With 13 games across the Big Ten played, we finally have our first look at how the 2022 season will shake out. From the stunner in Dublin last week to the defensive showdown in the Shoe (and everything in between), let’s take a look at how the Big Ten teams stack up after a week of action.
1) Ohio State
Week 1 Result: W 21-7 vs #5 Notre Dame
In a game that played out like few expected, Ohio State flexed its toughness and new-look defense in a 2nd-half rally. The 17.5 line the Buckeyes failed to meet coupled with a modest stat line from Heisman favorite CJ Stroud did have some fans rolling their eyes. But Ohio State showed exactly what they were lacking last year: grit.
Considering that Notre Dame is potentially the best defense the Buckeyes will face all year and Ohio State was down Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Julian Fleming at WR, the 21 points they managed to put up is not concerning. They will put up points. But the 3 sacks, 6 TFLs, and 72 yards-allowed in the second half should concern the rest of the Big Ten. With the Silver Bullets back to being elite, the Buckeyes are firmly planted as one of the top three teams in the entire country.
Player of the Game: DT Michael Hall
There were a few standout performances from new faces for Ohio State. But none impacted the game more than the redshirt freshman from Streetsboro, OH. His 4 tackles, 2 TFLs, and single sack don’t tell the full story.
After playing just 35 snaps his freshman year, Hall garnered praise throughout the offseason. He got the surprise start and was relentless in run defense and pursuit of Notre Dame QB Tyler Buchner. It was Hall’s sack on 3rd and 10 from the OSU 25 with 3:42 left that sealed the Buckeye victory.
Up Next: vs Arkansas State
2) Michigan
Week 1 Result: W 51-7 vs Colorado State
Michigan dominated a weak Rams team from start to finish. The defense stole the show, racking up seven sacks and a couple turnovers. Junior Colson stepped up to lead a new-look linebacker core, pacing the team with 10 tackles. Meanwhile, nine different Wolverines were credited with at least a half sack. The defense passed their first test after having to replace a number of playmakers at all three levels.
The offense, despite accumulating 440 total yards, was surprisingly not quite as impressive. With a starting QB still not named, McNamara may have lost his shot going just 9-18 for 136 yards and a TD (61 of which came on a short pass which Roman Wilson took to the house). He also had to settle for three red-zone field goals. Nonetheless, they averaged 5.9 yards per rush and sustained two 8-play and two 14-play drives. Maybe JJ McCarthy will take hold of the starting job in his start vs Hawaii next week.
Player of the Game: NB Mike Sainstril
With a lot of great team defense and the offense being gifted with a few short fields, there were a lot of solid performances rather than a few standouts. But Sainstril gets the nod, making his first start on defense after making the switch from receiver this off-season.
The captain asserted his starting position, now allowing a catch and making the first sack of the game. He also did not allow a catch.
Up Next: vs Hawaii
3) Wisconsin
Week 1 Result: W 38-0 vs Illinois State
Although beating up on an FCS team only holds so much weight, Wisconsin looked like looked the part of a Big Ten West champion. They used their usual recipe of a strong run-game and tenacious defense to overcome a few early mistakes and an easy win. The Badger defense forced two turnovers, allowed only 2.2 yards per rush, and held the Redbirds to 3-11 on 3rd-down. Wisconsin also ran for 221 yards on 6 yards per rush – highlighted by a 96-yard TD scamper by their lead back Braelon Allen.
What Badger fans loved to see most was Graham Mertz’s crispness and efficiency. He went 14-16 for 219 yards and a TD. Mertz also displayed an ability to spread the ball around, completing passes to seven different receivers. That will come in handy, as there still does not appear to be a clear second option at receiver behind Chimere Dike.
Player of the Game: RB Braelon Allen
Allen rushed for 148 yards and two TDs on just 14 carries, breaking James White’s school-record with an exciting 96 yard TD run. But most importantly, he reaffirmed his spot as the lead back over Chez Mellusi. Mellusi, who shined in the final four games last year after Allen went down, rushed for 48 yards on 10 carries.
Although Mertz appeared to take a step in the right direction, the success of this offense will fall on the shoulders of their All-American candidate at running back.
Up Next: vs Washington State
4) Penn State
Week 1 Result: W 35-31 at Purdue
It certainly wasn’t perfect (or even pretty at times), but Penn State pulled out a gutsy comeback win in a hostile environment Thursday night. Although veteran QB Sean Clifford had an up-and-down first three and a half quarters, he put it all behind him to lead an 8-play 80 yard TD drive to take the lead with 57 seconds left. Although the Nittany Lion offense was outgained 426-406, they had almost half the penalty yardage Purdue had.
