The Week 8 Opponent Recap

Some of the non-con opponents continue to shine, some... not so much:

Illinois State 55, Indiana State 14: The Redbirds scored the first 45 points of the game, meaning this one was never really in doubt. Indiana State mustered only 174 yards of total offense in a losing effort, and both of their touchdowns came on running plays. The Sycamores fall to 1-6 on the season.

Toledo 45, Navy 44: A missed PAT in the second overtime doomed Navy, as Toledo scored and converted on their attempt to hold off the Midshipmen. The teams combined for 740 yards rushing, compared to only 200 yards through the air. Navy is now 3-3 on the year.

Bowling Green was idle. They host Toledo next week.

#14 Missouri 36, #22 Florida 17: Mizzou held the Gators 151 total yards, and gained 500 of their own, in a romp over Florida. Maty Mauk went 18 for 36 and threw for 295 yards in his first start as the Tigers' quarterback, replacing the injured James Franklin. The Tigers improve to 7-0.

And now for the B1G recap (Nebraska and Penn State idle):

Minnesota 20, Northwestern 17: With Jerry Kill watching from a box seat in the stadium, his Gophers pulled out a surprising victory over the Wildcats in Evanston. Minnesota trailed 7-0 after a 3 yard touchdown run by Steven Buckley, but would not trail the rest of the game. Minnesota improves to 5-2 (1-2), while Northwestern has yet to win in conference play, sitting at 4-3 (0-3).

Michigan State 14, Purdue 0: As it has often done this year, Michigan State's defense carried the Spartans to victory. A 45 yard return of a Danny Etling fumble put the first Spartan touchdown on the board, and a touchdown pass thrown by wide receiver Tony Lippett sealed the game late. Michigan State is now 6-1 (3-0), and Purdue is 1-6 (0-3).

#4 Ohio State 34, Iowa 24: Carlos Hyde scored two second half touchdowns to help lead the Buckeyes over Iowa. The Hawkeyes led for much of the game, but couldn't keep Ohio State off the scoreboard in the 4th quarter, which would prove to be their undoing. Iowa is now 4-3 (1-2), while Ohio State remains undefeated at 7-0 (3-0).

#25 Wisconsin 56, Illinois 32: Melvin Gordon gashed Illinois for 142 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in a Wisconsin romp over the Illini. Illinois scored 3 times in the second quarter, but could get no closer than 28-17 the rest of the game. The Badgers improve to 5-2 (3-1) on the season, while Illinois is now 3-3 (0-2).