 89 tackles, 20 passes defended and four forced fumbles in three seasons of play. The junior excels at maintaining good coverage while also being exceedingly physical. Paired with the Hoosiers’ team leader for interceptions — senior defensive back Jaylin Williams — this duo might be one to keep an eye on.
Key defensive player:
The University of Minnesota flag flies in front of the student section after a Gopher touchdown against the Indiana State Sycamores in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium on Sept 10, 2016 Mohamed Ibrahim can go toeto-toe with the best backs in college football. Ibrahim’s 2021 season was cut short when an Achilles injury in the Gophers’ season opener kept the Maryland native sidelined for the rest of the year. However, judging from Ibrahim’s 2020 season, he could be a serious difference-maker if he stays healthy. He scored 15 touchdowns and recorded 1,076 yards in seven games, setting a Minnesota record for singleseason rushing yards per game.
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CASEY SMITH | LANTERN TV SPORTS PRODUCER Illinois head coach Bret Bielema speaks to reporters at Big Ten Media Days at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis July 27.
Senior defensive back Jartavius Martin kicked off his 2022 season strong by recording seven tackles and three pass break-ups against Wyoming. Going into his fifth year, Martin provides veteran experience in the Illini secondary, shown by his 55 tackles which ranked fifth on the team last season. Weaknesses: The Fighting Illini’s passing was a major weakness in 2021, but that may be improved this season with returning wide receivers sophomore Isaiah Williams and junior Casey Washington. However, with the losses of former offensive linemen Doug Kramer and Vederian Lowe, the offensive line takes a hit which may be a weakness for the team.
Minnesota opened its season with a 38-0 home victory against former Golden Gopher head coach Jerry Kill’s New Mexico State Aggies Sept. 1. The Minnesota defense — which tied Central Florida for first in the Football Bowl Subdivision in total defense in 2021 — maintained that high standard of play in the season opener. The Gophers held New Mexico State’s offense to 91 total yards and just six first downs en route to a shutout victory.
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Key offensive player: Entering his sixth year at Minnesota, running back he finished second on the team in total tackles with 85, while also picking up five tackles for loss and one interception. As a team captain and veteran player, SoriMarin will likely make an impact on the field and in the locker room.
What’s happened so far in 2022? With a 1-1 record going into Week 2 of the season, Illinois took a 38-6 win against Wyoming Aug. 27 followed by a 23-20 loss at Indiana Sept. 2. The Fighting Illini will take on Virginia Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.
What’s happened so far in 2022?
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Key offensive player: In his sixth season with Illinois, senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski is key for the offense this season. Palczewski holds the Illinois all-time start record at 54 after the Indiana game. Serving his second year as a team captain, Palczewski will be leading the Fighting Illini throughout the 2022 season.
Key defensive player: Fifth-year linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin was one of the biggest contributors on Minnesota’s defense last season. In 12 games, the Gophers could have trouble adjusting to his absence. In the Gophers’ first game without Ibrahim in 2021, they squeaked by Miami (Ohio) 31-26, and two weeks later, they lost 14-10 at home to a Bowling Green team that failed to qualify for a bowl game.
Weaknesses: While sixth-year quarterback Tanner Morgan and his wide receiving corps can make plays, the Minnesota offense’s reliance on Ibrahim could hurt the team in the long run. If Minnesota gets in a shootout with a highpowered offense, it could struggle to keep up with its own run-heavy offense. Additionally, if Ibrahim misses more action this season,
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The Wolverines started the season with a dominant 51-7 win over Colorado State. The defense, which ranked No. 8 in scoring in 2021 by allowing 17.4 points per game, did not miss a beat holding the Rams to 219 total yards Saturday. Three different players rushed for at least 50 yards en route to holding Colorado State to 2.1 yards per carry.
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NEIL BLAKE | MLIVE.COM VIA TNS Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (14) scores a touchdown over Colorado State defensive back Greg Laday (10) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.
