Big Ten Edition - September 28, 2023

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2024 EXPANSION

LAURYN LUDERMAN SPORTS EDITOR

As the Big Ten expands from 14 to 18 teams next year, it’ll also be getting stronger.

Efective Aug. 2, 2024, the University of Oregon, University of Washington, USC and UCLA will be integrated into the conference from the Pac-12.

“We look forward to building long-lasting relationships with the universities, administrators and staf, student-athletes, coaches and fans,”

Tony Petitti, the Big Ten commissioner, said in a statement Aug. 4. “Both institutions feature a combination of academic and athletic excellence that will prove a great ft for our future.”

The expansion will increase the Big Ten’s West Coast exposure and reach, but also the competitiveness

in the conference’s athletics — specifcally football. As of right now, the Big Ten features three ranked teams: No. 2 Michigan (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten), No. 4 Ohio State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) and No. 6 Penn State (4-0, 2-0 Big Ten).

Next year’s additions will bring the current seventh-, eighth- and ninthranked teams.

“For Washington and Oregon to come in [at] the same time as USC and UCLA, it’s going to be exciting for our fans,” Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in an Aug. 9 press conference. “When they go to Washington or go to Oregon, they’re cool places, so I think there’s a lot of positive developments around it. Sure, there’s some negatives, but the positives outweigh them.”

Beginning with No. 7. Washington (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12), the Huskies have made statement wins over Boise State, Tulsa, Michigan State and Cal.

Washington’s senior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation in passing yards with 1,636 so far this season. In its 59-32 win over

Cal, Penix threw for 304 yards, four touchdowns and completed 19 of 25 passes.

At No. 8 is USC (4-0, 2-0 Pac-12), led by the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, junior quarterback Caleb Williams. The Trojans moved back from the sixth spot, where they landed in the preseason Associated Press poll. They fell hard to Utah 47-24 in week 13 last season, which kept them out of the playof.

Though currently undefeated, the Trojans must take down No. 11 Notre Dame and the other three soon-to-be Big Ten schools.

The No. 9 Oregon Ducks (4-0, 1-0 Pac-12) have put on quite the performance this season. In week one, they put up 81 points on Portland State and 216 total points in 2023.

Senior quarterback Bo Nix has dominated the feld with an 84.8 completion rate and 1,169 passing yards. Not to mention he’s found 14 diferent receivers for solid gains.

UCLA, the only school not ranked in the top 25, has three wins and

one loss on the season. The Bruins were strong until week four when they fell by a touchdown to No. 10 Utah.

The Bruins have outscored their opponents 128-44, but their struggle starts at the quarterback position, where freshman Dante Moore has only completed 54.7 percent of his passes.

Following the June announcement of USC and UCLA joining the conference, the Big Ten released schedules for 2024 and 2025. However, with the Aug. 4 additions of Oregon and Washington, there are no fnal schedules at this time.

Ohio State’s last time out versus one of these four teams was in 2021 at Ohio Stadium against then-No. 22 Oregon where the then-No. 6 Buckeyes were upset 35-28.

“If I was just thinking competitively, no. I don’t want them in, I don’t want to play them, but that’s not how you do business, so I just think they’re great institutions,” Smith said. “It’s going to be exciting for our league.”

JOE HERMITT JHERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS

The Big Ten logo on the Memorial Stadium feld in Lincoln, NE.

A Beginner’s Guide

Minnesota Gophers

Head Coach: P. J. Fleck Record: 2-2 Location: Minneapolis, MN

Nebraska Cornhuskers

Head Coach: Matt Rhule Record: 2-2 Location: Lincoln, NE

Michigan Wolverines

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh Record: 4-0 Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Iowa

Hawkeyes Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz Record: 3-1 Location: Iowa City, IA

Maryland Terrapins

Head Coach: Mike Locksley Record: 4-0 Location: College Park, MD

Illinois

Fighting Illini

Head Coach: Bret Bielema Record: 2-2 Location: Champaign, IL

Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Head Coach: Greg Schiano

Record: 3-1

Location: New Brunswick, NJ

Purdue Boilermakers Head Coach: Ryan Walters Record: 1-3 Location: West Lafayette, IN

Penn State Nittany Lions

Head Coach: James Franklin

Record: 4-0

Location: University Park, PA

Michigan State Spartans

Head Coach: Harlon Barnett

Record: 2-2 Location: East Lansing, MI

Ohio State Buckeyes

Head Coach: Ryan Day Record: 4-0 Location: Columbus, OH

Northwestern Wildcats Head Coach: David Braun

Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach: Tom Allen Record: 2-2 Location: Bloomington, IN Record: 2-2 Location: Evanston, IL

Wisconsin Badgers Head Coach: Luke Fickell Record: 3-1 Location: Madison, WI

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

EVAN JOSEPH LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

After a fnal-second 17-14 win against No. 9 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, Ohio State jumped to No. 4 in the AP Top 25 Poll released Sunday. The Buckeyes (40, 1-0 Big Ten) started the season by picking up wins against Indiana, Youngstown State and Western Kentucky. The biggest diference so far this year for the Buckeyes has been their stifing defense. Under second-season defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, Ohio State is allowing an average of 255.5 total yards and 8.5 points per game, both vast improvements from last year.

