Big10 Blog: Season 22, Week 4

By: Joe Cumberland (punterjoe)

Down To The Wire In East Lansing

The Trojans of Southern Cal traveled to East Lansing to take on the Spartans of Michigan State to open up Big10 action. The game was just as many thought it would be, a dogfight til the very end. The Trojans wanted to prove they were still championship contenders and the Spartans wanted to cement themselves in that conversation as well. The result was the most closely contested game in the Big10 for Week 1 of conference play. Even the stat sheet for the two teams was pretty close to even. USC outgained Michigan State just 395 to 386, while the Spartans had more first downs with 19 to the Trojans 17. Total plays were close as well, with Michigan State holding the edge 74-70. In the end, USC held on for a 28-21 victory to move to 1-0 in conference play.

QB Jamesyn Golde went 31 of 39 on the night for 270 yards, he tossed 3 touchdowns and threw a pick. The junior Trojan QB added 72 yards on the ground. The Spartan defense didn’t allow much on the ground, USC RB Dash Delano managed just 56 yards on 20 carries. Also held in check was WR Jamarcus Simpson III. The senior came into the game leading the CFSL in receiving yards, and while he would leave the game still the leader in that category; he was held to just 2 receptions for 36 yards. Cory Smith picked up his slack grabbing 9 passes for 108 yards.

Defensively the Trojans were led by LB Derrick Davis. The junior made 12 stops, 3 for a loss, and also picked off Michigan State QB Cole Mantell. Davis is tied for 2nd in the league in total tackles. Jay Holt would add 8 tackles for the Trojans and safety Mark McNally 7. USC’s strong defensive backfield continued to shine. Jordan Haack and Morgan Winters came into the contest tied for the league lead in interceptions. Both players would record one more in this game and continue to lead the CFSL in picks.

Michigan State will look to rebound in a Monday night clash with undefeated Ohio State. The Trojans will travel to Michigan on Tuesday to face the Wolverines in a battle of Big10 Week 1 winners.

Michigan’s Win Streak Over Oregon Continues

The Oregon Ducks traveled to Ann Arbor in hopes of snapping a 6 game-losing streak versus Michigan. The last Duck victory came back in Season 12, and they left the game with the streak intact. Michigan used a powerhouse game offensively to protect their home turf and come away with a 49-24 victory. The “blue and maize” managed 635 yards of total offense on 76 plays. The Wolverines forced 2 Duck turnovers and made the most of those opportunities.

Senior signal caller Windham Carter made a strong case for Player of the Week honors. The Brooksville, Florida native went 38 of 47 for 485 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also added one score on the ground, Carter captained more than one long sustaining drive in the Michigan pursuit of victory. RB Collin MacElroy got the yards needed time and time again, His 18 touches and 85 yards helped keep the Oregon offense off the field. CJ Jones shined bright in the contest, hauling in 8 catches and a pair of touchdowns on his way to 184 yards. Not to be outdone was Bobby Black. The sophomore from Louisiana managed 113 yards of his own on 12 catches with a touchdown. TE Ace Elder decided to show and put up career numbers. He too went over the century mark with 125 yards on 7 catches, 2 of those being touchdown grabs.

No doubt leads the Michigan defense. Senior safety Ryan Downie is 2nd in the CFSL in total tackles and 3rd in tackles for loss. He added 9 stops in the game. Fellow safety Brock Powers added 8 and an interception. While not logging a ton statistically, CB Amarion Xander Martel made his presence known and was constantly around the ball.

Next up for Oregon will be a road contest with Penn State on Wednesday night. Michigan remains at home for Week 5 on Tuesday to do battle with USC.

Buckeyes Remain Unbeaten

Ohio State hosted Penn State to open Big10 play. The Nittany Lions came in looking for their first win on the campaign, while the Buckeyes were hoping to keep an undefeated season alive. Ohio State would do the home crowd proud with a 43-24 win. The victory keeps the Buckeyes unbeaten and extends their all-time lead in the series to 5-2. Both sides of the ball came to play as the offense racked up 602 yards and the defense only allowed 287 from the Nittany Lions. It’s worth noting that Ohio State scored just 3 touchdowns on 8 trips to the redzone, or this game could’ve been more out of hand. Junior kicker Brutus King was a perfect 5 of 5 on field goals, 4 of those attempts being inside the redzone.

Jaylen Tyree continues his Player of the Year campaign. The junior threw for 484 more yards and 4 more touchdowns. The Buckeyes rank second in the CFSL in passing yards per game, while Tyree ranks first in touchdowns and 2nd in yards. Emily Davis added 70 yards on 13 carries to aid the Buckeye effort. Ohio State got 102 yards from Eden Ballard on 7 catches, one of those being a touchdown. Jermaine Wise had similar numbers at 9 catches, 1 touchdown, and 106 yards.

When it comes to the Buckeye defense, Jesse Stork continues to not only lead the charge; but also be the best defensive lineman in the CFSL. The senior collected 8 tackles, 3 for a loss, and a sack. On the year he leads the league in tackles for loss(13) and is tied for fourth in sacks(5). Vladimir Antkowiak added 8 stops as well. A host of other Buckeyes contributed to what amounted to a great game for the home-standing defense.

Penn State will host Oregon at 8:30 on YouTube Wednesday night as they look for their first win in Season 22. Ohio State will be in action on Monday night against Michigan State at 6:30 on Twitch.