Key offensive player: While Grant has been great for the Cornhuskers so far this season, a key offensive player to look at is Thompson. Thompson transferred from Texas this past offseason and is looking to lead Nebraska to a winning season. While with the Longhorns, Thompson threw for 2,422 yards, 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Committing fewer turnovers can be a differ ence maker for Thompson and Nebraska's offense throughout this season.
Key offensive player: Junior running back Blake Corum comes off a year making All-Big Ten Third Team after accumulating 1,397 all-purpose yards in 2021. After splitting reps with former running back Hassan Haskins last season, Corum is primed to take the majority of snaps in the back field for the Wolverines in 2022. Corum was the leading rusher in Michigan’s 51-7 win over Colorado State, running for 76 yards and a touchdown.
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Weaknesses: With many returners and several new faces, Nebraska has a lot to look forward to for this upcoming season. Despite this, Nebraska has failed to deliver in big-time moments. Last season, the Corn huskers lost eight of their games within one possession. Not only that, but they need to take better care of the football and have fewer turnovers, racking up three so far this season. Ultimately, Nebraska needs to be better on both sides of the ball in order to contend for a top spot in the Big Ten West.
Weaknesses: The Wolverines have yet to decide on a starting quarterback for the 2022 season, showing that the position is rotating based on the situation. Although gradu ate signal-caller Cade McNamara started against Colorado State, three different quarterbacks appeared in Saturday’s game. Head coach Jim Harbaugh stated sophomore J.J. McCarthy will get the start in Week 2 against Hawaii, and the inconsistency at the quarterback position may lead to trouble later in the season.
What’s happened so far in 2022?
JOE HERMITT | VIA TNS Nebraska head coach Scott Frost speaks during Big Ten Football Media Days held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, In. on July 22, 2021.
Key defensive player: Nebraska has done a great job making secure tackles. Leading the charge is junior linebacker Luke Reimer. Reimer has started hot this season, leading the team in tackles with 19. Last season, Reimer blew up with 90 total tackles, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and an intercep tion. If the Second Team All-Big Ten linebacker continues to prove his defensive presence, he can be a problem for opponents.
What's happened so far in 2022? In Week 0, the Cornhuskers lost a close game to Northwestern 31-28 in Dublin, Ireland. Junior quarter back Casey Thompson threw for 355 yards with one touchdown but two interceptions. The Texas transfer led the offense with a near-60 percent completion paired with junior running back Anthony Grant, who rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns. After a disappointing Week 0 loss, Week 1 was a different outcome for the Cornhuskers after a 38-17 win against North Dakota Saturday.
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Grant ran for two more touch downs and junior edge rusher Garrett Nelson led the defense with eight tackles, a forced fum ble and a sack to help Nebraska secure its first win of the season
Key defensive player: Senior defensive lineman Mazi Smith was an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2021 where he recorded 37 tackles and four passes defended. Smith’s season started off strong against Colorado State where he registered four combined tack les and 0.5 sacks.
Eichenberg was everywhere in the middle of Ohio State’s defense, as he led the Buckeyes with nine tackles — three tackles for loss and two sacks in his first game since his 17-tackle Rose Bowl performance. Wide receivers flash, former walk-on Johnson ‘shocks the world’ With Stroud’s favorite target, Smith-Njigba, and third-year wide receiver Julian Fleming sidelined, he had to make do with the other pass catchers at his disposal, and they stepped up in a big way.
Ohio State limited the Fighting Irish to just 10 points and 253 yards of offense — with 54 coming on their first offensive play — which would have ranked second-lowest and fourth-lowest for last year’s defense.
The Buckeyes showed Saturday that they are leaps and bounds ahead of where their defense was a season ago.
Second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka sported Olave’s previous No. 2 jersey, and he showed flashes of the Buckeyes’ program touchdown-reception record holder. The Steilacoom, Washington, native led all receivers with nine catches for 90 yards and one of the Buckeyes’ two receiving Thetouchdowns.othercame from former walk-on and graduate wide receiver Xavier Johnson, who en tered Saturday without recording a catch in his career.
