#image_title
0
0
Underwood Unleashes Mayhem in Michigan Offensive Explosion
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood starred as No. 21 Michigan throttled Central Michigan 63–3. Underwood totaled 349 yards and three touchdowns, and the Wolverines piled up 616 total yards while holding CMU to just a field goal.
“I felt really comfortable out there today,” Underwood said. “The game is slowing down for me, and I just wanted to use my legs when the opportunities came.”
Associate head coach Biff Poggi, filling in for Sherrone Moore, praised his young QB: “I have a labrador retriever who could coach that guy. He’s that talented.”
Altmyer, Feagin Fuel Illinois Shutout Surge
No. 9 Illinois blanked Western Michigan 38–0 behind Luke Altmyer’s three touchdowns and Kaden Feagin’s 100-yard rushing day. The Illini defense forced multiple punts and allowed fewer than 200 yards.
“It took us a little while to get rolling, but once we did, our confidence never wavered,” Altmyer said. “That’s the kind of rhythm we’ve been looking for.”
Head coach Bret Bielema added: “I love the way our guys responded. Anytime you get a shutout, that’s special.”
Penn State’s Balanced Attack Dismantles Villanova
No. 7 Penn State rolled 52–6, with Drew Allar throwing for 209 yards and a TD, and Kaytron Allen adding 86 rushing yards. Tight end Lance Reynolds finished with 73 receiving yards.
“We wanted to stay sharp heading into Big Ten play,” Allar said. “Our timing and execution were where they needed to be.”
Head coach James Franklin emphasized consistency: “We challenged our guys to play clean football regardless of the opponent, and I thought they did that.”
Oregon Makes Big Ten Debut With Convincing Win
In its first Big Ten game, Oregon defeated Northwestern 34–14. Dante Moore threw for 178 yards and a TD, and Dylan Hill Jr. scored on the ground.
“It feels great to make history in our first Big Ten game,” Moore said. “But for us, it’s just the start.”
Chiles Sparks Michigan State to Victory
Michigan State beat Youngstown State 41–24 behind QB A.J. Chiles, who accounted for two touchdowns and 270 passing yards.
“We knew we had to keep attacking,” Chiles said. “Our line gave me time, and our receivers made plays all day.”
Coach Jonathan Smith noted: “It wasn’t perfect, but we’re 3–0. There’s plenty to build on.”
Turnovers Sink Purdue Against USC
Purdue fell 33–17 at USC despite Ryan Browne’s 305 passing yards and rushing score. His three interceptions proved costly.
“That’s on me,” Browne admitted. “I can’t put our defense in bad spots like that.”
Coach Ryan Walters added: “We moved the ball, but turnovers change everything. Against good teams, you can’t afford them.”
Rutgers Dominates in Tune-Up Triumph
Rutgers overwhelmed Norfolk State 60–10, with QB AJ Surace and WR Michael Thomas III contributing in relief.
“We talked all week about playing clean and fast,” head coach Greg Schiano said. “I liked how our young guys stepped up when their numbers were called.”
Maryland Freshman QB Shines, Defense Makes History
Maryland beat Towson 44–17, as QB Malik Washington produced 290 yards and two TDs. Cornerback La’khi Roland made history with a 100-yard interception return.
“When I caught it, I just saw green,” Roland said. “I wasn’t stopping until I got to the end zone.”
Head coach Michael Locksley praised his team’s energy: “That was a great team win—offense, defense, and special teams all made big plays.”
Alabama Proves Too Much for Wisconsin
Wisconsin dropped its first game in a 38–14 loss at Alabama. QB Danny O’Neil threw two interceptions, while WR Vinny Anthony scored on a kickoff return.
“We made too many mistakes,” O’Neil said. “Against Alabama, that’s the difference.”
Coach Luke Fickell added: “We’ve got to clean up the discipline issues. But I’m proud of how our guys kept fighting.”
Around the Conference
- Ohio State was idle, finishing nonconference play 3–0.
- Purdue kicker Spencer Porath was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 on field goals and 8-for-8 on PATs.
About the Author