Key ofensive player:

Kyle McCord, the junior quarterback, is looking to win the Big Ten in his frst year as a starter for the Buckeyes. The 6-foot3, 210-pound quarterback has shown the ability to efciently read defenses and has looked more comfortable in every game. McCord started the season throwing for 1,055 yards and six touchdowns through the Buckeyes’ frst four wins, resulting in the dramatic twominute drill against Notre Dame.

Key defensive player:

Junior cornerback Denzel Burke is trying to bring the Ohio State secondary back to former BIA status — best in America. Burke is in his third season starting for Ohio State and was named a freshman All-American by ESPN in 2021, according to Ohio State. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Burke has four passes defended, one interception and a forced fumble through the frst four games of the year.

Weaknesses:

While Ohio State is returning a fair share of their playof team from last year, they did lose three starting ofensive linemen to the NFL. New starters junior left tackle Josh Simmons, sophomore center Carson Hinzman and senior right tackle Josh Fryar will be given the tall task of supporting Ohio State’s national championship hopes, and will need to clean up penalties that plagued drives against Notre Dame in order to do so.

CALEB BLAKE | PHOTO EDITOR

Junior running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) hurdles a Western Kentucky defender during a 4-yard run Saturday. No. 6 Ohio State won 63-10.

LILY HYNES | ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Cade Stover (8) leads a line of Buckeyes in the fght against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers on Sept. 16, 2023.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

MEGAN HUSSLEIN SPORTS LTV PRODUCER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

The Michigan Wolverines (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) have eased into the season with three nonconference wins against East Carolina, Bowling Green and the University of Las Vegas, Nevada. They started Big Ten play with a 31-7 win against Rutgers. Their ofense is almost identical to last year’s, with junior quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back duo junior Donovan Edwards and senior Blake Corum and four ofensive linemen all returning. Against Rutgers, McCarthy threw for 214 yards and rushed for 51 yards, while Corum ran for 97 yards. Their defense has allowed only 23 points in the Big Ten, which is the lowest in the conference.

Key ofensive player:

McCarthy became Michigan’s full-time starter in week two last season and has completely turned the team around. He fnished the season with 2,719 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with a 64.6 completion percentage. The dualthreat quarterback also ran for 306 yards and fve touchdowns as he led the Wolverines to an undefeated regular season. McCarthy is now one of the nation’s top quarterbacks, as he was named to the watchlist for the Davey O’Brien Award, which is given annually to the best collegiate quarterback. So far this season, he has 915 yards, eight touchdowns and three interceptions. He seems to be having a bit of a slow start matching up to last year’s performance, considering his three

interceptions against Bowling Green, but is still posting solid numbers every week.

Key defensive player:

Junior linebacker Junior Colson has been the leader of the defense so far in 2023. His 22 tackles are the most on the team. Colson was named to the Butkus Award watchlist. He also led the team last year with 101 tackles and could be a possible frst-round draft pick following this season.

Weaknesses:

A pivotal unit for Michigan will be their pass rush. Last season, they ranked 32nd in the country with a 34.9 percent pressure rate and 33rd with 2.64 sacks per game.

The Wolverines only combined for two sacks against Ohio State and Texas Christian, their two toughest opponents. In 2023, they’ve notched eight sacks — the ninth in the Big Ten.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

NICK MOLICA ASST. SPORTS LTV PRODUCER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

The Penn State Nittany Lions started their season of ranked No. 7, the third highest ranking in the Big Ten behind No. 2 Michigan and then-No. 3 Ohio State. The Nittany Lions are now ranked No. 6 and sit at 4-0, 2-0 in the Big Ten. In week one, sophomore quarterback Drew Allar came in hot, throwing for 325 yards, going 21-29, and three touchdowns against West Virginia. Penn State did not look back, winning their next three games in elite fashion, only allowing 35 points in the frst four games of the season. The defense is of to a great start due to their linebacker core run by sophomore Abdul Carter and junior Curtis Jacobs. Penn State currently awaits a Big Ten matchup at Northwestern Saturday.

Key ofensive player:

Listed at 6 feet, 5 inches, 242 pounds out of Medina High School, Allar has the biggest role to play in the Nittany Lions ofense. Being a true freshman in 2022, Allar appeared in 10 games and threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns. Now in his second year, Allar has built of that and thrown for over 900 yards and eight touchdowns in the four games of the 2023 season.

Key defensive player:

Carter, the 6-foot-3, 249-pound linebacker made quite a name for himself last season as a true freshman. He earned All-Big Ten second-team honors and was named a Phil Steele Preseason All-Big Ten second-team selection. Carter was selected to the True

Freshman All-American teams as well. In 2022, Carter joined Deion Barnes as the only Penn State freshman to record more than 10 tackles for loss and more than six sacks in a year.

