Sept. 9, 2021 — Big Ten Preview

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2 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 9, 2021

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FOOTBALL: BIG TEN CONTINUES CHASING RECORD-BREAKING BUCKEYES

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JACOB BENGE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

MACKENZIE SHANKLIN| PHOTO EDITOR

Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day celebrates after the Ohio State-Northwestern Big Ten championship game Dec. 19, 2020. Ohio State won 22-10.

While Indianapolis has been the site of the conference title game, the Big Ten Championship has gone through Ohio State.

The Buckeyes embark on the 2021 season as winners of each of the last four conference championships — an unprecedented streak. Head coach Ryan Day acknowledged in late July that Ohio State holds a target on its back for opponents vying for the slightest chance to capitalize on any slip ups.

Day also said in order for the Buckeyes to remain on their successful pathway, they must be diligent day in and day out.

“That’s been our mantra here at Ohio State for a long time is to stay in the moment, not get too worried about what happened yesterday, not get too far out in front of you in terms of worrying about playing in championship games,” Day said.

“You got to do a great job of maximizing the day.”

Already 1-0 after a season-opening win on the road at Minnesota, No. 3 Ohio State

has taken care of its first assignment. The Buckeyes will next host No. 12 Oregon in a top-25 showdown to begin the first of three-straight nonconference games.

Come time for their next conference game, the Big Ten standings could look very different.

Indiana — which dropped from the AP poll after a blowout road loss to No. 10 Iowa — scared the Buckeyes in a narrow 42-35 loss last November.

However, Hoosiers redshirt junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw three interceptions against the Hawkeyes and the team rushed for a meager 77 yards. Head coach Tom Allen will have to work from behind in order to remain in contention with the Buckeyes, whom he praised in July.

“They are the gold standard, and that is who we’re chasing,” Allen said.

No. 11 Penn State is on track to rebound from its first sub-.500 season in over 15 years. The Nittany Lions began their season with a 16-10 triumph after locking

in a halftime tie with No. 18 Wisconsin.

They return redshirt senior quarterback Sean Clifford, who threw over 280 yards against the Buckeyes last year.

While the saying goes, “There’s always next year,” Michigan didn’t have that chance in 2020. The Game returns in 2021, and Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh will have another crack to break the goose egg in the win column against Ohio over the last six years.

Michigan saw its leading passer transfer after last season, but junior quarterback Cade McNamara averaged over 12 yards per completion and tossed a pair of touchdowns in Week 1. The Wolverines will need to find another offensive playmaker after losing senior wide receiver Ronnie Bell to injury in addition to making strides defensively after allowing secondmost points per game in the Big Ten. The top of the West Division may be in flux with the last two division-winners beginning with critical losses, but it’s plenty early in the season.

Seeking their first Big Ten Championship appearance since 2015, the Hawkeyes may be the team prime for a strong showing this season.

Iowa is also loaded with three All-Big Ten offensive linemen, paving the way for First Team All-Big Ten running back Tyler Goodson, who posted over 100 yards from scrimmage to begin his campaign. Senior defensive back Riley Moss led the way with two pick-sixes in the season opener.

The last meeting between Ohio State and Iowa ended in a result unfamiliar to many within Buckeye country — a 55-24 defeat in Iowa City.

Should the Buckeyes do what they expect to do and the Hawkeyes take their step forward, all eyes will be on Indianapolis come time to play for postseason glory.

“If we can just stay on that focus, we’re going to have a chance to play in some championship games,” Day said.

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BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE BIG TEN

Thursday, September 9, 2021 | The Lantern | 3

Lantern HELP WANTED CHILD CARE

King Avenue UMC is hiring childcare providers for our nursery ministry that serves children ages 0-4 years old. Activities include play, music, reading, age-appropriate crafts, and other general childcare duties for babies, toddlers and young children.

We are a reconciling congregation and celebrate inclusivity, diversity and that everyone is welcome in our church. We expect our values to be upheld and supported by our staff members, as well.

Hours are Sundays from 8:30am12:30pm, with occasional additional shifts during the week and on weekends. Holiday hours are applicable and can be discussed further during hiring process.

Hourly rate: $13/hour.

Previous childcare experience is strongly recommended.

