First and Ten – Week Two

Ten takeaways from the second weekend of Big Ten Football. You can follow along all season on SiriusXM Big Ten Radio (Ch. 372).

WEEKEND TO FORGET

It wasn’t pretty around the Big Ten Conference last weekend with the top two preseason raking teams in Ohio State and Oregon losing along with Illinois, Minnesota, Purdue and Rutgers on the losing end of things.

NEW WORLD ORDER?

With Ohio State and Oregon losing already, Indiana has inherited the mantle as the best team in the conference even if the caliber of opponent hasn’t been stellar. USC is also now in the team photo for that honor.

DUCKS TREADING WATER

Oregon didn’t look great against Boise State despite winning on opening weekend so maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprised about the performance against Oklahoma State. It’s no secret now Dan Lanning has some work to do.

BUCKEYE BLACK EYE

Ohio State’s first half against Texas was what is expected out of the Buckeyes this season. However the second half saw OSU’s defense on its heels in a big way allowing Texas to get back in the game and eventually win. Adjustments have to be made immediately.

BEST BEHIND CENTER

Three quarterbacks that have really impressed in the early going are Jayden Maiva, which isn’t a surprise, but Rocco Becht of Penn State and Josh Hoover of Indiana have also played extremely well. The trio of the Trojans, Nittany Lions and Hoosiers on offense should be fun to watch to see if that trend continues in the coming weeks.

LESS OF MOORE

Dante Moore has not looked like the quarterback Oregon thought they had when the talented quarterback decided to not opt for the NFL. The veteran struggled against Oklahoma State, throwing for 191 yards while completing just 48.3% of his throws. Not good Bob.

WOLVERINES WINNING WAY

Michigan did a very nice job putting the controversy of edging Western Michigan on opening weekend behind them and going out to beat a very good Oklahoma team. That was a testament to first-year coach Kyle Whittingham and his staff’s preparation and execution in a much-needed solid victory.

IOWA….OOPS

The good news was the Hawkeyes beat in-state rivals Iowa State to keep the Cy-Hawk Trophy in Iowa City. The bad news players dropped it during the post-game celebration. Hopefully the insurance premium was paid in full.

RUTGERS RUT

The Scarlet Knights have “only” been outscored 65-42 in their opening two losses of the season. But when you factor in those defeats came at the hands of UMass and Boston College, it’s not a very good feeling around Piscataway this week with USC coming to town.

SPARTY PARTY?

Speaking of big opponents, Michigan State gets the Saturday night prime time spot with Notre Dame coming to East Lansing. It will be a huge test for head coach Pat Fitzgerald and while some folks were predicting a possible Wisconsin upset of the Fighting Irish on opening weekend, which didn’t happen, could something be brewing this weekend?