Week 14 in the Big Ten delivered everything you'd want in a late-November slate-rivalry drama, snowy conditions, and a few teams making serious statements as the postseason picture sharpens. From Ohio State finally flipping the script on Michigan to Indiana continuing a historic run, there was no shortage of storylines. Let’s break down each game, what we learned, and what it means moving forward.
Iowa 40, Nebraska 16
This one started with some early fireworks from Nebraska, especially on the ground.
Emmett Johnson was electric, racking up 217 rushing yards and doing everything he could to keep the Huskers in it. But Iowa did what Iowa does-tightened the screws defensively and slowly turned the game in their favor.
Mark Gronowski took over in the second half, guiding the Hawkeyes to 23 unanswered points. Nebraska’s November woes continue, while Iowa heads into bowl season with momentum and a defense that’s peaking at the right time.
Indiana 56, Purdue 3
Indiana didn’t just beat Purdue-they dominated every phase of the game.
This was a statement win heading into the Big Ten Championship, and the Hoosiers looked every bit like a team ready for the spotlight. Roman Hemby was the engine, rushing for 152 yards in his best performance of the season.
At 12-0, Indiana is now in uncharted territory, but with the way they’re playing, they’re not just happy to be here-they’re aiming to win the whole thing.
Ohio State 27, Michigan 9
Nearly 3,000 days later, Ohio State finally gets its revenge.
The Buckeyes didn’t just beat Michigan-they imposed their will in the second half. Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith came up with clutch plays, but it was the Buckeye defense that truly swung this game.
They shut down Michigan’s ground game after Jordan Marshall went down, and Bryce Underwood struggled to get anything going through the air. Julian Sayin, aside from one interception, looked like the best quarterback on the field by a wide margin.
This was Ohio State’s biggest test of the season, and they passed with authority.
Oregon 26, Washington 14
Oregon’s defense showed up in a big way, holding Washington to just two meaningful drives all game.
The Ducks didn’t have their usual arsenal of playmakers, but Dante Moore made the most of what he had. Malik Benson led the way with 102 receiving yards, and Jeremiah McClellan delivered one of the plays of the weekend with a jaw-dropping one-handed grab.
The Huskies sold out to stop the run and succeeded, but Oregon proved they can win even when the ground game isn’t clicking. This is a team that looks built for the College Football Playoff.
Penn State 40, Rutgers 36
If you like offense, this was your game.
Both teams racked up over 500 yards, but it was Penn State’s ground attack that ultimately made the difference. Kaytron Allen (226 yards) and Nicholas Singleton (86 yards) ran wild, and the Nittany Lions leaned into their identity-smashmouth football under Terry Smith.
Defensively, it wasn’t pretty, but Amare Campbell came up huge with 14 tackles and a game-sealing scoop-and-score. Penn State’s now bowl-bound and playing with a clear identity.
Minnesota 17, Wisconsin 7
The Paul Bunyan Axe stays in Minneapolis-for the fourth time in five years.
It’s been a tough season for P.J. Fleck’s squad, but beating Wisconsin in the snow is always going to feel good.
Darius Taylor was the star, with 100 yards and a 49-yard touchdown that helped seal the deal. Drake Lindsey managed the game well in less-than-ideal conditions, and the Gophers leaned into their physical, cold-weather identity.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, continues to search for answers at quarterback.
Michigan State 38, Maryland 28
Michigan State closed out the season with one of their most complete performances.
Alessio Milivojevic was sharp, throwing for 292 yards and four touchdowns while completing nearly 70% of his passes. He looked poised and in control, and the Spartans’ special teams chipped in to help seal the win.
Maryland, on the other hand, limped to the finish line. Malik Washington had a solid outing, but the Terps were outplayed in every phase.
Both teams now turn their attention to basketball season, but Michigan State walks away with a little momentum.
USC 29, UCLA 10
USC looked shaky early-missing key offensive playmakers due to team policy violations-but once those players returned, the Trojans flipped the switch.
They shut out UCLA in the second half, continuing a season-long trend of strong second-half adjustments. The offense came alive when it needed to, and the defense clamped down.
It wasn’t always pretty, but USC avoided a late-season letdown and heads into the offseason with a sense of unfinished business. For UCLA, the offseason brings more questions than answers.
Illinois 20, Northwestern 13
In a snow-covered slugfest, Illinois found a way.
Bret Bielema’s team leaned into the conditions and played mistake-free football. Luke Altmyer managed the game well, while Northwestern’s Preston Stone threw three costly interceptions-two of them coming in the fourth quarter.
That was the difference. Illinois grinds out another 8-win season under Bielema, and in a game where execution mattered more than flash, the Illini delivered.
Final Takeaway:
The Big Ten saved some of its best for last.
Rivalries were renewed, playoff hopes stayed alive, and a few programs found their footing heading into bowl season. With Indiana and Ohio State set to clash in the conference title game, and Oregon lurking as a playoff contender, December is shaping up to be just as wild as November.
Buckle up.