Training is provided. BCI background check is required.

Must be 19 years old and able to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Reliable transportation (private or public) is a must.

We welcome all ages, genders and sexuality as we all are created and loved by God exactly as we are.

Deadline for application is September 30, 2021. For an application or more information, please contact Erin Kendall at erin@kingave.org.

Email erin@kingave.org

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4 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 9, 2021

OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

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MACKENZIE SHANKLIN | PHOTO EDITOR

Ohio State junior wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) celebrates after a touchdown during the Ohio State-Minnesota game Sept. 2. Ohio State won 45-31.

What’s happened so far

The Buckeyes opened head coach Ryan Day’s third season at the helm of the program ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP poll, proving why they were ranked in the top-five Week 1. In a Sept. 2 matchup, Ohio State survived an early scare from Minnesota in Minneapolis — securing a 45-31 win. Redshirt freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud struggled in the early goings but found his footing in the second half, completing 13-of-22 passes for 294 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. The one-two punch of wideouts senior Chris Olave and junior Garrett Wilson combined for 197 yards and three touchdowns against the Golden Gophers.

Key offensive player

There is a wealth of talent on this Ohio State offense, but none eclipse the talent of

Wilson and Olave. It would be ignorant to not mention both players because Wilson and Olave together are the engine that makes this offense go. In 2020, the duo dominated Big Ten defenses as both earned spots on the All-Big Ten First Team. Olave snagged 50 catches for 721 yards and seven touchdowns, while Wilson hauled in 43 receptions and amassed 723 yards and six touchdowns in 2020. This season, Wilson and Olave have already shown out for the Buckeyes as the duo terrorized the Golden Gophers Sept. 2. Wilson picked up 80 yards on five receptions and found the end zone once, while Olave hauled in two touchdown receptions while picking up 117 yards on four catches.

Key defensive player

Headlining a young and inexperienced linebacker corps is senior Teradja Mitchell,

who made his first-career start against the Golden Gophers. Anchoring a positional group that lost all four starters last season, Mitchell’s importance to this new-look defense can not be overstated. A veteran of 28 games, Mitchell has tallied 28 total tackles along with three tackles-for-loss in his Ohio State career. Against the Golden Gophers, Mitchell was all over the field — finishing with a career-high 10 tackles. As the Virginia Beach, Virginia, native holds down a young position group, he is also a leader on the team — serving as a captain for the 2021 season.

Weaknesses

Despite plenty of talent, the Buckeyes lack experience in some key areas on the team. Most importantly, Ohio State trots out a new starting quarterback in Stroud after the departure of legendary signal

caller Justin Fields. The redshirt freshman entered the season without attempting a collegiate pass and appeared frazzled early in his first career-start against Minnesota.

But he found his groove in the second half — where he tossed all four of his touchdown passes. Youth and inexperience plague the Buckeyes defensively, as Ohio State sent out seven first-time starters on the defensive end in its Week 1 matchup.

Ohio State’s linebackers pick up the pieces after losing all four starters from the 2020 season — including three-year captain Tuf Borland. In the secondary, Ohio State played a host of freshmen and sophomores in the season opener but will get some veterans back from injury as the season wears on.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 | The Lantern | 5

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

JACOB BENGE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

What’s happened so far in 2021 Michigan defeated in-state foe Western Michigan handedly in the opening week, downing the Broncos 47-14 behind a staggering 335 rushing yards. Unfortunately, former All-Big Ten Honorable Mention and captain senior wide receiver Ronnie Bell suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Bell pounced for a 76-yard touchdown on his lone reception of the game and impressed with a 31-yard punt return, so his athleticism will be mightily missed. Head coach Jim Harbaugh stated in late July that Michigan aims to take down its rivals and the Wolverines will “do it or die trying.” It may be a bold statement, but Harbaugh and Michigan want to emerge back into the conversation among contenders in the Big Ten East Division. Junior quarterback Cade McNamara went an impressive 9-for-11 through the air against Western Michigan, connecting on a pair of touchdowns and 136 yards.

The Wolverines’ defense forced several quarterback hurries and allowed over 300 yards of offense against Western Michigan.