Weaknesses:

The Nittany Lions’ greatest weakness is getting of to a good start. It is important for them to put up points early and often against teams like No. 4 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan. In its frst four games, Penn State has combined for 30 points in the frst quarters. That may not sound like a lot, but in the four games Penn State managed to put up 162 points overall, getting into stride in the second quarter or later. Its frst true test will be against the Buckeyes Oct. 21 in Columbus.

JACOB HAMILTON | MLIVE.COM VIA TNS Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh congratulates Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) on a touchdown as Michigan hosts Rutgers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

JOE HERMITT | JHERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS Penn State quarterback Drew Allar scrambles during the second quarter on Sept. 23, 2023.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

SAMUEL BECKER LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

Purdue came up just short in their opener against Fresno State in an ofensive slugfest, losing 3935. The game featured a standout performance from sophomore receiver Deion Burks, who tallied 152 yards and two touchdowns. In week two, Purdue came out on top of another nail-biter, in which the Boilermakers beat Virginia Tech 2417. However, the tumultuous start continued into week three against Syracuse, where Purdue fell victim to the dual-threat ability of veteran quarterback Garrett Shrader, who rushed 25 times for 195 yards and four touchdowns. In their frst Big Ten action against Wisconsin, the Boilermakers’ run defense took a loss to a massive outing by running back Braelon Allen, and the Badgers won 38-17.

Key ofensive player:

Texas transfer quarterback Hudson

Card is eager to show the country why he was a top recruit at his position in 2020. Once perhaps thought of as the quarterback of the future at Texas, Card lost out to former Buckeye Quinn Ewers. The redshirt junior is looking for a fresh start with the Boilermakers. Although Purdue came up short against Syracuse, Card thrived in his third game as a Boilermaker, throwing for 323 yards and a touchdown with a 70 percent completion rate. Although Card has been playing college football for three years, he still has another three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Key defensive player:

Cam Allen has been a mainstay of the Purdue defense since 2019. Now a ffth-year senior, Cam Allen has added a plethora of accolades to his name. In the 2022 season, the safety was named All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and All-Big Ten Third Team by Phil Steele. He has also received two Big Ten Player of

the Week honors throughout his career. In 2023, Cam Allen looks to make a statement with his best season yet, and got of to a strong start with two interceptions in the frst three games of the year.

Weaknesses:

Purdue’s 2023 schedule matches them up with Big Ten powerhouses No. 4 Ohio State and No. 2 Michigan. While Purdue is coming

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

TYLER DANBURG LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

The Illinois Fighting Illini (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) snapped a two-game losing streak with a 23-17 win over Florida Atlantic Saturday. After seven interceptions through the frst three games, sophomore quarterback and Ole Miss transfer Luke Altmyer threw no picks and tossed for a career-high 303 yards against the Owls. The Illini are currently tied for last in the Big Ten.

Key ofensive player:

Isaiah Williams, a junior, has been

Altmyer’s top target to start the season, leading the Big Ten in receptions with 24 and is second with 333 receiving yards. Since switching to wide receiver from quarterback in 2021, Williams has caught a pass in 29 straight games, tied for the 12th highest current streak in the country.

Key defensive player:

Junior defensive tackle and preseason All-American Jer’Zhan Newton leads the defensive line with 12 career sacks and is tied for third in the country with 13 quarterback pressures, according

to Pro Football Focus. Newton and junior Keith Randolph Jr. make up one of college football’s most-feared defensive line duos nicknamed “The Law Firm.”

Weaknesses:

After leading the Big Ten with 12.8 points allowed per game last year, Illinois ranks second-to-last in scoring defense this season, allowing 27.3 points per game through the frst four games. The Fighting Illini will try to turn the defense around against the Big Ten’s third-best passing ofense in Purdue Saturday.

of of a season in which they fnished frst in the Big Ten West, this is a very diferent Boilermakers squad. Veteran quarterback Aidan O’Connell is gone, as is First Team All-Big Ten receiver Charlie Jones. Purdue has been set at receiver for years now, starting with Rondale Moore, followed by David Bell and eventually Charlie Jones. All three were stars on a national scale and eventual NFL players.

DENNIS NETT DNETT@SYRACUSE.COM VIA TNS Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45)with a touchdown run during the Syracuse vs Purdue game at the JMA Wireless Dome, Sept. 17, 2022.

JOE HERMITT | JHERMITT@PENNLIVE.COM VIA TNS Illinois wide receiver Isaiah Williams hauls in a pass behind Penn State safety Jaylen Reed during the third quarter on Sept. 16, 2023.

IOWA HAWKEYES

REID MURRAY DESIGN EDITOR

What’s happened so far in 2023?

The Iowa Haweyes (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) entered the 2023 season under pressure to improve their ofensive production.

After fnishing last season 130th in the Football Bowl Subdivision in ofensive yards and 123rd in points per game, ofensive coordinator Brian Ferentz became the main subject of Hawkeye fans’ criticism. Through four games in 2023, he doesn’t appear to be of the hot seat yet. Iowa averaged 28.3 points per game in its three out-ofconference games against Utah State, Iowa State and Western Michigan — an improvement from last season’s 17.7 — but its frst conference game against Penn State raised serious questions about the Hawkeye ofense. Iowa generated 76 total ofensive yards and only four frst downs in a 31-0 road loss to the Nittany Lions. After the ofensive letdown in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, the Hawkeyes may need to rely on their defense — which fnished the 2022 season second in the country in scoring defense — to win games again this season.