Penn State fans might not be happy that their defense (which was expected to be one of the conference’s best) gave up over 350 passing yards. But Aidan O’Connell is going to put up yards against most if not all of the Big Ten defenses. What matters most is how the Penn State defense played down the stretch to give the offense a couple chances to take the lead. And, of course, the “W” in the win column.
Player of the Game: CB Joey Porter Jr
If there was a play being made in the secondary, it was most likely by the lockdown corner Porter. He finished the day with 8 tackles and a PSU-record 6 pass breakups.
Porter was thrown at throughout the whole game and admittedly did give up some chunk yardage on quick throws. But the secondary’s leader stepped up when it mattered most, forcing incompletions which led to Penn State getting two cracks at a game-winning drive. Porter proved why many are projecting him as a 1st-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Up Next: vs Ohio
5) Minnesota
Week 1 Result: W 38-0 vs New Mexico State
Like Wisconsin, you can only take a dominant win over a low-level team with a grain of rice. But Minnesota sure did look good. The defense got the shutout, allowing only 91 total yards, 33% completion percentage, and 1.8 yards per rush. Linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin paced the team with 5 tackles, while linemen Danny Striggow and Thomas Rush each finished with 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 TFL.
The Golden Gopher offense also managed to put up 485 yards of total offense – 297 of which on the ground. Mohamed Ibrahim made his long-awaited return at running back and led the team with 132 yards and 2 TDs on 6.3 yards per rush. His replacement last year – Trey Potts – also had a solid day with 89 yards and a TD on 5.2 yards per rush. Meanwhile, Tanner Morgan was not asked to do much. He went 13-19 for 174 yards and no TDs or picks.
Player of the Game: RB Mohamad Ibrahim
“Mo” tore his achilles in the opener last year after gashing Ohio State’s defense for over 150 yards. Being the heart and sole of this ground-and-pound offense, his return was highly anticipated by Gopher fans. Although he didn’t burst a run longer than 16 yards, he consistently picked up positive yardage and showed why he is one the conference’s best running backs.
With Trey Potts behind him, Ibrahim is leading one of the Big Ten’s stoutest run games. Although they played well to start the year, Minnesota does not have the offensive line they had last year. This means even more of the offensive weight will fall on Ibrahim’s shoulders.
Up Next: vs Western Illinois
6) Michigan State
Week 1 Result: W 35-13 vs Western Michigan
Despite being the Big Ten’s 3rd-highest ranked team in the AP Poll, Sparty’s performance on Saturday was inconsistent. Their offense was electric with big plays in the pass and run game for two and a half quarters. But from half-way through the 2nd quarter to the start of the 4th, their offense went punt, interception, fumble, missed FG, punt. Similarly, Payton Thorne only completed 50% of their passes but threw 4 TDs at almost 10 yards per attempt.
The defensive side of the ball was much of the same. The Michigan State defense garnered 7 sacks, 6 pass breakups, and 2 turnovers. However, they gave up nearly 350 yards and allowed two 4th-down conversions which kept the Broncos in the game through 3 quarters. A win is a win, but the Spartans are going to have to clean things up if they want any chance of competing in the Big Ten East.
Player of the Game: RB Jalen Berger
The biggest headline for the Michigan State offense this off-season was replacing star Kenneth Walker. Many thought Colorado transfer Jarek Broussard would fill those shoes, but the former Wisconsin back proved to be the top dog.
He rushed for 120 yards and a TD at 7.5 yards per rush, highlighted by a 50-yard scamper and a goal-line TD rush on 4th down to put the game away. Payton Thorne should put things together with his talented receiving core, so Berger’s emergence could help this offense be elite once again.
Up Next: vs Akron
7) Purdue
Week 1 Result: L 31-35 vs Penn State
For 3 and a half quarters, Purdue looked like the stronger team over Penn State. But then it came time for the high-flying offense led by Aidan O’Connell to run the ball and burn some clock, and they faltered. Jeff Brohm seemingly refused to even attempt to grind out some yards on the ground and gave Penn State the ball back twice with under 5:00 left.
Don’t get me wrong – Purdue did a lot of good things Thursday. They outgained Penn State, had more 1st downs, and went 2-2 on 4th down. But their lack of run game (61 yards on 2.8 yards per rush) and excessive penalties (9 for 92 yards) are going to have to improve if they want any chance in a competitive Big Ten West.
Player of the Game: WR Charlie Jones
The Iowa transfer answered the question everyone was asking this off-season – who would replace David Bell and Milton Wright? After recording just 21 reception all of last year, Jones finished with 12 receptions for 153 yards a TD.
Penn State’s secondary led by Joey Porter Jr is one of the conference’s most talented, making this performance even better. With O’Connell’s arm talent and Purdue’s commitment to throw the ball, Charlie Jones is an early favorite for 1st-team All Big Ten.
