By: Joe Cumberland (@punterjoe)
Big10 Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus, Sort Of
USC and Ohio State put on a show in a Monday night clash. The top-10 battle of Big10 teams led to one team separating themselves from the pack. USC is now just one win away from the conference title, and the only team already in. Behind them, it’s not so cut and dry. Both Michigan State and Michigan can clinch this week with different scenarios. They play each other this week so that we could see one stamp their playoff ticket, or neither could. While neither Ohio State nor Oregon can clinch this week, both remain in contention. The Big10 will play out down to the final week of Season 22. Let’s see who helped their cases, and who needs help, and what Week 7 has in store.
Trojans Hold Off Buckeyes In Top 10 Clash
The #1 ranked USC Trojans traveled to face the #8 Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 6 action. The game seemed to be a runaway for the Trojans, who led 31-3 at one point. The Buckeyes used a 21-0 run in the second half to draw within a touchdown and bring the score to 31-24. Ohio State would hold USC scoreless in the second half, aiding in the effort to make the comeback. USC safety Morgan Winters came up big with a sack with 3:20 remaining on the clock to back the Buckeyes up while driving. Moments later the Buckeyes would attempt to keep control of the ball on 4th and 8. The Trojans held and took over on downs, looking to eat the clock and put the game away. However, Skyler Clark would pick off a pass and give his offense one more opportunity to tie the game. Unfortunately, some questionable play calling with under 1:30 left to go in the game would result in another turnover on downs. A Dash Delano first down run with under a minute remaining would seal the deal for USC 31-24.
Jamesyn Golde finished the night 35 of 48 for 331 yards. He tossed 3 touchdowns and threw a pick while being sacked 5 times by the Ohio State defense. It was a tough go for the Trojan ground game, Delano was only able to manage 47 yards on 11 carries. Cory Smith led the way for USC receivers by hauling in 11 passes for 110 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With another touchdown grab, Jamarcus Simpson III remains tied for the CFSL lead in that category. KJ Johnson III would reel in 7 passes for 84 yards.
The Trojans put together an elite first half defensively, allowing just a field goal for Ohio State. Two strong stands late in the game would be key for victory. A Payson Parker interception returned 31 yards for a touchdown would ultimately be the difference in the game. Safety Morgan Winters led the way with 9 tackles, one of those being an important sack late in the fourth quarter. Derrick Davis continues to be among the league leaders in tackles and made 8 against the Buckeyes. Defensive end Jaxson Cobb had 2 sacks, and Caleb Alexander added an interception.
The victory clinches a playoff spot for the #1 ranked Trojans, who improve to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play. A win over Penn State would make USC the Big10 Champions. Ohio State, on the other hand, needs to win out to remain alive in the playoff hunt. They’ll start that journey on a trip to Oregon next week.
Spartans Continue Playoff Push
Michigan State entered Week 6 ranked #7 in the CFSL and looking to inch closer to a playoff spot. The Oregon Ducks sat at 1-1 in Big10 play and wanted to do the same. The Spartans would be the team to achieve the goal of getting to 2-1 in conference play and getting closer to playoff status. A 51-39 win puts the Spartans just one win away from clinching a spot in the playoffs. Michigan State put together 538 yards of total offense, with an impressive 191 coming on the ground.
Junior quarterback Cole Mantell entered the week riding a massive hot streak. While it would cool a little, the talented signal caller still put together a nice game. Mantell finished 28 of 42 for 347 yards with 4 touchdowns. Oregon did sack him 5 times and he threw a pick, but Cole made the plays when needed. Freshman star running back David Michael had an impressive night and tied a school record. Michael carried the rock 22 times for 198 yards and 2 scores. The 2 touchdowns give him 8 on the year and is good for a tie for third in the league. He is now also tied for the single-season record for rushing touchdowns at Michigan State, a record he is sure to break. Jimbo Hawk caught 5 passes 68 yards and a score, he also had 5 pancake blocks. Arnez Gray and Blue Haddix would catch touchdown passes as well to aid in the victory.
The Spartan defense was led by safety Pierre Eldridge and his 10 tackles. Linebacker Tomlin Bettis made 9 stops, while Timmy Britt added 8 with 4 being for a loss. Defensive linemen Matthew Tyler and Jeremiah Johnson each had a sack. Darius Henry had a career-type night making 7 tackles, also added a 10-yard touchdown reception on offense, and returned an intercepted Duck pass 31 yards for a score.
Michigan State will travel to in-state rival Michigan on Monday night looking to clinch a playoff berth. Oregon will host Ohio State and both of those teams are looking to keep postseason aspirations alive in that game on Wednesday evening.
Wolverines Outmatch Nittany Lions
Penn State hoped that Week 6 in front of the home crowd would be what they needed to get their first win of the season. That wait will continue as Michigan came into Happy Valley and left 51-34 victors. Despite having the ball 6 minutes fewer than Penn State, Michigan managed 631 yards of total offense, 199 on the ground, and 432 through the air. The win moves the Wolverines to 5-2 all-time in the series.
Senior quarterback Windham Carter continues to put up big numbers and shined once again. He finished 33 of 43 for 432 yards and tossed 4 touchdown passes. He has now thrown 21 touchdowns, which is the best in the CFSL. His 2,521 passing yards are good for fourth. Collin MacElroy finds himself among the league leaders as well. The talented back rushed for 183 yards on 22 carries. Leading the CSFL in receiving touchdowns is Michigan wideout CJ Jones, his 2 scores in the game give him 7 on the year. He added 113 yards on 12 catches. Bobby Black caught just 3 passes but took them for 96 yards, he is third in the league in that category. With 7 catches Richard Powers amassed 97 yards and scored a touchdown.
Clayton Cobb led the way defensively with 8 tackles and a sack, he also recovered a Penn State fumble. Linebacker Spike Hall had an interception to go along with 7 stops. Amarion Xander Martel had 7 tackles, 2 for a loss from his cornerback position. Senior safety Ryan Downie continues to be second in the CFSL in tackles, he added 6 stops in the game.
Michigan can clinch a playoff spot with a win over rival Michigan State, but they also need Ohio State to lose. That in-state rivalry can be seen on Twitch Monday night at 8:30. Penn State sits at 0-6 overall and winless in Big10 play. They travel to defending national champ USC on Thursday night.
Big10 Week 6 Results
#7 Michigan State defeats Oregon 51-39
Michigan defeats Penn State 51-34
#1 USC defeats #8 Ohio State 31-24
Big10 Week 7 Schedule
02/17 8:30 Michigan State @ Michigan Twitch
02/19 6:30 Ohio State @ Oregon Twitch
02/20 8:30 Penn State @ USC Twitch
Big10 Game of the Week
Monday night will find the top-10 ranked Spartans of Michigan State traveling to in-state foe Michigan. This game has severe playoff implications for both teams. A Spartan win punches their ticket to the postseason. The Wolverines, as well, can clinch a spot with a victory and a little help from Oregon. Aside from the playoff race, the battle of skill players in this game will be insane. The quarterbacks, Cole Mantell and Windham Carter have separated themselves this season from other Big10 signal callers. That is saying a lot considering the talent at that position in this conference. Collin MacElroy and David Michael are among the best ball carriers in the CFSL. I’d guess whoever is more successful on the ground ends up winning. If last week’s Monday night battle of Big10 teams is any indication, we are in for another treat.
