Week One Pass/Fail Report Big 10

Pass


Wisconsin…Expected an easy day against UNLV, and they certainly got one. They jumped out 51-3 before slipping into cruise mode.
Northwestern…Wildcats didn’t have Dan Persa, but they picked up a gutsy win on the road anyway. They’ll be better when Persa returns, but an easy week is ahead.
Ohio State…The Buckeyes systematically dismantled the Zips, and were nothing but consistent on the day. Bigger test comes this week with spunky Toledo looking for an upset coming to town.
Penn State…This was a ho-hum game for the Nittany Lions, and they built up a big lead at the half and cruised in the second.
Iowa…Another dull game, but hey, the Hawkeyes took care of business. Time to get to some real football now.
Minnesota…Yes, they lost, but they never folded and died when they could have, and made it a real game in the second half. The Gophers are already ahead of where they were a year ago.
Illinois…This game was on upset alert, and the Illini did not entirely dominate. They still avoided the upset, and never let the Arkansas State offense get off of the ground.
Michigan…Not that the Wolverines would have lost this game last season, but they certainly needed to get off to a big start against the Broncos, and the defensive improvement was a great example of how different this team can be.
Nebraska…The Huskers got an easy win, but it was not pretty at all. Nebraska needs to get themselves together to avoid making mistakes like they did last season, and they were not entirely focused here.

Fail

Indiana…This was a great chance for Kevin Wilson to make a splash and a statement in the opener, but all we got is a work in progress sign. Inexcusable loss.
Purdue…Sure, the Boilers won, but if you have to score 17 in the 4th to beat Middle Tennessee, you may have some problems. We could be in for a long season with this lot.
Michigan State…Did the Spartans know that the season had started? They certainly didn’t look like it, as they struggled mightily against the worst team in the Missouri Valley Conference. Time to wake up!