Up Next: vs Indiana State
8) Maryland
Week 1 Result: W 31-10 vs Buffalo
Everyone knew Maryland would be able to rack up points and yards in 2022, and Saturday reaffirmed that. They put up 446 total yards, 290 of which game from Taulia’s right arm. Although he didn’t throw a TD, his connection with star receiver Rakim Jarrett appeared strong. Jarrett had 6 receptions for 110 yards. Running back Roman Hemby was the offensive star, rushing for 114 yards and 2 TDs on just 7 carries.
Although Buffalo didn’t give them much of a fight, the Terp defense passed their first test of the season. They allowed just 268 total yards and racked up 4 sacks and 7 TFLs. However, they didn’t force a turnover and gave up a long 9 play, 75 yard drive before halftime. It’ll be interesting to see how this defense holds up throughout a tough schedule.
Player of the Game: RB Roman Hemby
Maryland was just 10th in the Big Ten in rushing last year, but that might change this year with the emergence of redshirt freshman Roman Hemby. He only touched the ball 7 times but made the most of them, ripping off TD runs of 33 and 70 yards.
Hemby’s speed and playmaking skills are undeniable which will surely help bolster a loaded offense. But it will be interesting to see if he can handle 20 carries a game in order to help the Terps hit their goal of 80 offensive plays a game (they only ran 61 against Buffalo).
Up Next: at Charlotte
9) Iowa
Week 1 Result: W 7-3 vs South Dakota State
Iowa may have set college football back 100 years with their ghastly offensive performance against an FCS school. They put up just 166 total yards, completed 44% of their passes for 4.4 yards per attempt, averaged 1.6 yards per carry. They also turned the ball over twice and went just 4-17 on 3rd down. Everyone knew Spencer Petras and this Hawkeye offense would struggle to put up points this year. But no one could have expected a performance this bad.
Luckily for their hapless offense, Iowa’s elite defense flexed their muscles. They allowed 120 yards and forced 7 drives where the Jackrabbits accumulated 0 or negative yardage. Although they didn’t force a turnover, they got 2 safeties, 4 sacks, and 8 TFLs. There is little doubt that this is one of the best defenses in the entire country. But Iowa might struggle to score even a single TD in Big Ten play, making their chances at a Big Ten West crown look pretty thin.
Player of the Game: P Tory Taylor
Although there were a lot of great defensive performances from the Hawkeyes, their punter may have single handedly won them the game. He averaged 48 yards per punt and pinned South Dakota State inside the 10 yard line 5 times.
Taylor pinned the Jackrabbits right at the goal-line several times, setting up the two safeties which ultimately won the game for Iowa. As horrific as the offense looked, having a weapon like Tory Taylor could be their saving grace.
Up Next: vs Iowa State
10) Northwestern
Week 0 Result: W 31-28 vs Nebraska
Northwestern was on bye this week as they regrouped from their exciting comeback win against Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland. It appeared the game might be out of reach when they trailed 28-17 with 9:00 to go in the 3rd, but an unfathomable onside kick by Nebraska left the door open and Northwestern took full advantage.
After averaging only 16.6 ppg and 332 ypg in 2021, the Wildcat offense put up 528 yards on a team many were picking as a dark-horse Big Ten West champion. With QB Ryan Hilinski, RBs Evan Hull and Cam Porter, and WR Malik Washington, Northwestern seems capable of putting up points in Big Ten Action. Although their defense still has holes to fill, the Wildcats could at least double last year’s 3-win total.
Player of the Game: QB Ryan Hilinski
Although it was the run game that closed the game out for Northwestern, Hilinski’s poise throughout the game cannot be understated. After struggling to hold onto the starting job last year, the former 5-star QB went 27-38 for 314 yards, 2 TDs, and no turnovers.
With a strong offensive line and a few dynamic playmakers, Hilinski just needs to take care of the ball and make a few big throws a game to contend in the Big Ten West. Although looking like Nebraska is flat out a bad team again this year, Hilinski’s performance on national TV could set up a strong 2022 campaign.
Up Next: vs Duke
11) Rutgers
Week 1 Result: W 22-21 at Boston College
Rutgers took a massive step forward in Greg Schiano’s second attempt at a rebuild here. The Scarlet Knights leaned on their defense and run game to overcome a 21-12 3rd quarter deficit and pick up a crucial win over a solid team. Rutgers outrushed BC 212-29, leaning mainly on the tough-nosed Kyle Monangai. But it was the speed-back Al-Shadee Salaam who ripped off a 22-yard TD run to give Rutgers the lead in the 4th.
