The Big Ten, like many other conferences, has had its fair share of volatility this season. This week was filled with chaos and entertainment. The USC Trojans handled their business when push came to shove. Oregon and Indiana both needed last-minute plays to avoid an upset. Many people believe the top teams in the Big Ten are already set in stone, but more chaos could ensue, changing things completely.
Here are my takeaways from the Oregon Ducks versus Iowa Hawkeyes thriller and the rest of Big Ten football in Week 11:
Washington can not be taken seriously anymore
All season, the Huskies have been at home merchants. This team plays its best football when it is at home, and then on the road, they are a completely different team. Wisconsin, the worst team in the Big Ten, beats them. That is unacceptable, and if you are a good football team, which many thought the Huskies were. You cannot lose this game, regardless of any circumstances. The punter for the Badgers led the team in passing yards. Demond Williams is took good for this outcome. Never again am I putting my trust in this football team, as you shouldn’t either.
Maryland may need to fire Mike Locksley
There were rumors that he was fired last week, but at this point, make the rumors a reality and fire Mike Locksley. 5 straight Big Ten losses for the Terrapins, most of which have been late-game collapses. Indiana blew the doors off Maryland, and they followed that up with getting outplayed by a Rutgers team that should be on the same level as them. Malik Washington is a very talented player, but Locksley may be doing more harm than good to his development. If Malik Washington transfers to a better program, then what? Maryland needs to make a change, and for them to be a competitive team in the Big Ten, it starts with getting a new leader.
You do not want Dante Moore Jr. to have the ball last
Iowa and Penn State both learned this lesson the hard way; hopefully, USC will not be the next team to. Dante Moore Jr. is clutch as can be. He does not waver in the big moments, and against a really good Iowa defense, he made one of the throws of the year to put the Ducks in position to win against Iowa. With playmakers banged up, hostile environment, and Iowa just responding with a touchdown. It did not matter that Moore successfully executed a 2-minute drill without flinching. He did it in Happy Valley as well. Dan Lanning has to be confident, and opposing teams have to be fearful that when it comes down to it, Dante Moore will win the close games if you let him.
Mark Gronowski has not been great but he’s been the best Iowa has had
Mark Gronowski was brought in to bring life to the Hawkeyes’ passing attack, which he hasn’t, but he has still done much more. Mark Gronowski will never tear the stat sheet up, but in clutch situations, there are not many better quarterbacks. Against Oregon, with under two minutes left, he ran for the game-leading touchdown. He has done that on a consistent basis. He only has 5 passing touchdowns on the season, but he is a winning football player. Consistently, whatever is needed of him, he rises to the occasion. Unfortunately, this past week, Dante Moore had the ball last and was just as clutch. Mark Gronowski has been more than what he was expected to be coming to Iowa.
Iowa is the best 3-loss team in the country
Iowa’s three losses may be some of the best losses on any team’s resume. The Hawkeyes have had dominant performances as well, but even in their losses, they have pushed two of the best teams in the country to the brink, even at major parts of both games being on top. Iowa has a fantastic defense, the best offensive line in the country, and they are well-coached. This is a team in many bowl game matchups that would beat up on a lot of teams outside of their conference.
Iowa’s defense is one of the best in the country
We have seen this defense only give up 20 points to Indiana and now only give up 18 points to Oregon, both of which are top offenses in college football. Oregon’s offense had its way on the ground, but still, the Hawkeyes only gave up 3 points time after time. The Defense did its job for this team to win this football game, especially given the type of team they were playing. Same as against Indiana. If this offense were as good as other Big Ten teams, they would be undefeated. Or this offense did not fumble in the red zone in the third quarter, they win this football game against Oregon.
Both Oregon and Iowa have a great shot to beat USC
Iowa is a team that, so far, has punched more talented teams in the mouth. Their defense is stifling, and Mark Gronowski can create enough magic to respond to their opponent’s offense scoring output. USC has struggled against teams like that one, such as Illinois. Illinois is not nearly as talented a team as USC is, but they were the more physical team and beat USC. I think not only can Iowa replicate that, but they are a better football team than Illinois. One thing USC does have on their side is that Iowa will have to come to Southern California.
Oregon is a top team in the country with an all-around dominant offense, great run game, and notable weapons. The defense is good enough to hold its own against many teams. Oregon proved it can win ugly games and handle adversity. Dante Moore will be a starting quarterback in the NFL, and USC has to hope it gets the ball last versus Oregon.
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