For the past three seasons, the Big Ten race has been a familiar showdown between Ohio State and Michigan as November approaches. However, this year, the landscape is dramatically different. Four teams are now in a heated battle for the Big Ten championship and a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff: No. 1 Oregon (8-0), No. 3 Penn State (8-0), No. 4 Ohio State (7-1), and No. 13 Indiana (8-0). This shift has injected excitement and unpredictability into the conference.
Excitement in the Big Ten
No. 20 Illinois is the only two-loss team left in the mix, and the stakes are about to rise significantly. A top-five showdown is on the horizon as Ohio State prepares to face Penn State at Beaver Stadium on November 2. How should these four teams feel heading into this crucial month? What are their chances of clinching the Big Ten title?
No. 1 Oregon controls its destiny
Oregon has solidified its position at the top of the Big Ten race with a commanding 38-9 victory over No. 20 Illinois. The Ducks amassed an impressive 527 yards of offense, demonstrating their dominance over the past two weeks since claiming the No. 1 ranking. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel was instrumental, completing 18 of 26 passes for 291 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The defense also stepped up, intercepting Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer twice.
Looking ahead, the Ducks will face Michigan, a team that doesn’t quite match the caliber of last year’s national championship squad. This will be the first matchup between these two teams since Oregon triumphed 39-7 at the Big House on September 8, 2007. With their current momentum, Oregon is poised to make a significant impact in the conference.
Backup QB steps up for No. 3 Penn State
Meanwhile, at Penn State, the Nittany Lions faced adversity during their recent game against Wisconsin. Trailing 10-7 at halftime and with starting quarterback Drew Allar sidelined due to a knee injury, the situation looked grim. However, backup Beau Pribula stepped up, completing 11 of 13 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown, leading the team to a 28-13 victory.
Jaylen Reed turned the tide with a 19-yard interception return for a touchdown, shifting the momentum in favor of the Nittany Lions. As they prepare for their critical matchup against Ohio State, the big question remains: will Pribula be the starter? His experience and mobility could be crucial assets against a formidable opponent. This game is particularly significant for head coach James Franklin, who has struggled against the Buckeyes with a record of 1-9.
No. 4 Ohio State in trouble after close call with Nebraska?
Ohio State, under the guidance of coach Ryan Day, remains unbeaten against unranked opponents, boasting a perfect 35-0 record. However, their recent 21-17 victory over Nebraska raised some eyebrows. Quarterback Will Howard, who faced criticism following the loss to Oregon, responded with a stellar performance, completing 9 of 9 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Despite throwing an interception in the second half, he led the game-winning drive, connecting with Quinshon Judkins for a crucial touchdown.
Nevertheless, the Buckeyes are grappling with concerns about their running game, especially after losing offensive lineman Josh Simmons for the season. They managed only 64 rushing yards on 31 attempts against Nebraska and failed to secure a first down in the third quarter. Defensive standout Jordan Hancock sealed the victory with an interception, but the Buckeyes will need to tighten their game as they head to Happy Valley for a pivotal clash with Penn State.
No. 13 Indiana keeps playoff dream alive
On the other side of the conference, Indiana is making waves under first-year coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers secured a vital 31-17 win over Washington, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. Tayen Jackson filled in admirably for the injured Kurtis Rourke, and the team showcased a powerful rushing attack, racking up 188 yards on 52 attempts. The defense was equally impressive, limiting Washington to just 318 total yards and forcing them to convert only 3 of 11 third downs.
Looking ahead, Rourke may return for the crucial game against Michigan State in Week 10, which could set the stage for a thrilling finish to the season. Cignetti has experience in navigating high-stakes situations, having led James Madison to a 10-0 start last season. If Indiana can sweep their upcoming games, including matchups against Michigan and Ohio State, they could very well secure a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Who will play in the Big Ten championship game?
As the season progresses, the question remains: who will emerge as the contenders for the Big Ten championship? Our preseason projection still leans towards Ohio State and Oregon. The Ducks have a favorable schedule ahead, not facing any ranked teams and avoiding matchups against Penn State or Indiana. A victory against Michigan would bring them one step closer to their championship aspirations.
Ohio State, on the other hand, has a strong track record against both Penn State and Indiana, having not lost to either team since 2016 and 1988, respectively. While the Nittany Lions and Hoosiers are both poised to finish with impressive records, the Buckeyes’ defense could prove to be the deciding factor in their head-to-head matchups.
With the potential for all four teams to finish with 11-1 records, the Big Ten could see a historic representation in the 12-team playoff. The excitement is palpable as November approaches, and fans are eager to see how this thrilling race unfolds.