Johnson said he dreamed of a performance like that for his whole life. “I came in, and I was confident in myself,” Johnson said. “Coming in, I was expecting to shock the world, you know, as a freshman, everybody does.”
The defense held Notre Dame scoreless for the final 41 minutes and limited the Irish’s offense to just 72 yards on 3.6 yards per play in the second half. Each of Notre Dame’s final six drives resulted in a punt. It wasn’t just the numbers the unit put up, though. They passed the eye test as well.
Williams’ 14-carry, 84-yard performance wasn’t all for the Buckeyes’ ground game.
Football: Takeaways from No. 2 Ohio State’s 21-10 win over No. 5 Notre Dame
That was thanks in large part to second-year defensive tackle Mi chael Hall Jr. who was in on two of the next three tackles — one of which was a two-yard loss on second down. This set the tone for Hall’s night, as he had four tackles — tying his season total from last year — two for loss and recorded the only hurry on Notre Dame second-year quarterback Tyler ThenBuchner.over the course of the game, Ohio State’s defense began to settle Buchnerin.completed a 17-yard pass to third-year tight end Michael Mayer midway through the third quarter for the first play of more than 15 yards in a little over 15 minutes of game play, giving the Irish a little life after their offense failed to generate any Fourth-yearmomentum.linebacker Tommy Eichenberg was in on the next play to bring that momentum to a screeching halt, recording his second sack as Notre Dame’s drive stalled two plays later.
Ohio State’s two-headed monster in the backfield both average 6 yards per carry Ohio State received the secondto-last Notre Dame punt with 11:57 to go in the fourth quarter, starting on its own 4-yard line and clinging to a four-point lead.
The Buckeyes rattled off 14 plays, 10 of which were on the ground, knocking off 7:06 before third-year running back Miyan Williams put the game on ice with a 2-yard touchdown run. Williams carried the load on the 96-yard drive, carrying the ball seven times for 49 yards, adding a 12-yard, toe-drag sideline com pletion to move the chains on the only third down of the drive.
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In the third quarter, Johnson’s first-career reception was a 10yard to snag to set up third and manageable for the Buckeyes’ offense. On the next play, Stroud and Johnson connected for a 24-yard pitch-and-catch and his first touchdown in an Ohio State Onuniform.theensuing kickoff, John son sprinted down the field and speared Notre Dame third-year running back Chris Tyree at the Fighting Irish’s 13-yard line.
The Cincinnati native carried the ball five-straight times to finish the drive, giving a thumbs up signal to the sideline before his touchdown plunge.
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Williams’ folklore touchdown — one that bore striking resem blance to Master Teague III’s final score of his Ohio State career against Michigan State last season — should not overshad ow the fact second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson led the Buckeyes with 15 carries for 91 Ohioyards.State’s players and coaches touted throughout the preseason that both Henderson and Wil liams would be available and used for Saturday’s contest. If the offense can continue to play complementary football in the ground game, that will create longevity for Henderson who dealt with a flurry of injury issues last season.
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The then-No. 2 Ohio State football team lines up with Brutus during Carmen Ohio after the Ohio State-Notre Dame game Saturday. Ohio State won 21-10. This story was originally pub lished on Sept. 5, 2022 Knowles’ defense, though ‘ba sic,’ controlled the game Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was brought in at a reported $1.9 million per year to overhaul the Ohio State defense.
Ohio State’s defense a season ago was criticized for lacking toughness and missing assign ments, which led to big plays by opponents, but this past offsea son they wanted to get back to the “Silver Bullets” defense. And they did just that, flying around the field, converging with two and three players to make tackles and having intensity for all four Knowlesquarters.saidafter the game the Buckeyes displayed a “basic” de fense, so it’ll be interesting to see what a complex defense looks like as the season goes on. Hall, Eichenberg shine to lead physical front seven After the Fighting Irish briefly quieted the Ohio Stadium crowd, notching a 54-yard completion with a 15-yard penalty tacked onto the end to set up shop at Ohio State’s 16-yard line, they had to settle for a field goal.
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