Key ofensive player:

Although he hasn’t taken the Hawkeye ofense to the next level yet, if anyone can help solve Iowa’s point scoring issues, it’s Michigan transfer Cade McNamara. Despite losing the starting quarterback job at Michigan to J.J. McCarthy last season, McNamara arrived in Iowa City, Iowa, with an impressive resume. In the 2021 season, McNamara threw for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to the Wolverines’ frst Big Ten Championship since 2004 and the program’s frst-ever College

Football Playof appearance, along with their frst win against Ohio State since 2011.

McNamara has gotten of to a slow start in 2022, throwing 50.6 percent of his passes for 459 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. However, his track record at Michigan gives him the potential to produce at a high level again.

Key defensive player:

Iowa’s key defensive player is another transfer: Nick Jackson. Jackson played four seasons at Virginia, recording over 100 tackles a season for three straight years between 2020 and 2022. The senior linebacker also recorded fve sacks last season, which would have placed him second on last year’s Hawkeyes defense, trailing only Jack Campbell’s 5.5 sacks. Jackson became an instant starter on a defense that topped most statistical charts in 2022 and is already performing impressively. In the Hawkeyes’ loss to Penn State, he recorded the team’s second-most tackles with 10, also registering a team-leading 2.5 tackles for loss.

With an already strong foundation from last season, the addition of Jackson could be the X factor that Iowa needs to win in a Big Ten West Division built on defensive prowess.

Weaknesses:

Iowa’s obvious weakness is its struggle to score points, but a more specifc weakness could be a lack of weapons at McNamara’s disposal. Iowa has only one receiver, sophomore Charleston Southern transfer Seth Anderson, who has recorded more than 500 yards in a season. The Hawkeyes will be

forced to call on the experience junior Diante Vines and Anderson, who have yet to prove they can

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Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is frustrated watching his team during the third quarter on Sept. 23, 2023.

perform at the level McNamara did when winning the Big Ten in 2021.

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

TYLER DANBURG LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

Tasked with two Big Ten opponents and No. 20 North Carolina within the frst four games, the Golden Gophers enter week fve 2-2 (1-1 Big Ten) following a loss to Northwestern Saturday. Despite leading the Wildcats 31-10 after three quarters, Northwestern rallied back to win 37-34 in overtime.

Redshirt-sophomore quarterback

Athan Kaliakmanis completed 73.7 percent of his passes for 153 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. Kaliakmanis fueled a fourth-quarter comeback in the 13-10 seasonopening win versus Nebraska and a 25-6 victory week two versus Eastern Michigan.

Key ofensive player:

Freshman running back Darius Taylor has had a memorable start to his career, becoming the frst in program history to earn three straight Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors with 216 all-purpose yards versus Northwestern. After three yards on one carry in his Aug. 31 debut versus Nebraska, Taylor is the frst Golden Gopher since Laurence Maroney in 2003 to have consecutive 100-yard games with three straight.

Key defensive player:

Redshirt-freshman linebacker

Maverick Baranowski leads Minnesota and is 11th in the Big Ten with 28 tackles in his frst year

as a starter. Baranowski racked up a career-high 10 tackles in the 3113 loss to North Carolina Sept. 16. The Ponce Inlet, Florida, native has wreaked havoc against opposing quarterbacks, adding a sack and two pass breakups for head coach P.J. Fleck’s defense two pass breakups for head coach P.J. Fleck’s defense.

Weaknesses:

Minnesota has struggled ofensively through the past four weeks, ranking 10th in the Big Ten with 341 total yards per game and 13th with 21.3 points per game. The Golden Gophers’ 34 points Saturday were eight more than they scored in the frst three games combined. But with a budding freshman ball carrier

MARYLAND TERRAPINS

REILLY CAHILL LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

After an 8-5 record in the 2022 season, Maryland (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) is coming of a win in its frst Big Ten road game against a slumping Michigan State team. The Terrapins are currently averaging 37.3 points per game, which is 30th in the nation, and are allowing 12.3 points a game, which ranks 12th. They will likely be undefeated for their matchup with Ohio State in Columbus Oct. 7 as long as they can take care of Indiana this week at home.

Key ofensive player:

BARBARA HADDOCK TAYLOR / BALTIMORE SUN VIA TNS

Taulia Tagovailoa (3) completed 22 of 33 passes and scored four total touchdowns to lead Maryland to a 38-6 win against Towson at SECU Stadium Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

The Terrapin senior quarterback

Taulia Tagovailoa is the team’s clear X factor. Brother of NFL star Tua, Tagovailoa returned for the 2023

season. Tagovailoa is Maryland’s program leader in career passing yards and touchdowns, all while setting numerous single-season records. He was also one of 10 Big Ten players to receive preseason Big Ten honors ahead of this year. Through the frst four games of the 2023 season, Tagovailoa has thrown for eight touchdowns to three interceptions and is averaging 278 passing yards per game.

