Overreactions from Week 3 in the Big Ten
The Hoosier state is one that's typically devoted to basketball, but over the weekend, Indiana was a territory that was divided but the highs and lows of college football.
Indiana had a huge win under Curt Cignetti with a 42-13 victory over UCLA in the Rose Bowl. To play with Coach Cig's nickname a little bit, the Hoosiers were smoking the Bruins in Pasadena.
Life was a bit different back in West Lafayette. Purdue fans probably felt like they got hit by train, getting steamrolled 66-7 by Notre Dame. Not great, Boilers.
Those are just a few of the observations from Week 3 in the Big Ten, but I've got plenty more.
The Husker Handshake
Sometimes, you have to learn lessons the hard way. The important thing, though, is that you learn from those mistakes.
One week ago, Nebraska analyst Jack Potenza attempted to celebrate a big play with defensive lineman Ty Robinson during the Colorado game, going for the mid-air body bump. But Potenza was no match for Robinson's 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame, sending the Huskers analyst flying into Omaha.
Instead of trying it again, Potenza learned from his mistake and decided to celebrate a big defensive stop with a handshake. That might have been the best decision he made all night.
This is so great 😆
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 15, 2024
One week after a failed sideline celly, @HuskerFootball's Ty Robinson and Jack Potenza go with a simple handshake.#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/6d9oKfmI5J
Back, back, back 'em up
Remember that scene from The Blind Side when Michael Oher blocked a defensive player into the parking lot? That's essentially what Iowa defensive end Brian Allen did to Troy running back Gerald Green.
It's a good thing forward progress is an actual thing, because Allen could've driven Green into the concession stand if the play wasn't whistled dead.
Brian Allen takes defense to the next level 😳#B1GFootball on FS1 📺 pic.twitter.com/mbPeSyPcx2
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 14, 2024
A Shillelagh Shellacking
My, my, how the attitude changed in West Lafayette on Saturday. Purdue went from a team that was "hungry and pissed off," (Ryan Walters words, not mine), to a squad mimicking the football version of the Bad News Bears.
By halftime, the Fighting Irish owned a 42-0 lead. That prompted a direct response from Walters during the halftime radio interview, saying, "This is embarrassing."
You can say that again, Ryan.
"This is embarrassing," Ryan Walters said during his brief halftime radio interview
— mike carmin (@mike_carmin) September 14, 2024
Notre Dame 42, #Purdue 0
There really are no positive takeaways from a 66-7 loss in front of a home crowd. I would be curious to know what beer sales were like inside Ross-Ade Stadium last Saturday, though.
Can anyone get me that figure?
The stripes are seeing stars
You have to be light on your feet if you're going to officiate games in the Big Ten. One referee went head-over-tea-kettle in Saturday's Central Michigan-Illinois game.
The always-agile quarterback Luke Altmyer deceived everyone when he completed a pass to himself (that was totally on purpose!) and started racing down the field. One official lost track of what happened and got caught in Altmyer's path.
The Illinois quarterback slid directly into the umpire, causing him to fall to the turf. Good news, though, as the ref appeared to be in good spirits, sporting a smile ... probably to hide the pain.
✅ QB completes pass to himself
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 14, 2024
✅ QB slides into umpire
This @lukealtmyer9 play was absolutely wild 🤯#B1GFootball on Peacock 💻 pic.twitter.com/okUoCie9Bi
Rough(ing) calls
Quick, think back to the worst call you remember ever seeing in a college football game, because it's about to be No. 2. Indiana was flagged for roughing the passer on Lanell Carr Jr.'s hit on UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers.
Watch and join in on the social media anger that stems from this flag:
😂 Roughing The Passer Called Here Indiana Hoosiers Vs UCLA Bruins Saturday College Football Gameday pic.twitter.com/JPGPGEzlTk
— Bread And Circus Media (@riggedsportsme) September 15, 2024
Back in my day (channeling my old soul), we called that a sack. Apparently, it's roughing the passer now. I'm all for increased safety in the game, but this was utterly ridiculous.
Well, they are the GOLDEN Gophers
Minnesota certainly embraced its nickname this weekend. The Golden Gophers sports all-gold uniforms on Saturday and it was ... something.
To be honest, I actually like Minnesota's gold and maroon look. But going all-gold? That was a bold choice. Maybe add just some maroon to the mix next time. Please?
We're back for the second half! pic.twitter.com/saOT73pask
— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) September 14, 2024
Then again, Minnesota did pitch a shutout for a second consecutive week. So, if that's the key to success, I'll shut up and let PJ Fleck do his thing.
The best Big Ten moment from the weekend
The film industry lost a legend last week, with James Earl Jones passing away at the age of 93. The Hollywood star was a University of Michigan alum and had done the voiceover of the Wolverines' introduction videos at The Big House.
I have no additional commentary, but this was a wonderful moment from the weekend.
Michigan honored James Earl Jones before kickoff today.
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 14, 2024
The legendary actor and @UMich alum, 93, died earlier this week. pic.twitter.com/unXAVYFKaW
Related Big Ten stories
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BIG TEN WEEK 4 POWER RANKINGS: Is Indiana the real deal? After a blowout win over UCLA and a 3-0 start to the season, Curt Cignetti has a lot of people believing in the Hoosiers. CLICK HERE
DUSTIN SCHUTTE