Key offensive player With the loss of Bell sure to leave a hole in the offense, Michigan may look toward senior running back Hassan Haskins to step up and fill the void. Haskins and fellow ball-carrier sophomore Blake Corum split duties with 13 and 14 rushes, respectively, in Week 1 against Western Michigan, each punching in a score. Haskins rushed for over 600 yards in 13 games just two seasons ago, not lacking experience or knowledge in the Wolverines’ system.

Especially with McNamara set to take over the reins of the starting job

under center, Haskins could be a player Michigan relies on to run the ball.

Key defensive player Up front, look out for preseason AllAmerican senior defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. But behind him, graduate linebacker Josh Ross seemingly did it all for Michigan in 2020. Ross led the Wolverines in tackles and had his hand on a sack and interception during the abbreviated season, and tied for a team-high six tackles in the season opener. The 6-foot-2, 224-pound linebacker was also voted a captain among Wolverines and is a former AllBig Ten Honorable Mention. Ross also led to two quarterback hurries against Western Michigan, so he can be a threat in both ground and aerial attacks.

Weaknesses When the lights are bright, Michigan has a tendency to falter. Sure, the Wolverines are winless against the Buckeyes during the Harbaugh era, but they’ve won just one bowl game and gone 11-16 against Top-25 teams since the head coaching change. The issue lies on the defensive side of the ball for the Wolverines. Opponents are increasingly scoring more points per game against Michigan in five-straight seasons. In 2020 alone, Michigan recorded the third-fewest sacks and tied for the fewest interceptions and allowed the third-highest yards per game. Senior defensive back Vincent Gray and Hutchinson provide a veteran presence and already have two pass break-ups and a sack, respectively.

Coaches say players can never get enough reps, so experience may be the key to righting the ship.

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COURTESY OF TNS

Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) talks to teammates before a play Arbor, Michigan.

6 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 9, 2021

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IOWA HAWKEYES CASEY SMITH ASSISTANT LTV SPORTS PRODUCER What’s happened so far After starting 2020 0-2, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz rallied his troops to finish the year on a six-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 214-83. It was much of the same in Iowa City Saturday when the No. 18 Hawkeyes trounced No. 17 Indiana 34-6, getting a huge boost from their defense whose three interceptions turned into 17 points.

JOE HERMITT VIA TNS

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) hauls in a 49-yard touchdown pass against Wisconsin Sept.4.

PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS

CAMERON SHAFFER LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far

Currently No. 11 in the AP Top 25, Penn State picked up a massive win against thenNo. 12 Wisconsin in its season opener. Penn State pulled out the 16-10 victory in what could only be described as a defensive slugfest. The Nittany Lions held the Badgers scoreless in three of their four red zone trips, and forced three turnovers en route to victory. Ball State comes to town next week, followed by No. 25 Auburn.

Key offensive player

Senior wide receiver Jahan Dotson gave offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich a huge boost when he decided to return for his final season of eligibility.

As a junior, Dotson hauled in 52 receptions, 884 yards, and eight8 touchdowns, leading the Big Ten in both receiving yards and touchdowns. Dotson is an elite deep-ball receiver who excels at stretching the field. He’s off to a great start this season after hauling in five receptions for 102 yards and a score against the Badgers.

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Key defensive player

Senior safety Jaquan Brisker does just about everything on the football field for the Nittany Lions. Brisker, a preseason first team All-Big Ten selection, is extremely physical while maintaining good coverage skills.

Brisker tied for the team lead in pass deflections and interceptions while finishing third in tackles in 2020. Brisker has wasted no time making an impact in 2021, as he came up with a huge fourthquarter interception in the win over Wisconsin.

Key offensive player There are two players who touch the ball every play: the center and the quarterback. Iowa’s junior center Tyler Linderbaum anchors the Hawkeyes’ offensive line, serving as the conductor of the unit. There aren’t many numbers for Lindenbaum himself to flaunt, but it is reflected in the rest of the offensive production.

Quarterback Spencer Petras was on his back just 11 times in 2020, good for the third-lowest total in the Big Ten. Junior running back

Tyler Goodson has the potential to earn 2021 Big Ten Running Back of the Year honors, hoping to build off his 762-yard 2020 season that was good for thirdbest in the Big Ten. The 6-foot3, 290-pound unit up front has the ability to move defensive linemen, open lanes on the ground and is a plus pass protector. ESPN NFL draft insider Todd McShay ranked Lindenbaum the 15thbest prospect in his preseason rankings of the top 50 prospects for the 2022 NFL Draft.