Key defensive player:

While there is not an obvious choice for the best defensive player, Beau Brade has the potential to fll that role. Last season, the senior safety led the team in tackles and was tied for the most interceptions and forced fumbles. Two defensive backs who made huge impacts for the Terrapins last season were

in Taylor, Minnesota looks to bolster its ofensive attack Saturday versus the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns at Huntington Bank Stadium.

drafted into the NFL, leaving Brade with a larger role. This season, he already has an interception and two pass defections while playing in three of the team’s frst four games. Brade was awarded Honorable Big Ten in 2022 and could likely be the next defensive back from Maryland to be drafted into the NFL.

Weaknesses:

Maryland is one of the better teams in the Big Ten, but it seems highly unlikely it will fnish anything higher than fourth in the East Division. Maryland will have to face Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State, which is a nightmare of a task. This season, the Terrapins often got of to slow starts, as they fell behind early in both games against Charlotte and Virginia 14-0 in the frst quarter. Maryland also lost four of its fve starters from last year on the ofensive line. If the Terrapins want a winning record in the Big Ten conference, they will need to avoid sloppy starts against tougher opponents.

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Minnesota Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck leads his team onto the feld at the start of the frst quarter of an NCAA football game at Huntington Bank Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022.

WISCONSIN BADGERS

NOAH WEISKOPF LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023:

Wisconsin kicked of its season at Camp Randall Stadium with a dominating 38-17 win against Bufalo. After a 1-0 start, the Badgers traveled to Washington State, where they were defeated on the road by a score of 31-22. Wisconsin returned home the following week, where it soundly defeated Georgia Southern 35-14 to get back into the win column. Most recently, on Friday night, the Badgers cruised past their frst Big Ten opponent of the season when they traveled to West Lafayette, Indiana, and took down the Purdue Boilermakers 38-17. The Badgers sit at 3-1 (1-0 Big Ten) and will host Rutgers Saturday.

Key ofensive player:

Junior running back Braelon Allen is ready to improve on his 2022 campaign — something he’s already been doing through the frst four weeks of the season. Allen has tallied 52 carries for 371 yards and six touchdowns through the team’s frst four games. Last season, Allen was a consensus All-Big Ten second-team selection and racked up 1,242 rushing yards in 12 games during the 2022 season, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten and rushed for at least 100 yards in seven games.

Allen shares the backfeld with several diferent running backs at Wisconsin, however, following the season-ending injury to graduate running back Chez Mellusi, Allen is guaranteed to see more work. Allen was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, and was a four-star recruit by the Badgers out of high school.

Key defensive player:

Junior safety Hunter Wohler has been leading the Wisconsin defense all year long thus far. Wohler, a Muskego, Wisconsin, native, is leading the team in tackles with 40 total and also has a sack, two passes defended and two interceptions. Wohler, a 6-foot2, 211-pound safety, played in six games last season for the Badgers, only making one start. Wohler missed seven games in 2022 due to a leg injury he sufered during Wisconsin’s season opener against Illinois State. He returned later in the season against Maryland, where he recorded his frst career interception.

Weaknesses:

Wisconsin’s weakness up to this point has stemmed from its defense, specifically its defensive line. The Badgers

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

NICK MOLICA ASST. LTV SPORTS PRODUCER

What’s happened so far in 2023:

The Michigan State Spartans (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) are not on the road many are used to, as they lost their last two matchups to No. 8 Washington 41-7

and Maryland 31-9. The Spartans have been on a downward spiral as they went 5-7 in 2022 and 11-2 in 2021. Perhaps Michigan State’s struggles have to do with the fasco that was the Mel Tucker era. The Spartans have

allowed on average 32.25 points per game and are being outscored 92 to 93 on the season against its frst four opponents.

Key ofensive player:

Nate Carter, a redshirt-sophomore running back who transferred to Michigan State in January, is looking to build on his season last year with the University of Connecticut, where he rushed for 983 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. His season was cut short due to an ongoing shoulder injury, but is back at full strength with the Spartans. This year, Carter rushed for four touchdowns on the season and 369 yards. His toughest game came against No. 8 Washington, where he only rushed for 48 yards on 17 carries.

Key defensive player:

Linebacker Cal Haladay, a redshirt

have struggled to keep opposing quarterbacks under control outside of their game against Georgia Southern, in which they forced fve interceptions. While there isn’t necessarily a glaring weakness on the team, they have yet to face of against a top-tier opponent other than Washington State.

junior from Elysburg, Pennsylvania, had quite a year in 2022 as he led the Big Ten in tackles per game with 10. He was second in the Big Ten with a career-high 120 tackles. Haladay was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week two weeks in a row in 2022, becoming the second Michigan State player to do so. This season, he’s made 25 tackles, three for loss.

