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Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
The Recaps to the important Big Ten football match-ups in week 12 are here.
This Saturday there were three Big Ten games of interest. Ohio State traveled to East Lansing, Michigan for a showdown with Big Ten East rival Michigan State and escaped with a one point win on the road. A surprisingly competitive Indiana went on the road to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the No.3 ranked Wolverines who were looking to bounce back from an uncharacteristic loss to an unranked Iowa last week.
A shockingly strong end of the season has given Penn State a chance to win the Big Ten East. They travelled to Piscataway, New Jersey to take on Rutgers in an uneven matchup and left in shutout fashion. The win continued the Nittanly Lions’ unbelievable run at an East Division Title.
Big Ten Game #1:
Final: Ohio State 17 Michigan State 16
Inter-conference rivalry games can be very unpredictable. But the Michigan State Spartans always play the Ohio State Buckeyes very tough, so it was no surprise that this game came down to a one-point victory by the Buckeyes even though the Spartans came into this game with a 3-7 record.
In a similar game to last years matchup in Columbus, Ohio, the weather played an important part in this being such a tough game for both sides.
Ohio State freshman running back Mike Weber had a good game with 14 carries, 111 yards, and a touchdown.
Buckeye quarterback J.T. Barrett had an uneven day with his passing being affected by the elements, but still ran 24 times for 105 yards.
It was a tough fought win that very easily could have went to overtime if Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio had just kicked the extra point after a 1-yard touchdown run by LJ Scott, but rolled the dice and went for the 2-point conversion where Spartan quarterback Tyler O’Connor was intercepted and the Spartans came up a point short with the loss.
Ohio State travels to Ann Arbor, Michigan to take on the Michigan Wolverines next Saturday at 12:00 EST in their season finale rivalry game.
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Zander Diamont (12) is sacked by Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jabrill Peppers (5) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Big Ten Game #2:
Final: Michigan 20 Indiana 10
In what appeared to be a very tight game, the Michigan Wolverines eventually got things going with junior quarterback John O’Korn who had to replace Wilton Speight as their starter because of a collarbone injury suffered in last week’s loss to Iowa.
The Indiana Hoosiers led at halftime 7-3 and fought valiantly. However, it was Michigan’s running game that won this one. De’Veon Smith ran the ball 23 times for 158 yards.
It was O’Korn’s feet and not his arm that eventually helped the Wolverines to put the Hoosiers away. Michigan put up 17 points in the 3rd quarter, and both teams sputtered in the 4th quarter when the snow started coming down, effectively ending all hope of a comeback win by Indiana.
Michigan will travel to Columbus, Ohio for their rivalry season finale against the Ohio State Buckeyes next Saturday at 12:00 EST.
Sep 19, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the football during the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Big Ten Game #3:
Final: Penn State 39 Rutgers 0
More from Scarlet and Game
In a primetime matchup on the road, the Penn State Nittany Lions put away the Rutgers Scarlet Knights handily amidst the snow and wind.
This is the 4th conference game that the Scarlet Knights have been shutout. Both teams had to battle the elements, but Penn State was dominant against a team that put up little fight.
With this win, the Nittany Lions need to beat Michigan State and have Michigan lose next week and they are in the Big Ten championship game against most likely Wisconsin.
Penn State will host an energetic Michigan State next Saturday at 3:30 EST. Look out for the upset here by the Spartans.
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