It was a tough weekend for the conference, as four Big Ten schools lost and several others won in less than impressive fashion against over-matched foes. Rather than sum up all the action myself, I'll just link to other people who are smarter than me.
Teddy Greenstein's Chicago Tribune Recap
Great quote from EIU coach Bob Spoo about Colter being "unstoppable".
Lake The Posts Recaps NU's Win
Using his usual Great, Good, Disappointing format. He makes some good points about how NU can't afford any more injuries.
News from the rest of the country after the jump.
Iowa State 44, Iowa 41 (3OT): Jantz Jantz Revolution
As you might imagine, Black Heart Gold Pants is less than pleased with a loss to Iowa State, and they're particularly upset with Kirk Ferentz for his ultra-conservative decisions; be it playing for overtime at the end of regulation with 1:17 left and two timeouts, or kicking a field goal on 4th and 1 in the third overtime when it was clear his defense couldn't stop Iowa State. Speaking of the defense:
Granted, the more notable concern is not that Iowa lost to Iowa State, it's how they lost -- with a mobile quarterback shredding their defense. It doesn't take an oracle to see that that's a recipe for potential disaster down the road, given a schedule that includes notable mobile quarterbacks like Dan Persa, Denard Robinson, and Taylor Martinez.
It could be a long year in Iowa City.
Badgers Defense Shines In Shutout Of Beavers
Wisconsin has to be the early favorite to win the Big Ten.
Ohio State barely escaped Toledo and Eleven Warriors is worried. They also booed QB Joe Bauserman off the field, and are upset that scrambling backup Braxton Miller didn't get any run. Next week, Ohio State heads to Miami for the inaugural Tit for Tat Bowl.
Illinois has no trouble with South Dakota State
A 56-3 win that was over after the first quarter. We'll see how good the Illini are next week against Arizona State.
Spartans have no problems against FAU
Impressive showing for Michigan State after struggling to put away Youngstown State last week. Their defense held FAU to 50 total yards and 1 first down the entire game, amazing regardless of the competition.
Penn State Bumbles Away Opportunities, Falls to Alabama 27-11
Tough to win when your quarterbacks complete just 12 of their 39 attempts, but no real shame in losing to Alabama.
Kill had a seizure during Minnesota's loss to New Mexico State and had to be taken to the hospital. Thankfully it appears Kill will make a full recovery.
Goodbye Bowl Game: Rice 24, Purdue 22
Yep, Hammer and Rails is already giving up on a bowl game after two weeks, and it's hard to argue with their conclusion. Danny Hope's seat is getting red hot, and deservedly so after his horrendous game management at the end of this loss.
Central Florida 30, Boston College 3: Knights Throttle Eagles In Orlando
Speaking of coaches on the hot seat, the natives are getting restless in Boston, as BC was embarrassed by Central Florida, gaining just 140 total yards the entire game. Northwestern's Week 1 win is no longer looking very impressive, and if Frank Spaziani can't beat Duke at home next week, he might not make it through the season.
Virgina Cavaliers 34, Indiana Hoosiers 31: comeback goes for naught
Indiana may be bad, but at least Kevin Wilson is taking chances and making bold moves at the end of games. Unfortunately, they didn't work out well for him.
Nebraska vs. Fresno State Postgame Overreaction: The Offense Improves
42 points on offense for the Huskers: good. 29 points and 444 yards allowed by the defense: not as good.
Michigan beats Notre Dame in a ridiculous finish
There were three touchdowns in the final 1:12, aided by some of the worst pass defense ever. The whole thing was reminiscent of a Northwestern game circa 2000.