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Around the Big Ten, Week 2: Minnesota falls, Saquon Barkley is superhuman, the Rutger is back

And, of course, there was much wailing in the streets as Rutger switched in yet another quarterback.

By Tristan Jung
NCAA Football: Ohio State at Rutgers Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve chronicled Northwestern’s painful 33-24 loss to Wisconsin, but there were five other Big Ten games this weekend. We’re here to recap what happened if you shut off the television post-Thorson’s safety.

Nebraska 28, Illinois 6

The Illinois we know and love is back! Despite the fact that Nebraska fired its AD, Tanner Lee has been abysmal, and Mike Riley is coaching for his job, the Huskers still took an easy 22-point victory in Champaign. There’s nothing like playing Illinois/Rutgers to buoy the fortunes of your program. Nebraska outgained Illinois 411 to 199, and was up 21-3 at halftime.

Maryland 31, Minnesota 24

This was, surprisingly, the game of the week as D.J. Durkin and his team rebounded from a disastrous loss to UCF to knock off Minnesota on the road. This was the first real test of P.J. Fleck’s tenure, and he did not pass it. Both teams played well in a back-and-forth contest that ended on a 34-yard touchdown run from Maryland’s Ty Johnson with 1:23 remaining in the fourth quarter. Two interceptions from Conor Rhoda and defensive miscues doomed the Golden Gophers, who will face Purdue in the “Battle of the New B1G Coaches” next week.

No. 4 Penn State 45, Indiana 14

Ladies and gentleman...SAQUON BARKLEY!!!!!

He can return kicks!

He can catch screen passes with one hand and destroy a defense.

HE CAN EVEN THROW THE BALL!

Oh, and he’s coming to Ryan Field next week. Brace yourselves.

Ohio State 56, RUTGER 0

Last week, I said Rutger earned its ‘s’ back after a decent performance against Nebraska. Guess what folks, they’ve given the letter back. This weekend saw the full Rutger. It was not quite the level of Michigan 78, Rutger 0, but it was classic Rutger. Ohio State led 35-0 at halftime, outgained Rutger 618 to 209. Interestingly, seven players attempted a pass in this game.

Michigan State 17, Iowa 10

This was a close game in the fourth quarter and I still dozed off. In classic Big Ten fashion, the second half of this game featured three points. Michigan State started fast and took a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and would never relinquish it. Iowa, because its Iowa, failed to win the game despite Michigan State failing to score in the second half whatsoever. I will say Northwestern did look much better than these teams.

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