Weaknesses:

Michigan State has a tough schedule on its hands, playing Iowa on Saturday, along with other notable games such as No. 2 Michigan, No. 4 Ohio State and No. 6 Penn State at a neutral site. The Spartans will host the Wolverines in East Lansing, Michigan, and will travel to Columbus to face of against the Buckeyes. Michigan State will have to be playing top-tier football if it wants to compete and turn around its current 2-2 record with dire hopes to make the college football Associated Press top-25 rankings.

JOEL BISSELL | MLIVE.COM VIA TNS Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes the ball against Michigan State during the frst quarter in East Lansing, Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022.

CORY MORSE | MLIVE.COM VIA TNS

Michigan State football acting head coach Harlon Barnett leads his team onto the feld to take on Washington at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Sat., Sept. 16, 2023.

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS

BRETT PRICE MANAGING EDITOR FOR CONTENT

What’s happened so far in 2023?

Nebraska’s inaugural season under the helm of Matt Rhule (2-2, 0-1 Big Ten) quickly got of to a rocky start against Minnesota Aug. 31, with a 13-10 loss to the Golden Gophers that did not see the Cornhuskers break the plane until the third quarter. Nebraska then sufered a 36-14 rout by the Colorado Bufaloes in week two, with Shedeur

Sanders throwing for nearly 400 yards on the Cornhuskers secondary. Perhaps the biggest blow to Nebraska, however, was the loss of their two running backs sophomore Gabe Ervin Jr. and junior Rahmir Johnson, which came the following week. Ervin dislocated his shoulder and Johnson dislocated his hip — both season-ending injuries in Nebraska’s frst win of the season over Northern Illinois. Despite the loss of their two featured backs, the Cornhuskers managed a nearly 300-yard rushing performance from the duo of quarterback Heinrich Haarberg and running back Anthony Grant in their 28-14 win over the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in week four.

ofense will look to sophomore tight end Thomas Fidone II to fnally have his breakout season after redshirting his frst two years due to injury. Despite uncertainty in the quarterback room, Fidone leads the Cornhuskers with three receiving touchdowns and has shown the ability to be a red zone threat for an ofense that will likely need all its playmakers to emerge Saturday as No. 2 Michigan marches into Lincoln, Nebraska. Expect Nebraska’s ofense to look to Fidone early and often in hopes of establishing momentum against a solid Wolverines defense.

Key defensive player:

Hutmacher has already logged 1.5 sacks and 17 total tackles, but his biggest impact is likely in his leadership. Hutmacher wears the jersey number zero and was one of 10 Huskers to earn a single-digit number in a team vote, selecting him as one of Nebraska’s “toughest” players, according to Nebraska Football. Hutmacher will look to elevate what could be a promising Nebraska run defense in what is likely a career-defning year for him.

Weaknesses:

ANDREW MILLS | NJ ADVANCE MEDIA VIA TNS

During the second half of an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Piscataway, New Jersey. Nebraska won 14-13.

Key ofensive player:

The highest-rated recruit to sign with Nebraska since 2008, the Cornhuskers

Though Nebraska’s ofense has much to prove, its defense — particularly the front seven led by junior Nash Hutmacher — has been a bright spot.

Nebraska’s weaknesses feel deeply rooted at this point, and can likely be attributed to everything ranging from a competitive Big Ten to its last two head coaches combining for a 35-50 record. While the days of Tommie Frazier likely won’t return to Lincoln in the near future, Nebraska’s chances to potentially turn the program around under a promising new coach and favorable schedule at least set them up for an opportunity to fnish with a better record than previous years.

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS

AARON POROTSKY LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far in 2023?

Rutgers came out of the gates with something to prove this season, taking down Northwestern, Temple and Virginia Tech to start 3-0. The Scarlet Knights dominated from the get-go in each of these wins, carrying doubledigit leads into halftime in all three.

Coach Greg Schiano’s squad even managed to keep things interesting in its week four matchup with No. 2 Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Rutgers trailed by just one score at halftime before a lopsided second half turned the game into a 31-7 blowout.

Key ofensive player:

Junior running back Kyle Monangai got of to a hot start scoring for the run-heavy ofense. His 384 rushing yards through four games rank him second in the Big Ten, and his fve touchdowns lead the team. There was

clearly a discussion in Piscataway, New Jersey, this ofseason about making Monangai the focal point of the ofensive game plan, and the junior has taken full advantage of his opportunity. It is no secret this team has had its struggles throwing the football, which makes a reliable running back like Monangai just that much more valuable.

Key defensive player:

Junior linebacker Tyreem Powell has always been viewed within the program as a versatile defensive player who can drop back in coverage or get to the quarterback efectively. Powell responded to the honor with a strong start in 2023, leading the team with 36 total tackles through his frst four games. He also earned a pair of sacks in the frst month of his junior season, the second of which came on a crucial third down near midfeld against J.J.

McCarthy and the Wolverines. At the time, Rutgers was clinging to an early 7-0 lead, and Powell’s huge play kept the momentum on its side.

