A powerful Nor’easter (a type of storm) hit the East Coast of the US this weekend. The Big Ten fixture list was largely spared and ten games went ahead, eight of them in-conference.
But the focus on weather got me thinking about which of the Big Ten teams are experiencing dark clouds and which are basking in sunshine. If the Big Ten had a weather report, this would be the highlights.
Bright Sunshine
Indiana, Iowa and Ohio State
Not a cloud in the sky in Iowa City after a last gasp win against Michigan in Ann Arbor. The win was “classic Iowa” as they found 13 points in the final quarter to get over the line.
The Hawkeyes (4-0) will host Ohio State next, with the College Gameday team coming to town. Once past this challenge the rest of their schedule looks winnable in what could be a very good season.
Ohio State will be ready for the Hawkeyes after their own comprehensive win against Illinois. WR Jeremiah Smith set a new Buckeye game record with his 4 TDs and 12 receptions for 217 yards. They are sitting at 3-1 with the only loss being that nail-biter at Texas. All sunny skies at present.
As for Indiana they have cruised to 4-0 albeit met some turbulence at home to Northwestern this weekend. The Hoosiers have only conceded 39 points across four games and 23 of those came against a solid-looking Wildcats team.
The loss of RB Turbo Richard to injury might signal some clouds on the horizon, albeit Coach Cignetti is optimistic he will be ready for the next game – we will wait and see….
Bright Spells
Oregon and UCLA
After a period of showers following the loss to Oklahoma State, things are looking up in Oregon. The Ducks rallied to produce a rousing win at the Coliseum against USC.
The team had to rally around backup QB Dylan Raiola (what a backup to have!) after Dante Moore left the game after late tackler. The game was stopped for 15 minutes while he received treatment and was stretchered from the field.
We await news on when Dante will be back but the control Raiola showed in his absence suggests that a period of Sunshine could be ahead at Autzen. They have a bye week next before hosting UCLA on 10th October.
UCLA have had a torrid few years – shrouded in dark cloud with not a sniff of sunshine. But things are looking up after a thumping 54-3 win at Maryland.
The Bruins sit at 4-0 and look fluent on offense but still need to travel to Oregon, Minnesota and Michigan. Current evidence suggests they could be the sunniest spot in California this year.
Dark Clouds
Michigan and Washington
Michigan were on the end of a tough loss to Iowa in the final seconds of their match at the big house. Result aside QB Bryce Underwood played pretty well, despite some of his recent struggles.
Suggesting clouds over Ann Arbour might seem harsh given they are still 3-1. But if the Wolverines are to elevate themselves into a playoff team, Iowa are direct competitors who must be overcome. As such this loss will be disappointing.
The Wolverines must blow off the clouds with a win at Minnesota, who are fresh off their own signature win against Washington.
Speaking of Washington, there is cloud cover and some drizzle over Husky Stadium following that loss to the Golden Gophers at the weekend.
I have said before Minnesota are in that tier of teams who will play spoiler to a number of opponents this season. The Huskies discovered that the hard way.
Minnesota raced out into a 14-point lead early on and spent the whole game ahead from there on. Some critical eyes will be pointed at Washington QB Demond Williams, especially following his preseason leaving/staying antics. He finished the day with 2 interceptions alongside 2 touchdowns after completing 64% of his passes.
The Huskies would have wanted better at home.
Strong Winds
Penn State
Gale force winds blue Penn State off course this weekend as they were upset at home by Wisconsin. QB Rocco Becht had a day to forget making only 12 of 29 passes for 114 yards, yielding only an interception.
Penn State also led this game 17-0 before Wisconsin staged a late comeback.
The result is a setback for Matt Campbell and the Nittany Lions who will be hoping to right the ship at Northwestern next Friday. This will be the inaugural match at Northwestern’s new stadium and the perfect opportunity to seek clearer skies.
Thunderstorms
USC
USC fans should batten down the hatches as there are storms incoming in Los Angeles. Losing (again) to Oregon is one thing, but the off-field antics are what will remain in the memory.
The targeting hit will occasionally happen in a game that is largely defined by violence. But the fact that the coaching staff did not get a grip on the posturing that followed leaves a sour taste for many.
Including the wobble against Rutgers in week 3, USC have given up 20+ points on 4 of their 5 games to date.
Lincoln Reily’s leadership was called into question at the beginning of the season. It is year 5 of his reign and they do not seem to be any closer to what they would define as success. They are 5-15 against ranked teams in that period.
Next week’s game agaisnt Washington is a must win with tests against Ohio State and Indiana still to come.
Week 4 Results
| Road Team | Points | Home Team | Points |
| Northwestern | 23 | Indiana | 29 |
| Howard | 7 | Rutgers | 58 |
| Notre Dame | 49 | Purdue | 10 |
| Illinois | 19 | Ohio State | 42 |
| Wisconsin | 24 | Penn State | 20 |
| Iowa | 20 | Michigan | 19 |
| UCLA | 54 | Maryland | 3 |
| Nebraska | 31 | Michigan State | 13 |
| Oregon | 41 | USC | 27 |
| Minnesota | 27 | Washington | 24 |
