Big Ten Superlatives: Week 1
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Happy first full college football weekend – it was fun. Right? Well, at least it was fun around here with Penn State’s dominant win against Marshall. But, we are here to discuss some of the other things – good and bad – that happened around the conference. So, you may have missed some interesting stuff. We will get you caught up, only being homers just a bit.
Best Win of the Week: UCLA Dominates Fourth Quarter
This one probably happened after you went to sleep, but Bob Chesney’s squad was locked up in a 24-24 tie entering the fourth quarter in the old Pac-12 after dark television spot against in-state rival Cal. UCLA rushed for three scores in the fourth to come away against the win against the Bears, who are now in the ACC. It was a good start for UCLA and a great debut for Chesney and his team.
Worst Loss of the Week: Rutgers Kicks Off the Weekend in a Bad Way
This was one controversial second away from being a different answer, but more on that later. However, on Thursday, Rutgers played the early kickoff that had people tuning in just after work. Maybe they would have liked to have been buried in a different slot. The Scarlet Knights were thrashed at home by a team that did not win a single game in 2025. Ouch.
Offensive Player of the Week: Trent Mosley, USC
The freshman wide receiver has now played two games as the Trojans were the lone Big Ten team that played a Week Zero game. Against Fresno State, Mosley had four catches for 104 yards and two scores. We didn’t do a superlative post after Week Zero. But in the opener against San Jose State, he had seven catches for 118 yards and a score. That’s a great start to the season and we’ll give him some credit today.
Defensive Player of the Week: Tony Rojas, Penn State
Homer pick, but I don’t care. Rojas was back after missing Penn State’s last nine games of 2025. It’s been well documented that the senior has struggled with injuries. He was back in the lineup for the Lions on Saturday and helped spearhead a shutout in Matt Campbell’s first game in Happy Valley. He led Penn State with seven tackles and added a sack and two tackles for loss.
Offensive Play of the Week: Nick Marsh, Indiana
We might remember Marsh as a back-and-forth will he or won’t he Penn State vs. Michigan State recruiting battle. Well, now he’s with the defending national champions and he made his presence felt early in the Hoosiers’ season-opening win against North Texas with this one-handed catch.
Defensive Play of the Week: Don Saunders, Purdue
The Boilermakers are viewed as one of the worst teams in a power conference. With that in mind, let’s celebrate Purdue in Week One. They opened their season on Friday with an easy win against in-state FCS program Indiana State. Saunders interception put the Boilermakers up 44-6 on the first play of the fourth quarter.
Most Big Ten Moment of the Week: Michigan Gets More Time
Look. You’re reading this blog because you’re a Penn State fan. So, please. Move on to the next point maybe. I don’t want PTSD. You’ve seen it now. You’ve been upset. Michigan was gifted – not here for Big Ten explanation and MAC agreeing because it pays the bills – another play. They scored. The Wolverines were held in check all night and a miracle plan gave them a win. It’s just the most Big Ten thing of all time. One of the conference’s bell cows benefits from some hard to explain, we all saw the opposite with our own eyes story. Whatever. Take your win. Good luck next week…but actually, sort of, good luck next week.
Most Big Ten West Moment of the Week: Wisconsin with a great punt.
Punting is winning in the old school, we will never forget Big Ten West. Wisconsin dropped an absolute perfect punt that ultimately helped set up a score that tied the Badgers against Notre Dame early.
Most Iowa Moment of the Week: Special Teams Touchdown and a Win
Honestly, with Iowa off the schedule this year, it’s not something I want to do to keep up with them. But, it’s been a tradition since I took over this post to find the crazy, good, the Iowa in each of their games. The Hawks won easily on Saturday with a punt return touchdown being the most Iowa thing of the night.
What We’re Looking Forward to Most: More Football
Look, there was so much more to talk about. It was a full weekend with so many games. We love conference season where we can consolidate things. But overall, great start to the season! Next weeks promises a few highlights – starting with Ohio State’s trip to Austin to take on Arch and the Longhorns.
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