The Week Two Opponent Recap

Before we begin our weekly recap, let me just say: I will never, ever complain about a week 2 bye ever again. Now, onto the non-con opponents.

Indiana State rebounded nicely from getting beaten by the Hoosiers last week by blowing out Tennessee Tech 49-14 this week. The Sycamores were led by 4 touchdowns from Mike Perish (3 passing) and 3 more from LeMonte Booker (all rushing). Tennessee Tech committed 4 turnovers, and scored both of their touchdowns on special teams plays midway through the third quarter (a punt block and a punt return). Indiana State improves to 1-1 on the season, and faces Ball State next week.

Bowling Green also rebounded from their week one beatdown by Western Kentucky by laying one on the Virginia Military Institute 48-7. The Keydets (yes, that is VMI's mascot) scored their lone touchdown on a run by their punter, Hayden Alford, while he was in as the Keydets' quarterback. The Falcons put up 526 yards of offense on VMI, but gave up 418, which may still bode well for the Hoosiers' chances this week. Bowling Green is now 1-1 for the year.

#24 Missouri had an easy time of it against Toledo, heading into Ohio and claiming a 49-24 win. The Rockets kept pace early, but scored most of their points long after the game had been decided. Maty Mauk threw 5 touchdown passes for the Tigers, and ran for a 6th score, greatly contributing to Missouri's 502 yards of offense. Mizzou is now 2-0, and will host Central Florida this week.

North Texas faced a much less daunting in-state opponent than Texas in SMU last week, and had a much better time of it, downing the Mustangs 43-6. SMU turned the ball over 5 times, and grabbed their only points on the very last play of the game, a 33 yard touchdown pass. The Mean Green held SMU to just 8 net rushing yards, and kicker Trevor Moore contributed 5 field goals to the North Texas score. The 1-1 Mean Green host Louisiana Tech this Thursday.

And now, the tirefire B1G:

Maryland shut out South Florida in the second half and scored 10 4th quarter points to rally past the Bulls 24-17. Despite 6(!) turnovers on the Terrapins' part, they were able to block a punt early in the final quarter to retake the lead, and tacked on a late field goal to seal the win. South Florida lost their starting quarterback on the first play of the game, but backup Steven Bench nearly led the Bulls to a win in his stead. 2-0 Maryland hosts West Virginia this week.

Iowa had to stage a late comeback to finally put away Ball State 17-13. The Hawkeyes held the Cardinals to just 219 yards of total offense, but trailed for the majority of the game, until Jake Rudock tossed a 12 yard touchdown pass to Jake Duzey with 1 minute left in the game. The ensuing Ball State possession ended on a fumble recovered by Iowa, who ran out the clock. Iowa improved to 2-0, and welcomes in-state rival Iowa State into Kinnick Stadium this week.

#7 Michigan State had a rough go of it against #3 Oregon, and lost to the Ducks 46-27. Connor Cook's pair of interceptions cost the Spartans, especially the second, which spelled the end of State's chances to win the game. Both teams recorded over 450 yards of total offense, but Oregon picking off Cook twice were the only turnovers in a game where the Spartans couldn't really afford too many empty possessions. The Spartans fall to 1-1, and have the week off before hosting Eastern Michigan September 20th.

Michigan got shut out by Notre Dame 31-0 in what is the final game of that series for the foreseeable future. Devin Gardner threw three interceptions and also lost a fumble, accounting for all 4 of Michigan's turnovers against the Irish. The Wolverines did outgain Notre Dame 289 to 280, but were otherwise completely dominated. 1-1 Michigan hosts the Miami of Ohio Redhawks this week.

Penn State had one of the better B1G performances of the week, taking down Akron 21-3. Christian Hackenberg threw 3 touchdowns, but also 2 interceptions, for the Nittany Lions. Robert Stein knocked in the only points for the Zips on a 28 yard field goal in the third quarter. This week, the 2-0 Nittany Lions travel to Rutgers to open B1G play.

Rutgers was in control for much of the game, but nearly let Howard back into the contest before winning 38-25. Gary Nova threw 4 touchdown passes for the Scarlet Knights, two of which went to running back Paul James, who also ran for another score. Rutgers improved to 2-0, and as mentioned above will host Penn State this week.

#8 Ohio State expanded the seating in the Horseshoe this year, leading to a record crowd witnessing the Buckeyes' defeat at the hands of Virginia Tech 35-21. The two quarterbacks combined for 5 interceptions in this game, but Ohio State's J.T. Barrett threw the costliest, a pick six that clinched the game for the Hokies. The Buckeyes, now even at 1-1, welcome the Kent State Flashes into Ohio Stadium this week.

Purdue got blown out at home by the last undefeated FBS team in Michigan, the Central Michigan Chippewas, 38-17. And yes, every word in that sentence is correct. Danny Etling struggled for the Boilers, throwing for just 126 yards and 2 picks before he was replaced by Austin Appleby. This was CMU's first win against Purdue, and sixth ever against the current membership of the Big Ten. 1-1 Purdue meets Notre Dame at Lucas Oil Stadium this Saturday night.