Weaknesses:

Junior Gavin Wimsatt has all of the physical traits of an efective Big Ten quarterback. Schiano had every reason to believe in Wimsatt’s development when he handed him the starting quarterback job during the 2022 season. Unfortunately, the passing ofense that fnished at the bottom of the Big Ten last year failed to improve in 2023. Playing to their strengths on defense and in the running game has helped the Scarlet Knights coast through a successful September. But, with the Big Ten schedule kicking into full gear, Schiano and the Rutgers coaching staf will almost certainly need to add another dimension to this ofense.

ANDREW MILLS | NJ ADVANCE MEDIA VIA TNS Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt (2) reacts after he scored a touchdown 6-yard quarterback sneak during the second quarter against Northwestern on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Piscataway, N.J.

INDIANA HOOSIERS

CALEB BLAKE PHOTO EDITOR

What’s happened so far in 2023:

It’s been a mixed bag of results for the Hoosiers up to this point. They opened the season with a closerthan-expected 23-3 loss to then-No. 3 Ohio State before a 41-7 win over Indiana State in which they allowed

only 93 yards of total ofense. They followed up with a close loss at home to Louisville before barely escaping Akron in four overtimes. They’re even on the season for now, but their upcoming schedule will show what they’re really made of with matchups against undefeated Maryland and No. 2 Michigan on tap. However, they’ve been handed blowout losses to Rutgers and No. 17 Duke on the road. Interim head coach and defensive coordinator David Braun has brought the Wildcats hope, but they will need much more than that with No. 6 Penn State coming up.

Key ofensive player:

Senior wideout Cam Camper is the cream of the crop amongst a fairly young ofense without many established playmakers. After their opening

week loss to Ohio State, redshirt freshman Tayven Jackson took over as the starter at quarterback, and in three games since then, he’s produced 725 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Camper has been a go-to target for Jackson, securing 13 catches for 269 yards already. His experience could prove to be key for Jackson’s development as the season progresses.If the veteran receiver can stay healthy, he has a bright future ahead of him. Northwestern will need him against the No. 6 Penn State and Iowa secondaries coming up.

Key defensive player:

Linebacker Aaron Casey returns as the leading tackler on a Hoosier defense that was ranked dead last in the Big Ten, allowing 449.3 yards and 33.9 points per contest last season.

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

GAURAV LAW WEB EDITOR

What’s happened so far in 2023:

After fring former Big Ten Coach of the Year Pat Fitzgerald this ofseason, Northwestern (2-2, 1-1 Big Ten) seemed like it could be in a worse spot than last year — fnishing an abysmal 1-11 was a season the Wildcats do not want to remember. However, the team already has two wins over the University of Texas at El Paso and a conference win over Minnesota, making them 2-0 at home this season.

However, they’ve been handed blowout losses to Rutgers and No. 17 Duke on the road. Interim head coach and defensive coordinator David Braun has brought the Wildcats hope, but they will need much more than that with No. 6 Penn State coming up.

Key ofensive player:

Redshirt-senior receiver Bryce Kirtz

turned his college career around after just barely eclipsing 200 receiving yards the past two seasons due to injury. He is now on pace for over 1,000 yards in his fnal season. Kirtz had a career game in the Wildcats’ overtime win versus Minnesota, recording 10 receptions and 215 yards to go along with two touchdowns. He’s already set a single-season high in total yards.

If the veteran receiver can stay healthy, he has a bright future ahead of him. Northwestern will need him against the No. 6 Penn State and Iowa secondaries coming up.

Key defensive player:

Redshirt-senior linebacker Bryce Gallagher has made the Wildcat defense roar thus far. The captain had a game-high 13 tackles against Duke and held the secondary on its feet. The team did not allow a single passing

touchdown that game. Overall, Gallagher’s 44 total tackles rank second in the Big Ten and lead the team. The Wildcats need his leadership and presence Saturday to contain sophomore Nittany Lion quarterback Drew Allar, who has not thrown an interception and only taken two sacks this season.

Weaknesses:

A couple of players do not make a whole team. However, Gallagher has been the only real bright spot on defense — Northwestern has given up nearly 26 points per game, good for 12th in the conference. This is nothing new, as the Wildcats have fnished bottom three in scoring defense the past two seasons.

It doesn’t get much better on the other side of the ball — senior quarterback Ben Bryant ranks ninth in the Big Ten in passing yards per game, and senior running back Cam Porter — despite

Individually, the senior fnished eighth in the conference with 85 tackles and was named to this year’s Butkus Award preseason watchlist. He’s currently third in the conference with 44 tackles. So far, Indiana has only allowed 19.5 points a game this year. It will need more stellar play from Casey and more contributions from transfer defensive lineman Andre Carter, who has already recorded two sacks since coming over from Western Michigan.

Weaknesses:

Though he’s shown fashes, there will be some growing pains with the young freshman Jackson. Indiana currently ranks 12th in the conference in scoring at 21.8 points per game and needs to fnd answers quickly if it hopes to compete with Maryland on Saturday. Though the defense looks to be improved as of now, it soon faces some of the more high-powered ofenses in the conference to see what they’re made of.

averaging 4.1 yards per carry — ranks 18th in the conference. Though the ofense ranks middle of the pack in the Big Ten, the defense is not holding up its end of the bargain.

