The Big Ten kicked off the bulk of its conference schedule this past weekend. While the results were mostly expected, there were plenty of dominant performances from both teams and individual players.
Here are three performances that stood out.
Close call: No. 10 Michigan 27, Minnesota 24
The Golden Gophers nearly pulled off an upset of epic proportions against No. 10 Michigan. Despite a rough start, Minnesota rallied late in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell short.
Minnesota struggled in the first half, turning the ball over twice, while Michigan capitalized on its early opportunities. The Wolverines even blocked a punt, setting up a quick touchdown to extend their lead. By the end of the third quarter, Michigan led, 24-3.
In the final frame, Minnesota mounted a comeback with two short rushing touchdowns, bringing the game within one score. But a Michigan field goal stretched the lead, and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Minnesota with 1:37 left proved to be too little, too late.
Despite the loss, Minnesota outgained Michigan in total yards (296 to 241). The Wolverines struggled through the air, as quarterback Alex Orji threw for a touchdown and an interception. It was running back Kalel Mullings who carried the offense with 24 rushes for 117 yards and two scores.
On the other side, Minnesota’s Max Brosmer completed 27-of-40 passes for 258 yards, a touchdown and an interception, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.
Statement victory: Indiana 42, Maryland 28
Though No. 3 Ohio State’s victory over Michigan State could have taken the spotlight, Indiana’s win against Maryland solidified the Hoosiers’ position among college football’s elite.
Heading into the weekend, there were doubts about Indiana’s strength of schedule and whether its undefeated record would hold up against tougher Big Ten competition. The Hoosiers erased those doubts in convincing fashion.
Despite two early interceptions, quarterback Kurtis Rourke led Indiana to victory with 359 passing yards and three touchdowns. Even though Maryland won the turnover battle, 4-0, it wasn’t enough to secure a win, as Indiana pulled away in the fourth quarter amid mounting injuries for the Terps.
This victory propelled Indiana to the No. 23 Associated Press Top 25 rankings, its first appearance in the top 25 since 2021. With Northwestern next on the schedule, the Hoosiers have a chance to carry their undefeated record into their bye week.
Performance of the week: Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai
Rutgers remains one of just five undefeated teams in the Big Ten, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance by senior running back Kyle Monangai.
Monangai, who already earned Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 9 and was named to the Maxwell Award Watch List, delivered another standout performance in Rutgers’ 21-18 win over Washington. He rushed 25 times for 132 yards and a touchdown. That outpaced his quarterback, Athan Kaliakmanis, who threw for just 115 yards.
This marked Monangai’s 11th career game with 100 or more rushing yards, and he passed Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco for 7th all-time in Rutgers’ rushing yards. He has scored in all four games this season and is just two touchdowns shy of breaking into Rutgers’ top 10 all-time touchdown list.
Monangai currently ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing yards with 589 and has already tallied six touchdowns this season.
