Big Ten: What we learned about every game in Week 3

By Nate Jacobson | Sep 22, 2015

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Sep 19, 2015; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels receiver Bug Howard (84) runs after a catch against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. North Carolina won 48-14. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

We go over every Big Ten team’s result from Week 3 and let you know what we learned and what it means moving forward.

The two best teams in the country may hail from the Big Ten where Ohio State and Michigan State are undefeated through three weeks, but the Buckeyes have ongoing questions about the quarterback position. Cardale Jones was benched again for J.T. Barrett and Urban Meyer is unsure who will get the start on Saturday.

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Can Ohio State legitimately contend for the national title if the offense continues to sputter against inferior opponents like Northern Illinois and Hawaii?

That’s one thing we still are waiting to learn across the conference as we head to the end of September, but there were a few things we learned from each game and we’ll focus on those lessons in this piece and what it means for the conference moving forward.

Will also take an early look at the point spreads for the Week 4 games involving Big Ten teams. We will start this week with Illinois’ loss at North Carolina:

North Carolina 48, Illinois 14

We know that Illinois is a much more motivated team after firing Tim Beckman but they still lack talent on their roster. The were routed by North Carolina after starting the season off 2-0. North Carolina gained 471 yards and 7.5 yards per play. Illinois ran 83 plays, 20 more than North Carolina, but only averaged 4.8 yards per play.

This type of performance from Illinois is probably what we will see more of as the season goes on. High-powered offenses will overmatch them. Illinois is a six-point favorite at home over Middle Tennessee State in Week 4.

Next: South Florida vs Maryland