Week Eight Big Ten Wrap-up

It was blowout week in the Big Ten. The closest games were both 22 point shellackings that weren't even really that close.

Ohio State went into East Lansing and dominated from the start. Well, not really the start, as they fumbled the opening kickoff and had to start inside their own ten. This game was never in doubt as Ohio State answered most of the questions as to their status as a real contender. The only question remaining is whether Terrelle Pryor can get the job done through the air if he needs to. The freshman threw the ball only eleven times, completing seven for 116 yards, but one of those completions was a jump ball that probably should have been intercepted that accounted for half of his passing yards. Still, the kid's a freak and probably gives the Bucks their best shot at the Big Ten Championship.

Penn State continued its thrashing of the competition this year with a 46-17 win over Michigan. The Wolverines came out strong, going up 17-7 in the second quarter. When Penn State charged back to tie the score, the Nittany Lions got the game winner when back-up quarterback Nick Sheridan was sacked in the end zone. Penn State made excellent adjustments in the second half and Michigan failed to counter those and what looked like an upset bid turned into a blowout.

Illinois and Northwestern both took care of business also. With Kellen Lewis out with an injury, Indiana had little chance of keeping up with the Illini as freshman running back Jason Ford went for three touchdowns and 172 yards. Juice threw for three scores and this one was never in doubt as Illinois won 55-13. Northwestern rebounded from its only loss of the year, beating Purdue 48-26. After struggling with turnovers last week, the Wildcats forced five this week and C.J. Bacher had three touchdown passes.

Iowa ran away from Wisconsin at home 38-16 as running back Shonn Greene went for 217 yards and four scores.