Key defensive player Senior defensive back Riley Moss outscored Indiana by himself Saturday, returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

The first tipped off the hands of Indiana graduate wide receiver D.J. Matthews Jr., gifting Moss the pick before jumping a secondquarter out route to stroll to the end zone for six. He is no stranger to finding the ball, picking off two opponent passes a season ago — tied for ninth-most in the Big Ten. He also swatted down

two of Indiana redshirt junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s passes, which were tied for a team-high Saturday.

Weakness The difference between Iowa being a good team and a great team comes down to the play of Petras. They have the pieces in the backfield, on the offensive line and on defense, but Petras serves as the biggest question mark.

In his first year under center, he passed for 1,569 yards, which was good for sixth-best, but his 9-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio was less than stellar for his eight starts. Against Indiana, the San Rafael, California, native was a game manager, going 13for-27 for 145 yards. Despite the stigma surrounding Big Ten West offenses, Petras can elevate the Hawkeyes to posing the biggest threat to conference perennial powerhouse Ohio State if he can link with his receiving corps and drive the ball down the field.

Weaknesses

The Nittany Lions will look to replace both starting guards on an offensive line that allowed the most sacks in the Big Ten in 2020.

The unit returns three starters, including standout redshirt junior tackle Rasheed Walker, but will need serious improvement if Penn State hopes to play in Indianapolis on Dec. 4. Not only did the offensive line struggle in pass protection, but they also scuffled when running the football. The offense averaged just 3.0 yards per carry last season, their fewest since 2014.

MIKE MULHOLLAND VIS TNS

Michigan linebacker Jordan Glasgow (29) tackles Iowa running back Tyler Goodson (15) as he catches a pass in the fourth quarter of their Big Ten football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Oct. 5, 2020.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 | The Lantern | 7

WISCONSIN BADGERS CASEY SMITH ASSISTANT LTV SPORTS PRODUCER What’s happened so far

The Badgers opened their season in front of a warm and amped Madison, Wisconsin, crowd. However, the crowd wasn’t the difference as the Badgers fell 16-10 to then-No. 19 Penn State in a tight defensive battle. Despite the opening loss, Wisconsin looks to be a premier team in the Big Ten West, relying on a tough and gritty defense.

Key offensive player

JOHN KUNTZ VIA TNS

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) throws a pass in the third quarter Nov. 21, 2020 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus.

INDIANA HOOSIERS CASEY SMITH ASSISTANT LTV SPORTS PRODUCER What’s happened so far

The No. 17 Hoosiers strutted into Kinnick Stadium looking to build off the momentum from their 6-2 season in 2020 — where they made the necessary leap to compete with the Big Ten — but left the Hawkeye State scratching their heads after a 34-6 dredging at the hands of No. 18 Iowa.

Within the first three minutes of the game, Indiana was down two touchdowns following a 56-yard scamper from Iowa junior running back Tyler Goodson and a 30yard pick - six on quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s second pass of the 2021 campaign. Penix threw two more interceptions before the end of the first half with another getting taken to the house to hammer home the final nail in the Hoosiers’ coffin.

Key offensive player

The Hoosiers’ offense goes as Penix goes. In Saturday’s mishap against Iowa, he turned the ball over three times to flip 17 points into the Hawkeyes’ favor. A season ago, he showed glimpses of play-making brilliance in his game-winning drive to beat then-No. 8 Penn State 36-35 in

overtime. Then, in a rainy affair at Ohio Stadium last November, Penix’s Hoosiers looked dead in the water when the halftime score read 28-7. However, the southpaw from Tampa, Florida, turned it on in the second half as he chucked four of his five touchdown passes in the frame, carving up the thenNo. 3 Buckeyes’ defense for 491 yards — the second-highest total in school history, trailing only Richard Lagow’s 496-yard performance in 2016.