CHRIS SWEDA | TNS Northwestern quarterback Jack Lausch (12) celebrates after a 6-yard touchdown run in the frst quarter against UTEP on Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston. The Wildcats won 38-7.

CALEB BLAKE | PHOTO EDITOR Myles Jackson chases junior quarterback Kyle McCord in Indiana’s 23-3 loss to Ohio State Sept. 2.

THREE TAKEAWAYS FROM NOTRE DAME

JAYLA VANHORN ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

With only three seconds left on the clock and down by 4 points, Ohio State had to make a play on the road in a top-10 environment.

Although some may have thought winning was improbable, the No. 4 Buckeyes (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) proved otherwise Saturday night, beating then-No. 9 Notre Dame (3-1) 17-14.

A 1-yard run from senior running back Chip Trayanum, leaving only a second on the clock, propelled the Buckeyes towards a 17-14 victory in South Bend, Indiana.

For head coach Ryan Day, the victory couldn’t have come at a better time, especially amidst criticism regarding Ohio State’s “toughness.”

“I think it’s going to go down as one of the big wins in Ohio State history, one of the clutch fourth-down comebacks on the road in a top-10 environment,” Day said.

After a tough battle, the team can fnally get some much-needed rest as they head into their bye week.

However, what’s next for the Buckeyes?

Kyle McCord shines In prime-time matchup

Though Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord is a junior, his start against Notre Dame was only his ffth at the collegiate level. McCord said the game was his frst prime-time matchup since he played against Marietta High School on ESPN during his sophomore year.

McCord said he needed to get the ball in his playmakers’ hands. The game against the Fighting Irish presented a prime opportunity to do so, but it ultimately came down to the fnal 86 seconds.

The young quarterback showed poise and calmness in the pocket, leading the Buckeyes 65 yards down the feld.

However, it was not an easy feat. Hindered by third and fourth downs, broken-up passes, and intentional grounding, the ofense appeared stagnant.

But McCord refused to go down, connecting with four diferent receivers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Cade Stover and Julian Fleming. His last completion of the game was a tight pass to junior wide receiver Egbuka, which set up Trayanum’s go-ahead touchdown run from Notre Dame’s 1-yard line.

“You can’t draw it up any better than that,” McCord said.

Ground game strikes frst

Ohio State boasts one of college football’s most talented running back groups, including TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams, Dallan Hayden and Trayanum.

They proved why on Saturday. The Buckeyes’ ability to execute crucial runs set them apart from Notre Dame despite gaining only 135 yards compared to the Fighting Irish’s 183.

With just 11 minutes left in the third quarter, Ohio State’s defense stopped senior quarterback Sam Hartman’s fourth-and-1 run, giving possession to the ofense at their 39-yard line.

Soon after, Henderson scored a 61-yard touchdown, marking the frst of the game.

In the game’s fnal seconds, with no timeouts left, the Buckeyes faced a tough decision: whether to pass or run the ball.

Day said the decision to run the ball was a no-brainer and all but “ftting”

considering questions surrounding the Buckeyes’ lack of toughness.

Trayanum was the man behind the 1-yard carry and said he felt honored the team had confdence in him to make the critical play.

“It means a lot that they have confdence like that in me,” Trayanum said. “I just knew the job had to be done, simple as that. We always preach one play, 1 yard of toughness and fght. And I believe that one play sums it all up.”

Best defense in the nation

In June, Jim Knowles, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, said the Buckeyes had the potential to become the best defense in the nation.

And it seems that Knowles’ prediction might be on its way to coming true, as Ohio State is currently ranked second in the nation, just behind their Big Ten rival Michigan.

The Buckeyes boast an impressive defense that has allowed an average of only 8.5 points per game this season, which is 8 points less than the 16 points per game they allowed through the frst four games last year.

The Fighting Irish merely eclipsed this

average, scoring all 14 points in the second half, with a chance to extend their lead with four minutes left.

Ohio State’s defense stood tall with tackles, pass breakups and a near interception by junior defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, aided by graduate safety Josh Proctor and sophomore cornerback Davison Igbinosun, giving the ofense one more chance.

Despite moving the ball into Ohio State territory twice in the frst half, Notre Dame could not convert. Their best opportunity came early in the frst quarter when Hartman ran on Ohio State’s 18-yard line but was stopped by senior linebacker Cody Simon on fourth down.

Whether playing only a few snaps or the entire game, Ohio State’s defense came up big when it mattered most.

“It comes back to preparation,” Simon said. “I always prepare like I could be that guy to take every snap, so you have to be ready to do what it takes.”

Following the bye week, the Buckeyes will take on Maryland at home Oct. 7. From there, Ohio State will face its toughest competitors in No. 6 Penn State at Ohio Stadium and No. 2 Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

CALEB BLAKE | PHOTO EDITOR

Junior defensive lineman J.T. Tuimoloau (44) celebrates during Ohio State’s 17-14 win against Notre Dame Saturday.