Big Ten Marches On With IU In The Lead

Big Ten Marches On With IU In The Lead

Latest from the Big Ten with Indiana vs. Ohio State, Wisconsin vs. Minnesota, Michigan vs. Purdue, and Illinois vs. Michigan State.

Sep 30, 2017 by Alex Goff
Big Ten Marches On With IU In The Lead

Indiana is still the class of the Big Ten, but the Hoosiers' position isn't especially solid after once again needing a late comeback to stay undefeated.

After getting sorely tested by Wisconsin last week, Indiana fell behind at halftime to visiting Ohio State on Saturday before rallying for a 36-29 win.

The Hoosiers, who trailed 24-19 at the break, traded tries with the Buckeyes in the second half until finally grabbing the lead. 

Ohio State had a chance to tie it late -- as the Buckeyes were knocking on the door as time expired -- but Indiana held on for the victory.

For OSU head coach Tom Rooney, the result was disappointing but an indication that his team, which beat Notre Dame and Cincinnati in close games, is getting better. 

"We're getting comfortable with the system, but the pace of play today was faster than what we've been against yet," Rooney said. "We emphasized pace all week, but until the kids actually see that pace, they don't understand."

Indiana is 3-0 but has allowed a somewhat worrying 92 points in conference play.

Also in action this week in the Big Ten, Wisconsin rebounded from last week's loss to Indiana by slamming Minnesota 84-10. Michigan edged Purdue 22-20, and Michigan State beat Illinois 38-10 to move to 2-0.

The Illini actually led 10-0 before the Spartans stormed back, paced by Samy Shelbaya. 

The top three teams every year in the Big Ten are Indiana, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. Those squads will play each other twice. A team from the other six will have to beat one of those three to have a shot at the championship game.


Big TenWLTPFPAPDBTBLPTS
Indiana30017192793015
Michigan State2007432422010
Wisconsin1101276364206
Illinois1104753-6206
Michigan10022202004
Ohio State0102936-7112
Purdue02040104-64011
Iowa0101537-22000
Minnesota02032120-88000