The Wisconsin Badgers fell to the Nebraska Cornhuskers with a 44-25 loss, ending their decade-long winning streak against Nebraska. The game marked Nebraska's first bowl eligibility since 2016, while Wisconsin faces the challenge of securing a bowl berth in their upcoming game against Minnesota.
In a thrilling Big Ten matchup, No. 4 ranked Penn State narrowly defeated Minnesota with a score of 26-25. Key plays, including a successful fake punt and critical fourth-down conversions, led Penn State to maintain control and secure the victory. Despite a tough start, quarterback Drew Allar and tight end Tyler Warren made crucial plays that kept Penn State's College Football Playoff hopes alive. Minnesota showed promise with strong performances from their quarterback and running backs but missed opportunities, including field goals instead of touchdowns, which cost them the game. Penn State's win bolsters their playoff contention as they capitalize on losses from other teams.
The Michigan Wolverines ended their home season on a high note with a 50-6 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats. Key performances included Kalel Mullings' three touchdowns and a strong defensive showing that held Northwestern to just 127 total yards. The win secured bowl eligibility for Michigan with a 6-5 record, setting the stage for a much-anticipated game against Ohio State. The Wolverines' comprehensive performance under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore highlighted their strength as they continued their dominance over Northwestern.
The Michigan State Spartans (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten) face a critical game against Purdue Boilermakers (1-9, 0-7 Big Ten) at Spartan Stadium, crucial for their bowl eligibility. Both teams aim to break losing streaks, with Michigan State needing wins against Purdue and Rutgers to ensure postseason play. Purdue's season struggles underscore the high stakes, especially for head coach Ryan Walters, amidst their offensive challenges this season.