Ohio State at Illinois
Game Recap: The Buckeyes defense and rushing attack dominated in a 28-3 victory against the Illini.
Key Players: Ezekiel Elliott rushed 27 times for 181 yards and 2 touchdowns. J.T. Barrett returned from a one-game suspension to rush for 74 yards and a touchdown and throw for 150 yards and a touchdown and an interception. Michael Thomas again led the way at receiver (6-76-1). Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt completed 23-of-47 passes for 241 yards. Desmond Cain (10-102-0) led the receivers. Josh Ferguson rushed 12 times for 49 yards and also caught five passes for 26 yards out of the backfield.
Injuries: Ke'Shawn Vaughn is questionable against Minnesota, which could mean Josh Ferguson again dominates the backfield touches.
Players to Watch: Ferguson struggled against a stout Buckeye front, but should find much more sucess against a Minnesota defense that was just shredded on the ground by Iowa. The Buckeyes face Michigan State and will need to exploit single coverage out wide if the Spartans crowd the box. Michael Thomas and Jalin Marshall are high-upside GPP options in Week 12.
Maryland at Michigan State
Game Recap: Star quarterback Connor Cook did not play in the second half due to a sore shoulder, but the Spartans were still able to cruise to a 24-7 win over Maryland. The Terrapins turnover woes continued with five more giveaways against MSU.
Key Players: Cook completed just 6-of-20 passes for 77 yards and an interception before heading to the bench. Gerald Holmes (18-83-1) remains the lead back for the Spartans. Aaron Burbridge (3-27-0) had a surprisingly quiet day with MacGarrett Kings Jr. (4-48-1) leading the receivers. Wes Brown (12-52-0) led the way for the Terrapins on the ground. Perry Hills played most of the game at quarterback and passed for 140 yards (and an interception) and rushed for 39 yards.
Injuries: Maryland's starting running back Wes Brown is suspended indefinitely due to a violation of the code of conduct. Connor Cook is expected to be fine for the weekend's game against Ohio State despite suffering a shoulder injury.
Players to Watch: Michigan State will have to throw the ball early and often to beat the Buckeyes. Tight end Josiah Price should be an effective weapon who will have relatively favorable matchups across the middle of the field. Maryland is favored at home against Indiana and threw for 361 yards against the Hoosiers last season. Perry Hills is a sneaky GPP play who could have a big game.
Purdue at Northwestern
Game Recap: Clayton Thorson converted some key third downs on a late touchdown drive that powered Northwestern to a narrow 17-10 victory over the Boilermakers.
Key Players: Thorson threw for just 82 yrds (and an interception) and rushed seven times for 48 yards. Justin Jackson had a big game with 24 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown. David Blough threw 45 times for 287 yards and a touchdown. Markell Jones (13-58-1) led the way for Purdue on the ground while also adding five receptions for another 68 yards. Domonique Young (5-107-1) led the receivers.
Injuries: Markell Jones is dealing with a minor knee injury, but is expected to play against Iowa.
Players to Watch: The heavy involvement of Jones in the passing game makes him a decent option even in a tough matchup with the Hawkeyes. Northwestern has a team total of ~15 at Wisconsin so it's tought to play and Wildcats in Week 12.
Nebraska at Rutgers
Game Recap: Nebraska jumped out to an early 21-0 lead and coasted to a 31-14 road victory.
Key Players: Tommy Armstrong Jr. completed 14-of-21 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw three interceptions though. Imani Cross (20-90-0) received the majority of the carries with Terrell Newby ailing. Tight end Cethan Carter had a big game with 57 yards and a touchdown through the air. He also scored on a 32 yard run. Jordan Westerkamp (3-32-1) had a quiet day but remains the top option in the passing game. Leonte Carroo (4-62-0) and Janarion Grant (4-58-0) were the top receivers for Rutgers.
Injuries: Rutgers WR Andre Patton is questionable heading into Saturday's game against Army.
Players to Watch: Look for Leonte Carroo to start getting hot again as his ankle heals up. He has a nice matchup against Army.
Michigan at Indiana
Game Recap: Michigan scored a last second touchdown to send the game to overtime. Then the Wolverines found the endzone on both overtime possessions to win 48-41.
Key Players: While Michigan's run game struggled, the passing game excelled. Jake Rudock threw for 440 yards and six touchdowns. Jehu Chesson (10-207-4) had a career day. Amara Darboh (8-109-1) and Jake Butt (7-82-1) also had strong games for the Wolverines. Indiana rode a strong ground game with Jordan Howard carrying 35 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a seven-yard touchdown pass. Simmie Cobbs (4-86-0) was the top receiver.
Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Michigan faces a tought matchup traveling to Penn State, but don't be surprised to see the running game get back on track behind De'Veon Smith. Indiana travels to Maryland to face a surprisingly stingy Terrapins defense, but Simmie Cobbs could have a nice game as the top outside threat for the Hoosiers.
Minnesota at Iowa
Game Recap: Iowa staved off a strong upset bid from the Gophers and prevailed at home 40-35.
Key Players: The lead back for Iowa has been a fantasy goldmine (whoever it has been). In Week 11, it was Leshun Daniels, Jr. He carried 26 times for 195 yards and three touchdowns. C.J. Beathard passed for 213 yards and rushed for 50 more (with two rushing touchdowns). Matt VandeBerg (6-74-0) again led the Hawkeyes in receiving. Mitch Leidner passed for 259 yards and a touchdown and ran for 32 yards and another score. Shannon Brooks dominated the running back touches with 14 carries for 86 yards and a touchdown. KJ Maye (7-106-0), Brandon Linger (6-105-1) and Drew Wolitarsky (3-71-1) were the top targets in the passing game for the Gophers.
Injuries: None.
Players to Watch: Daniels could have another monster game if he retains the starting job as expected. Against Illinois, Minnesota will look to get their running game going again behind Shannon Brooks.
