Finally!  I finally get to write something good about Terrelle Pryor (pictured left, thanks Icon SMI).  The Buckeyes blew the Rockets out in Cleveland in a 38-0 rout.  Buckeye fans everywhere were able to cheer and forget week 2 as Pryor threw 3 TD’s and rushed for 110 yards and another TD.  There were other Buckeyes in the game; Dane Sanzenbacher caught 5 passes for 125 yards and 2 TD’s.  Even the defense looked great this week limiting Toledo to just 210 offensive yards. 

Yes, there were other games this past week but for Big Ten fans it wasn’t the best week.  Purdue lost to Northern Illinois, Syracuse apparently got tired of being the Big Ten punching bag and beat Northwestern, Notre Dame won the trophy game against Michigan State and Minnesota lost to California. 

There were five other Big Ten victories though.  Penn State beat Temple 31-6.  RB Evan Royster (pictured right, thanks Icon SMI) piled up 134 rushing yards and a TD.  QB Daryll Clark passed for 167 yards and 2 TD’s.  For the receivers, Derek Moye had 4 catches for 31 yards and a TD.  And the Penn State defense is on fire.  None of their opponents have scored more than 7 points so far this year.  Penn State opens Big Ten play this week with a tough matchup against Iowa.  I am looking forward to that game. 

Iowa defeated Arizona 27-17.  RB’s Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher led the Hawkeyes rushing attack.  Robinson rushed for 101 yards and 2 TD’s while Wegher ran for 46 and 1 TD.  QB Ricky Stanzi threw for 205 yards and rushed for another 30.  The Hawkeye defense has been great so far this year too.  No opponent has scored more than 17 points on them.  Iowa now has to travel to Penn State for what should be the Big Ten game of the week. 

Other Big Ten players would solid games this week include Indiana RB Darius Willis with 66 yards rushing and a TD.  WR Eric Decker posted another 100 yard game with 119 yards receiving, 2 TD’s and he threw a TD pass.  Decker is now Minnesota’s all time leader with 204 receptions. 

A look ahead for this week’s games features not one, but two trophy games. This week we have the Illibuck game when Illinois and Ohio State meet.  My favorite trophy game may just be the Shillelagh game played between Purdue and Notre Dame.  Ok, fun fact time.  The Illibuck is the second oldest trophy game in the Big Ten.  The Buckeyes have the advantage here with 57 wins, 23 losses and 2 ties.  For the Shillelagh, the Irish have won 33 and lost 19 in the series. 

Ok for other games that will be interesting, undefeated Michigan hosts undefeated Indiana this week.  Look for the Maize and Blue to have solid numbers this week. 

Iowa and Penn State battle in Beaver Stadium at 8 P.M. Eastern.  Both teams are 3-0.  I’m pulling for you Hawkeyes!

Related posts:

1. Big 10 Week 12 Bookends: Buckeyes Stand Alone Atop Big 10
2. Big 10 Bookends: Buckeyes see Roses again
3. Big 10 Bookends: Big 10 is Big Pimpin’
4. Big 10 Week 7 Review: O-H-I-NOOOOO!!!
5. Big 10 Bookends: The Black and Gold Fold.

Tags: Big 10