Michigan at Minnesota
Game Recap: With the help of some questionable clock management by Minnesota and a final play goal line stand, Michigan was able to escape with a 29-26 victory.
Key Players: Jake Rudock struggled, completing just 13-of-21 passes for 140 yards a touchdown and interception before leaving with an injury. Wilton Speight took over and passed for 39 yards and a touchdown on 3-of-6 passing. Amara Darboh (6-73-0), Jehu Chesson (3-33-2) and Jake Butt (4-38-0) were all involved in the passing game for Michigan. With De'Veon Smith hobbled by an ankle injury, Drake Johnson (10-55-0) has emerged as the lead back for the Wolverines. Mitch Leidner got hot late for Minnesota and passed for 316 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 37 yards and another score. The backfield carries were split evenly between Rodney Smith (12-74-0) and Shannon Brooks (12-33-0). Brandon Lingen (5-111-0) and KJ Maye (6-58-0) led the receiving unit.
Injuries: Rudock is questionable for Rutgers this week.
Players to Watch: Minnesota has a tough road matchup against Ohio State. The Buckeyes have struggled somewhat against running quarterbacks so Leidner is potentially worth a GPP shot. Drake Johnson could have a big game against a very soft Rutgers defense.
Illinois at Penn STATE
Game Recap: In what was expected to be a close game, Penn State dominated the Illini in every phase on their way to an easy 39-0 win. Illinois only made it past midfield four times on offense and could get nothing going against the talented Nittany Lions defensive front.
Key Players: Christian Hackenberg threw a pair of early touchdowns and had an efficient 266 yards passing. He also caught a 14-yard touchdown on a trick play. Saquon Barkley rushed 20 times for 84 yards and a touchdown and also caught three balls for 58 yards. Chris Godwin continues to emerge as the top target in the offense and notched seven receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown.
Injuries: The Illini's top running back, Josh Ferguson, may be able to return next week against Purdue.
Players to Watch: For Illinois, Ferguson is worth considering if he is able to practice fully in the leadup to the Purdue game. If not, Ke'Shawn Vaughn has received nearly all of the carries in his absence. He has struggled, but Purdue's soft defense could get him going. Penn State travels to face a stingy Northwestern defense, but talented youngsters Godwin and Barkley are both worth playing despite the matchup concerns.
NEBRASKA AT PURDUE
Game Recap: The Boilermakers surprisingly found major success through the air and jumped all over Nebraska to build a 42-16 lead. Purdue easily held on for the 55-45 victory despite some late offensive fireworks from the Cornhuskers.
Key Players: Freshman Purdue quarterback David Blough unexpectedly starred. He passed for 274 yards and four touchdowns and also rushed 10 times for 82 yards and another touchdown. Running back Markell Jones rushed 23 times for 92 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 51 additional yards. DeAngelo Yancey starred at wide receiver with five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns. For Nebraska, backup quarterback Ryker Fyfe bounced back from a poor first half to put up 407 passing yards and four touchdowns. He also threw four interceptions though. Jordan Westerkamp (9-123-1) and Brandon Reilly (5-88-1) led the way at receiver while Terrell Newby (10-56-0) led an ineffective Cornhusker running game.
Injuries: De'Mornay Pierson-El suffered another injury and is out for the season. Terrell Newby went down with an injury and did not play in the second half for Nebraska. He is questionable this week. Quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. also remains questionable with an ankle injury. Purdue running back D.J. Knox looks like he should be able to return against Illinois.
Players to Watch: Even if Knox returns for Purdue, Jones should retain a prominent role. His usage in the passing game makes him a solid play against an average at best Illinois defense. For Nebraska, Westerkamp is a decent option against a Spartans defense that has given up some big passing games this season.
MARYLAND AT IOWA
Game Recap: Iowa used a strong defensive effort to cruise to a 31-15 victory and stay undefeated. Maryland was unable to get anything going through the air and Iowa was able to win going away despite allowing a kick return touchdown and struggling offensively.
Key Players: Akrum Wadley was unable to repeat his big Week 8 performance but still led the Hawkeyes with 19 carries for 67 yards and a touchdown. Former starter LeShun Daniels Jr. rushed 16 times for 60 yards and a touchdown. C.J. Beathard completed 12-of-23 passes for 183 yards with Matt VandeBerg leading the way with three receptions for 54 yards. Maryland quarterback Perry Hills again found success on the ground with 19 rushes for 104 yards. But he continues to be plagued by turnovers and threw three more interceptions against Iowa. Maryland passed for just 74 yards.
Injuries: Jordan Canzeri was unexpectedly dressed for the game and was without a walking boot after suffering an ankle injury in early October against Northwestern. He may be able to return as soon as this upcoming weekend against Indiana.
Players to Watch: It's all about the running game for Iowa and the Hawkeyes have a friendly matchup looming against Indiana. Assuming Canzeri is inactive, Akrum Wadley should be a good option. Maryland hosts Wisconsin and it is hard to recommend any Terrapins in another tough matchup.
RUTGERS AT WISCONSIN
Game Recap: Corey Clement finally returned from injury and showed why he was so sorely missed in leading the Badgers to a 48-10 romp over an outmanned Rutgers squad that finds itself reeling. The Badgers stifling defense held the Scarlet Knights to a season-low 165 yards of offense.
Key Players: Clement's return was the big story and he notched 115 yards and three touchdowns despite handling just 11 carries. Top wide receiver Alex Erickson had a nice game with six catches for 103 yards and a touchdown. Backup runner Dare Ogunbowale actually led the Badgers in carries with 14 for 41 yards and a score. He also had two catches for 26 yards. Tight end Troy Fumagalli had a solid game with 55 yards on three catches. Nobody shined for Rutgers but Josh Hicks managed a solid 4.8 yards per carry with 72 yards on 15 attempts.
Injuries: Rutgers star receiver Leonte Carroo missed the game and is listed as questionable for Michigan this weekend. Wisconsin's #2 receiver Robert Wheelwright is out for the season and starting tight end Austin Traylor remains questionable heading into this weekend's game against Maryland.
Players to Watch: Michigan is a dreadful matchup for Rutgers and only Carroo (if active) is potentially worth considering. Wisconsin travels to Maryland and Clement should be one of the top options on the slate. Erickson should continue to see a good deal of volume as the only healthy and experienced receiver.
