Big 10 Weekly: Mendoza Double Dose maintains Hoosier Dominance
Results meant that the Big 10 standings remained relatively unchanged this week, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to discuss in our Big 10 column. A major firing in the SEC could have a ripple effect that touches the conference. Indiana continued their dominance, and Iowa put together a complete performance. We’ll round things off with a preview of the weekend’s matchups.
Indiana’s UCLA beatdown allows both Mendoza brothers to score
For the second time this season, both Mendoza brothers were on the scoresheet for Indiana. Backup QB Alberto ran for a touchdown after his brother continued his Heisman run with a dominant performance. Fernando went 15 of 22 for 168 yards and 3 TDs, as well as 45 rushing yards and a TD on the ground.
The Hoosiers were ahead within a minute after an Aidan Fisher interception was returned for a score, and that set the tone for the afternoon. Indiana mauled UCLA, who had been resurgent in recent weeks but were no match for a team on course for a playoff berth. With four games left on the schedule, it’s difficult to see Indiana slipping up, meaning they will likely enjoy an unbeaten regular season record.
Could we see the Mendoza brothers raising the National Championship aloft in a couple of months? As each week passes, the idea seems less fanciful.
Brian Kelly firing, Matt Rhule extension shake up coaching carousel
The seismic news across the college football landscape this week was the firing of Brian Kelly from LSU. From day one, it felt like an uncomfortable marriage between an SEC powerhouse used to National Championship runs and a coach who had success with teams north of the Mason-Dixon line. With that in mind, could some Big 10 teams see Kelly as a more natural fit? Wisconsin, we’re looking at you.
Penn State’s coaching search hit a stumbling block, as did this column, late in the week. This paragraph had to become a near full rewrite when Matt Rhule signed a 2-year contract extension in Nebraska. It was the unofficial removal of his hat from the ring.
Another big problem for the Nittany Lions is that the LSU opening means they are no longer the most desirable job on the market. If the Tigers can tempt Lane Kiffin, a name unlikely to be linked to Penn State, then regular service will resume. However, names like John Sumrall, Eli Drinkwitz and Clark Lea could have interest from both camps. Could a battle ensue?
There are likely to be more wide-ranging impacts in the conference. Should Kiffin go to LSU, Ole Miss would be a desirable move for guys like Brian Hartline or Will Stein, coordinators, looking to get their first shot at a head coaching gig. Dan Lanning has even been mentioned as an LSU target. One thing is for sure: once the coaching merry-go-round begins to spin, the whole landscape of the Big 10 could be tipped on its head.
Iowa put together a complete performance
While the likes of Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State grab most of the headlines in the Big 10, we always try to shine a light elsewhere around the conference. The Iowa Hawkeyes deserve this week’s shout-out; they were better in all three phases of the game in a comfortable victory over Minnesota.
Mark Gronkowski was efficient at QB, but chunk plays from offensive playmaker Kaden Wetjen and running back Kamari Moulton saw the Hawkeyes race out to an early lead. This was bolstered by a pick-six from cornerback Zach Lutmer. The first of three interceptions by a dominant defense. Wetjen then scored on a punt return, completing the trifecta of scores by offense, defense and special teams.
The Hawkeyes have a bye week next before facing Oregon. A victory there would keep them in the playoff hunt, and it won’t be an easy afternoon for the Ducks if Iowa maintains its current form.
Star Performers of the Week
Demond Williams Jr was back to his usual self after a poor show vs Michigan. He led the Washington Huskies to victory over Illinois, throwing four touchdown passes and running for 57 yards. He remains one of the most exciting QBs to watch in college football.
Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff continued his stellar season, setting a program record for single-game receiving yards (241) on six receptions, the highlight being a huge 72-yard touchdown grab.
This week’s highest graded offensive lineman for pass blocking, per PFF, went to Northwestern’s Caleb Tiernan. It was his second week on the spin where he allowed zero pressures, and he has only allowed one sack on the year to date.
As mentioned previously, Iowa’s Zach Lutmer had one of the biggest impacts of the day defensively with a pick-six; Minnesota’s QB had an NFL rating of less than 20 when targeting the Hawkeye corner. Finally, D’Angelo Ponds continues to impress for Indiana. He had two pass breakups and looked physically strong as a tackler. He should be a solid contributor at the next level.
The week ahead
Ohio State and Penn State should be the headline game of the week, but the Nittany Lions’ current state suggests it will likely be a blowout, hence the early-afternoon billing.
Elsewhere, Indiana travels to Maryland as a 22-point favourite and Michigan hosts Purdue with a similar style spread. Unlikely for us to find much intrigue in either of those, other than keeping tabs on Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman hopes.
Perhaps the game of the week in the conference sees a top-25 USC go into Nebraska as a 6-point favourite. Victory for Matt Rhule would put the cherry on top of a very lucrative week.
Full Schedule:
Penn State @ Ohio State
Rutgers @ Illinois
Indiana @ Maryland
Michigan State @ Minnesota
Purdue @ Michigan
USC @ Nebraksa
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.