Reviewing Week 1 in the Big Ten

Intro About Me

My name is Kyle Prieboy and I am just interested in sports all together. I am senior at The University of Iowa and a double major in English and Journalism. I hope to be a sports reporter in the future and being in the middle of Big Ten country I thought it would be fitting to look into one of the most exciting parts of the year Big Ten Football. Hope you enjoy.

The Recap

Iowa 46, Maine 3

Coming into this season the Hawkeyes' offense was a big question mark. The rushing attack proved to be up for the challenge as Shonn Greene rushed for 109 yards and a TD and freshman Jewel Hampton added 68 yards and 2 TD's. This can be attributed to the much improved offensive line play which allowed only 1 sack on the Saturday. However, the quarterback situation is still in question as both Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi played equal minutes.

Northwestern 30, Syracuse 10

The Northwestern offense struggled early on but got things going once the first game jitters were out of the way as two seniors led the way for the Wildcats. Running Back Tyrell Sutton rushed for 144 yards and Quarterback C.J. Bacher threw for 3 TD's as Northwestern recorded a solid victory over the Orange.

Minnesota 31, Northern Illinois 27

Minnesota struggled in its opener but were able to come out on top. Down 27-24 Minnesota faced a 4th and 1 on the 3 yard line after calling their final timeout with 38 seconds remaining. Running Back Duane Bennett charged forward for two yards. On the next play Bennett muscled his way into the endzone for the game winner.

Ohio State 43, Youngstown State 0

Ohio State looked like the #2 team in the country Saturday afternoon as they jumped all over Youngstown State. The Buckeyes held Youngstown State to -11 yards rushing and 74 total yards for the game. Highly rated quarterback Terrelle Pryor played as advertised as he showed off his legs in the 4th quarter as he rushed for an 18 yard touchdown The biggest note from this game would have to be the foot injury to star Running Back Chris Wells in the third quarter.

Utah 25, Michigan 23

For the second year in a row the Michigan Wolverines begin the season being upset in the "Big House." Michigan couldn't get Coach Rodriquez's new spread offense going in this game as they could only pile up 203 yards of total offense. Down 25-10 going into the 4th quarter it didn't look like Michigan had a chance. However, the defense stepped up its play and Michigan tried to gain the momentum but it was all too late.

Wisconsin 38, Akron 17

The Wisconsin Badgers stuck to pounding the football as they were able to take it to their weaker Mid-American Conference opponent. Running Back PJ Hill ran for 210 yards and 2 scores as he powered Wisconsin to victory.

Missouri 52, Illinois 42

In a Saturday game under the lights both offenses shined while both defenses looked almost non existent. Both teams were able to pile up more than 500 yards of total offense. Both offenses had an answer for eachother early on but the game changer came after the Illini took a 13-10 lead. On the following kickoff Missouri return man Jeremy Maclin raced 99 yards for a touchdown putting the Tigers up 17-13 and they never looked back.

California 38, Michigan State 31

The scrappy play of the Spartans couldn't keep up with the Cal offense. However, Michigan State did show promise on offense as QB Brian Hoyer passed for 321 yards while connecting with wide receiver Mark Dell for nine catches and 202 yards. With 4:21 to go in the game Cal running back Shane Vereen broke an 81 yard touchdown run putting the Golden Bears up 38-24. Michigan State responded with a quick score to make it 38-31. The Spartans later got one last chance but Hoyer threw 4 straight incomplete passes at midfield ending their chances at a comeback.

Indiana 31, Western Kentucky 13

Indiana scored a first victory as quarterback Kellen Lewis showed off his arm and his legs as he rushed for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns and threw for 144 yards and 2 TD's. The defense did enough as defensive end Jammie Kirlew had two sacks.

Penn State 66, Coastal Carolina 10

This one was all Nittany Lions as they were up 38-7 at the half. They never let up in the second half as the soared to a 66-10 victory while compiling 594 yards of total offense. The win gives Coach Joe Paterno win number 373 which puts him in a tie with Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden for the most career wins among major college football coaches.

Week 1 Surprises

-Illini quarterback Juice Williams known for his legs showed off a much improved arm in the game versus Missouri. Williams showed a good pocket presence as he passed for 451 yards and 5 TD's.

-A big question mark coming into this season was the Iowa rushing attack after losing the two headed monster of Albert Young and Damian Sims. However, the Hawkeyes were able to compile 245 yards rushing led by Shonn Greene who rushed for 109 yards.

- Michigan being upset in the "Big House" two years in a row. Need I say more?

This was a look into Week 1 of Big Ten football. Some surprises but there is still a long ways to go in what should be another exciting Big Ten season.