Big Ten Superlatives: Week 14

Amazingly, the college football regular season has now come to its conclusion. It’s been a struggle for this writer to highlight the exciting and interesting each week when Penn State has had the season it had. But, there are a lot of interesting things happening in the league – including a No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the nation showdown happening this weekend in Indianapolis. But, before that, a look around the conference for some of this past weekend’s superlatives.

Best Win of the Week: Ohio State Exorcises its Demons

Ohio State was heavily favored heading into Michigan Stadium on Saturday. But, things still looked a little sketchy for the No. 1 Buckeyes early. After all, the Wolverines broke a long run and had an early interception for a 6-0 lead as Ohio State struggled to find its footing. But, Ohio State’s defense clamped down as it has all year and Julian Sayin threw three touchdown passes as the Buckeyes knocked off Michigan for the first time since 2019.

Worst Loss of the Week: Rutgers Lets One Slip Away

Rutgers hadn’t scored more than 10 points against Penn State in 30 years. But, on Saturday, the Scarlet Knights had Penn State on its heels. Rutgers took a 36-33 lead in the fourth quarter, forced a three-and-out, and was driving to take a two score lead. But a turnover, more on it below, turned into six points for Penn State. Rutgers then was stopped on a fourth down, committed a critical penalty, and couldn’t stop the Lions from running out the clock and keeping the Knights out of a bowl game.

Offensive Play of the Week: KJ Duff, Rutgers

Things looked bad when Duff made this catch – which was ridiculous and deserves a lot of views even though Rutgers ultimately lost.

Defensive Play of the Week: Amare Campbell, Penn State

As mentioned already, Rutgers had a chance to win its sixth game of the year and, probably more significantly to them, knock off Penn State for the first time since joining the Big Ten. But, instead of taking a two-score lead, Amare Campbell scooped up a fumble and returned it for the game-winning touchdown.

Offensive Player of the Week: Kaytron Allen, Penn State

Let’s go with a homer pick that we can all support. Allen has been named offensive player of the week in the Big Ten each of the past two weeks, but his best rushing performance of his career came on Saturday at Rutgers. He went for career-best 226 yards and a score as Penn State escaped Rutgers with the win.

Defensive Player of the Week: John Nestor, Minnesota

He had two interceptions, a fumble recovery, eight tackles, and set up a score in Minnesota’s defensive struggle of a win against Wisconsin to win Paul Bunyan’s Axe.

Most Big Ten Moment of the Week: Not an Ejection?

What happens when the Big Ten’s two favorite teams face off in November? Both fan bases wind up complaining about officiating. But, who can argue that this should not have been an ejection – by the way, it wasn’t.

Most Big Ten West Moment of the Week: Weather in Champaign

Honestly, I spent my Saturday evening putting up my Christmas decorations with this game on in the background instead of Auburn/Alabama because it just put me in that holiday spirit.

Most Iowa Moment of the Week: Hawkeyes Dominate Black Friday game

Nebraska probably will want to return that Matt Rhule extension on December 26th. In a game everyone expected to be low scoring, the Hawks moved to 8-4 with an offensive explosion.

What We’re Looking Forward to the Most: Bowls, playoffs, and more…Sort of

Look, you’re reading to the end of this because you love college football. I do, too. So, I’m looking forward to seeing Penn State play a bowl game – I think. I also am looking forward to seeing next week’s Big Ten Championship game. Indiana and Ohio State have been the most consistent teams in the country. I’m also looking forward to seeing how Big Ten teams fare in the playoff. I’m looking forward to seeing some of these other Big Ten teams play in bowl games. But, mostly, I’m just looking forward to getting this coaching search over and having some hope for 2026!