Key defensive player

Indiana’s defense ranked second in the conference with 25 sacks a year ago, and they may have gotten even better in that area in 2021. In addition to retaining senior linebacker Micah McFadden — who will be back to his normal self after leading the Big Ten with six sacks a year ago — they added graduate transfer defensive lineman Ryder Anderson. The Katy, Texas, native has the potential to be a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive line standing 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 266 pounds. In 37 games at Ole Miss, he racked up 99 tackles — 15 of which were for a loss — 6.5 sacks, 17 quarterback

hurries, a forced fumble and one recovery. He introduced himself to Bloomington, Indiana, nicely with seven tackles, two for loss, and a sack — all tied for team highs.

Weakness

The ground game has not been kind to the Hoosiers as they have failed to produce a 1,000-yard rusher since former running back Stevie Scott III’s 1,137-yard 2018 campaign. Scott graduated last year and head coach Tom Allen seems to be putting most of his faith into graduate transfer Stephen Carr to eclipse the millenia mark in 2021. Carr toted the rock a team-high 19 times against the Hawkeyes, but only gained 57 yards on the ground for a dismal three yards per carry.

In his 35 games at USC, he spent most of his time backing up the feature backs, earning just six starts, but gaining 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns on 264 rushes.

Carr nor sophomore running back Tim Baldwin Jr. — who returns after averaging 6.4 yards per carry in 2020 — don’t have to lead the Big Ten in rushing.

Sophomore quarterback Graham Mertz will make or break the Badger’s offense. Despite the zero-touchdown, two-interception game against Penn State, Mertz has all the necessary tools to be an elite Big Ten quarterback.

Mertz started the late 2020 campaign with a five-touchdown game in a 45-7 thumping against Illinois and followed up with a two-touchdown blowout win over Michigan. Mertz tested positive for COVID-19 Oct. 27, 2020 and had to sit out a few weeks, then suffered an undisclosed shoulder injury. If Mertz can follow up his early freshman year success, the Badgers will be a real threat in the West this season.

Key defensive player

Junior linebacker Leo Chenal

missed the first game of the season against Penn State and will be out another week against Eastern Michigan after testing positive for COVID-19. The inside linebacker started all seven games last year for the Badgers, racking up 46 tackles to go with six for loss and a team-high three sacks in 2020.

Chenal’s return will complete the eight defensive starters returning in 2021. The 2020 All-Big Ten honorable mention will return to a defense who surrendered only 16 points to Penn State, allowing the Nittany Lions just 3/13 on third downs, and only 50 rushing yards.

Weaknesses

Despite being a favorite out West, Wisconsin needs to focus on the offensive end, only scoring 10 points in their opening matchup. The Badgers return wide receivers seniors Danny Davis III and Kendric Pryor, sophomore Chimere Dike and senior tight end Jake Ferguson, who will try and help Mertz and the offense generate more big plays this season, as they only had three plays of 40-plus yards last year. The Badgers averaged 25.1 points per game, ranking 89th in the country in 2020.

JOE HERMITT VIA TNS

Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie (17) hits Wisconsin Sept. 4.

8 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 9, 2021

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MARYLAND TERRAPINS

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CHANTAL BROWN SENIOR REPORTER What’s happened so far

In their first and only game so far, the Terrapins opened their season with a 30-24 victory over West Virginia. The team returned all seven of their All-Big Ten honorees from the previous season, returning the most production of any team in the Big Ten. Defensively, they had three sacks and five tackles-for-loss.

Key offensive player

The offense’s momentum was clear after having 192 yards in the first quarter of their season opener. Senior wide receiver Dontay Demus Jr. kept the Mountaineers on their toes by ending the day with six catches and hitting a career-high of 133 yards. He also stood out after completing a 66-yard touchdown catch in tandem with junior quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.

Key defensive player

As for junior defensive back Nick Cross, he started the year with two career milestones. Cross completed six solo tackles and one interception against West Virginia.

In 2020, Cross racked up 23 tackles, four pass breakups and an interception. His efforts in the shortened season earned him an All-Big Ten honorable mention.

Weaknesses

JOE HERMITT VIA TNS

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (3) throws during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium Nov. 7, 2020.

RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS What’s happened so far

Coming off its best season since joining the Big Ten in 2014, Rutgers began the 2021 season with a 61-14 trouncing of Temple. The Scarlet Knights dominated the Owls on the ground, rushing for 220 yards and six touchdowns. The team also won the turnover battle 5-0, resulting in a safety and a pick six. Saturday’s victory was a significant stepping stone for a Greg Schiano-led program seemingly on the rise, as their performance earned them 11 votes in this week’s USA Today Coaches poll — the first time the team received votes since 2012. It also marked the first time the Scarlet Knights scored 60 points against an FBS opponent since 2008, when

they defeated Louisville 63-14.

Key offensive player

Senior wide receiver Bo Melton emerged as Rutgers’ most productive wide receiver last season, hauling in a team-best 47 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns.

Melton also poses a special teams threat, as he recorded 235 kick return yards and three touchdowns. The senior receiver’s nine total touchdowns ranked third in the Big Ten — earning him an All-Big Ten honorable mention. Melton picked up right where he left off against Temple, catching six passes for 59 yards and an impressive 40-yard touchdown.

In addition to the younger defensive line still needing to get their feet wet, the team also has to minimize mistakes. They ended the season opener with five penalties, giving the Mountaineers a free 39 penalty yards.

PATRICK ENGELS LANTERN REPORTER Key defensive player

After a breakout 2020 campaign where he was named to the All-Big Ten team by the media, senior linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi will look to wreak havoc on opposing offenses throughout the Big Ten again this season. Fatukasi has been named to the preseason All-Big Ten First Team after leading the Big Ten with 101 tackles in 2020. The senior linebacker also ranked ninth in the nation and first in the Big Ten with 11.2 tackles per game — the most by a Rutgers player since 1999. Fatukasi continued to stuff the stat sheets in his first game, recording a team-high nine tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble and a safety.

Weaknesses

Although their defense is spearheaded

by Fatukasi, the Scarlet Knights struggled with their run defense last season, allowing 203.7 rushing yards per game — the fourth most in the Big Ten. Rutgers also struggled to keep opposing quarterbacks from scrambling outside of the pocket, relinquishing 192 rushing yards to Illinois quarterback Isaiah Williams and 157 rushing yards to Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez. While Schiano’s defense surrendered only 113 rushing yards to an inferior Temple team, they will need to improve upon their run defense during the 2021 season if they have hopes of competing in a run-centric Big Ten.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 | The Lantern | 9

MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

TYLER DANBURG LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far

Key defensive player

Key offensive player

CHRIS SWEDA VIA TNS

Northwestern linebacker Khalid Jones (44) and defensive back Bryce Jackson (22) pursue Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (9) in the first half of a game Sept. 3.

Weaknesses

NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

GRIFFIN MURPHY LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far

Weaknesses

Key defensive players

Key offensive players

JOHN J. KIM VIA TNS

Northwestern Wildcats running back Evan Hull (26) runs past the defense of Illinois linebacker Milo Eifler (5) in the third quarter at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois, Dec. 12, 2020.

10 | The Lantern | Thursday, September 9, 2021

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PURDUE BOILERMAKERS What’s happened so far

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ERIC VAH LANTERN REPORTER

Weaknesses JOE HERMITT VIA TNS

Penn State defensive tackle PJ Mustipher (97) Illinois quarterback Isaiah Williams (1) during the third quarter Dec. 19, 2020.

ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

Key defensive player

GAURAV LAW LANTERN REPORTER

What’s happened so far

Key offensive player

Key defensive player

Weaknesses

Key offensive player

JOHN KONSTANTARAS/FOR THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE VIA TNS

Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) throws a touchdown pass before being hit by Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) Nov. 9, 2019.

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Thursday, September 9, 2021 | The Lantern | 11

NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS What’s happened so far

JACK EMERSON SPORTS EDITOR

COURTESY OF TNS

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Cody Simon (30) sacks Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) during the second quarter of their game in Huntington Bank Stadium at University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 2.

MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS

CASEY SMITH ASSISTANT LTV SPORTS PRODUCER What’s happened so far

Key defensive player

Key offensive player

JOSHUA A. BICKEL/COLUMBUS DISPATCH VIA TNS

Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Jonathon Cooper (0) races towards Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) during the fourth quarter of a NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers Oct. 24, 2020.

Key offensive player Weaknesses

Weaknesses Key defensive player

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