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Every Sunday (well, in this case Monday), after a whirlwind autumn Saturday of college football, we'll be taking you around the Big Ten to keep tabs on the rest of the conference. As it fights as one for respectability in the non-conference, or as its power dynamics shift on a week-to-week basis in October and November, we'll follow the narrative to give you a better idea of where Northwestern fits into the 14-team puzzle.
Here are the top three storylines from Week 11:
1. Rudock's huge day leads Michigan over Indiana in 2OT
Jake Rudock's career at Michigan got off to a rough start. There have been ups and downs since. But his performance this weekend against a feisty Indiana team was the highest of highs. He threw for 440 yards and six touchdowns -- including one to tie the game up with two seconds left in regulation and one in both overtimes -- and his defense held at the goal line second overtime to keep Michigan's hopes of a Big Ten championship alive with a 48-41 road win. The Wolverines also got a monster day from Jehu Chesson (10 catches, 207 yards, 4 touchdowns). However, they uncharacteristically struggled defending the run, giving up 307 yards on the ground, including 238 and two touchdowns from star Indiana back Jordan Howard. It was one of the most entertaining games of the year, and one that didn't have the result Northwestern wanted.
2. Iowa 10-0 for first time in school history
Every week, it seems Iowa finds a different guy to step up and help the Hawkeyes win. This week, it was LeShun Daniels, Jr. running for three touchdowns and nearly 200 yards. The Golden Gophers drew to within five with 5:32 left on a touchdown pass from running back Shannon Brooks to receiver Drew Wolitarsky, but Daniels answered that with a 51-yard touchdown run. Minnesota scored again with just over a minute left to make it 40-35, but the ensuing onside kick went out of bounds. Iowa is 10-0. IOWA IS 10-0.
3. Ohio State remains undefeated
Ezekiel Elliott is brushing his teams' quarterback issues aside and putting the offense on his back. This week, he went for 181 yards and two touchdowns, helping his Buckeyes beat Illinois, 28-3. J.T. Barrett was somewhat out of sync in his return from a suspension, but still managed to throw for 150 yards and add 74 on the ground, accounting for two total touchdowns. Now comes the tough stretch for Urban Meyer's team: Michigan State and Michigan.
Other games
- Michigan State overcame hapless Maryland, 24-7, despite losing Connor Cook to a shoulder injury. He should be good to go next week against Ohio State. Tyler O'Connor threw a touchdown and an interception in relief for Cook.
- Nebraska experienced no letdown after a shocking win over Michigan State, defeating Rutgers 31-14 in Piscataway behind three touchdown passes from Tommy Armstrong. Nebraska must beat Iowa in two weeks, however, to achieve bowl eligibility.
Elsewhere around the nation
- Stanford lost to Oregon, 38-36, which really doesn't help Northwestern. Although Stanford remains a big, impressive win for the Wildcats, the Week 1 victory in Evanston no longer has the shine of a triumph over a national championship contender.