Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg
What a wild day so far in the Big Ten. You know what happened in Iowa City.
Here's what went down elsewhere in the league.
Purdue 38, Michigan 36: The Boilermakers won in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1966, ending yet another streak of Michigan dominance. Senior quarterback Joey Elliott had a monster game against a bad Michigan defense, leading Purdue back from a 24-10 halftime deficit. Sophomore running back Ralph Bolden piled up 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the Smiths (Keith and Cortez) both came up big at wide receiver. Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez is in big trouble as the Wolverines are in danger of missing a bowl for the second straight season. Michigan will need an upset against Wisconsin or Ohio State to get bowl eligible. Wolverines running back Brandon Minor and wideout Roy Roundtree both had huge games, but it wasn't enough.
Illinois 35, Minnesota 32: Despite the loss of senior quarterback Juice Williams to a left ankle injury, Illinois found a way to notch its second consecutive win and keep its slim bowl hopes alive. Cornerback Terry Hawthorne provided a spark with a pick-six, and Illinois surged out to a 28-7 lead before Minnesota's offense woke up late. The Gophers have been a mystery this season on both sides of the ball, and their lack of consistency cost them dearly. Quarterback Adam Weber endured a rough afternoon, while Illinois wideout Arrelious Benn caught his first touchdown pass since Oct. 18, 2008 against Indiana.
Wisconsin 31, Indiana 28: This time, Indiana made the fourth-quarter surge, but it still wasn't enough as Wisconsin held on. Wisconsin's depth at running back proved to be the difference, as freshman Montee Ball stepped in for John Clay (concussion) and racked up 115 rush yards and two touchdowns. Clay was dominant before his injury (134 rush yards, TD). Credit Indiana junior quarterback Ben Chappell for a very impressive performance. He has proven this season why the coaches put so much faith in him. Chappell completed 25 of 35 passes for 323 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, but Indiana's defense couldn't stop the run at all. The Hoosiers just can't get over the hump this season.
Michigan State 49, Western Michigan 14: Michigan State really needed this after a mistake-ridden loss to Minnesota. The Spartans took control from the get-go and never looked back, as Kirk Cousins shredded Western Michigan's defense for 353 yards and two touchdowns. The most encouraging development was sophomore running back Ashton Leggett, who exploded for 110 rush yards and four touchdowns in relief of the injured Larry Caper (concussion). Michigan State needs to win one of its last two games (at Purdue, vs. Penn State) to get bowl eligible.
What a wild day so far in the Big Ten. You know what happened in Iowa City.
Here's what went down elsewhere in the league.
Purdue 38, Michigan 36: The Boilermakers won in Ann Arbor for the first time since 1966, ending yet another streak of Michigan dominance. Senior quarterback Joey Elliott had a monster game against a bad Michigan defense, leading Purdue back from a 24-10 halftime deficit. Sophomore running back Ralph Bolden piled up 98 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and the Smiths (Keith and Cortez) both came up big at wide receiver. Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez is in big trouble as the Wolverines are in danger of missing a bowl for the second straight season. Michigan will need an upset against Wisconsin or Ohio State to get bowl eligible. Wolverines running back Brandon Minor and wideout Roy Roundtree both had huge games, but it wasn't enough.
Illinois 35, Minnesota 32: Despite the loss of senior quarterback Juice Williams to a left ankle injury, Illinois found a way to notch its second consecutive win and keep its slim bowl hopes alive. Cornerback Terry Hawthorne provided a spark with a pick-six, and Illinois surged out to a 28-7 lead before Minnesota's offense woke up late. The Gophers have been a mystery this season on both sides of the ball, and their lack of consistency cost them dearly. Quarterback Adam Weber endured a rough afternoon, while Illinois wideout Arrelious Benn caught his first touchdown pass since Oct. 18, 2008 against Indiana.
Wisconsin 31, Indiana 28: This time, Indiana made the fourth-quarter surge, but it still wasn't enough as Wisconsin held on. Wisconsin's depth at running back proved to be the difference, as freshman Montee Ball stepped in for John Clay (concussion) and racked up 115 rush yards and two touchdowns. Clay was dominant before his injury (134 rush yards, TD). Credit Indiana junior quarterback Ben Chappell for a very impressive performance. He has proven this season why the coaches put so much faith in him. Chappell completed 25 of 35 passes for 323 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, but Indiana's defense couldn't stop the run at all. The Hoosiers just can't get over the hump this season.
Michigan State 49, Western Michigan 14: Michigan State really needed this after a mistake-ridden loss to Minnesota. The Spartans took control from the get-go and never looked back, as Kirk Cousins shredded Western Michigan's defense for 353 yards and two touchdowns. The most encouraging development was sophomore running back Ashton Leggett, who exploded for 110 rush yards and four touchdowns in relief of the injured Larry Caper (concussion). Michigan State needs to win one of its last two games (at Purdue, vs. Penn State) to get bowl eligible.
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Adam Rittenberg
Rittenberg joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four years at the Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald, where he covered sports at Notre Dame, Northwestern, DePaul and several other colleges. He lives in Chicago.
BIG TEN SCOREBOARD
Saturday, 11/21
Final 10 Ohio State 21 Michigan 10 Final Minnesota 0 13 Iowa 12 Final 16 Wisconsin 31 Northwestern 33 Final Purdue 38 Indiana 21 Final 14 Penn State 42 Michigan State 14