With Rutgers rotating between Evan Simon and Gavin Wimsatt at QB, the offense often sputtered. Thankfully, their defense kept them in the game. They racked up 4 sacks and 8 TFLs, led by linebacker Tyreem Powell who had 2 a piece. Although BC was able to pick up yardage through the air, Rutgers forced 2 turnovers and held the Eagles to 1.0 yards per rush. Although they’ll need a more competent passing game to emerge at some point, Rutgers could be eyeing a bowl game for the second straight year.
Player of the Game: RB Kyle Monangai
Monangai was the workhouse for Rutgers all day long. Although he averaged only 3.4 yards per rush and had a long run of 15 yards, the NJ-native consistently picked up positive yardage and helped to wear down the Boston College defense.
On Rutgers’ 12 play, 96 yard drive to take the lead, Monangai carried the ball 7 times for 46 yards. His battering-ram style of running helped to set up Salaam for runs of 23 and 22 yards to take the lead with less than 3:00 left.
Up Next: vs Wagner
12) Indiana
Week 1 Result: W 23-20 vs Illinois
The Hoosiers put their disastrous 2021 campaign behind them quickly, scoring the go-ahead TD with less than 0:23 left. Plagued by inconsistent QB play last year, Connor Bazelak seems to have solved that after going 28-52 for 330 yards, a TD, and a pick. Receivers Cam Camper and DJ Matthews each had over 100 yards, making for a dynamic receiving duo. However, Indiana mustered just 32 rushing yards on 1.2 yards per rush.
Defensively, the Hoosiers gave up 232 yards through the air and 216 on the ground. But they did force the Illini to 2 field goals and forced 4 turnovers, which ultimately decided the game. Indiana surely can’t count on getting 3 fumbles every game, but the grit they displayed in pulling out a key conference win was certainly impressive.
Player of the Game: QB Connor Bazelak
Despite the lack of support in the run game, Bazelak kept Indiana in this game with a variety of big-time throws. He completed passes to 7 different receivers and showed a great rapport with Camper and Matthews.
On the game-winning TD drive, Bazelak went 7-10 for 70 yards, including a big 12-yard completion on 3rd down from their own territory. Nothing about this Indiana team is perfect and they will certainly struggle to get to 6 wins this year. But if Bazelak can continue to step up like he did on Friday, the Hoosiers have a chance at reaching a bowl game.
Up Next: vs Idaho
13) Illinois
Week 1 Result: L 20-23 at Indiana
After a dominant 38-6 win over Wyoming in “Week 0”, Illinois looked primed to start the season 2-0 against Indiana. Despite outgaining the Illini by 88 yards and racking up 9 more first downs, a flurry of turnovers and penalties kept them from getting the win. Stud running back Chase Brown had 199 yards on 5.5 yards per carry but didn’t find the endzone. QB Tommy DeVito improved from last week, completing 60% of his passes for 232 yards, 2 TDs, and a pick.
But as mentioned, the 4 turnovers and 9 penalties (compared to just 3 for Indiana) cost them the game. It’s hard to tell if this was a fluke or the start of a trend. But for a team that focused so much on limiting mistakes in the off-season, the mistakes were not a good sign. Not to mention the 75-yard drive they gave up to end the game after holding Indiana to 287 yards before that.
Player of the Game: RB Chase Brown
Brown is one of the Big Ten’s best backs and he proved why on Friday. He was the workhorse all day long, logging 36 carries at 5.5 yards per rush. Illinois’ identity is running the ball and minimizing mistakes. Although they didn’t accomplish the latter, Brown is capable of making Illinois one of the top running teams in the conference.
Through 2 games, Chase Brown already has 350 rushing yards and a couple TDs on 6.4 yards per rush. Indiana certainly isn’t the toughest defense he will play this year, but Brown proved he can handle a massive workload.
Next Up: vs Virginia
14) Nebraska
Result: W 38-17 vs North Dakota
Don’t let the score fool you – this game was anything but easy for Nebraska. They were tied with the Fighting Hawks at 17 with less than 4:00 left in the 3rd. TDs on 3 of their final 4 drives helped to put the game away (something they couldn’t do against Northwestern last week), but their struggles against an FCS opponent raises more questions than answers.
Their biggest problems from the Northwestern game appeared to carry over into this one: Casey Thompson and the passing game was inconsistent, and they 175 yards rushing at over 5 yards per carry. The fact that they actually closed this game out was positive, but the Cornhuskers still have plenty to work on with only two weeks until Oklahoma (a game Scott Frost might have to win if he wants to keep his job).
Player of the Game: RB Anthony Grant
The one positive to come out of Lincoln so far is the emergence of JUCO transfer Anthony Grant at running back. After rushing for 101 yards and a couple TDs against Northwestern, he dominated on the ground against North Dakota with 189 yards and 2 TDs on 8.2 yards per carry.
There is a lot to clean up with this Nebraska offense. But having a steady running back you can feed 20+ times per game is a great way to build confidence for a talented but inconsistent QB.