Big Ten Conference: Rough Week 3 from self-proclaimed big dogs

Big Ten football boasts some of the biggest brands in college football. Those big names were decidedly underwhelming in Week 3

Ask a typical college football fan what is the best conference and either the SEC or Big Ten will be the first words out of their mouths. Well, during the early portion of Week 3 Saturday, the Big Ten failed to live up to that billing.

Those national title hopes in Madison were dealt a crushing blow as Wisconsin was stunned by BYU, missing a game-tying field goal in the final minute.

Nebraska was upset at home by Troy, Temple stunned Maryland and Kansas absolutely obliterated Rutgers.

Sure, Michigan was able to look good against SMU eventually, and Penn State had no troubles with Kent State, but on a day when the eyes of the college football world are glued on Ohio State vs. TCU, the “teammates” of the Buckeyes failed to deliver.

For Wisconsin, there could be a late run to the College Football Playoff, as they still have big games with Michigan and Penn State on the docket. And, the loss to the Cougars doesn’t hurt them in the league standings.

The problems in Lincoln look real, as the Scott Frost era has not taken over like most predicted. After having the first game called due to weather, the Huskers were topped by old Big Eight rival Colorado last week.

Frost elected to sit prized quarterback Adrian Martinez against Troy and the move backfired, as Nebraska lost for the sixth consecutive time at home dating back to last season.

Most wondered if Frost would need time to get his system in place with his players, but with what Nebraska has on campus, there is absolutely no reason – even with a walk-on quarterback in Andrew Bunch – that they should be unable to get past Troy at home.

Now, sitting at 0-2, they hit the road to open Big Ten play with Michigan next week.

Maryland’s season to forget continued, as they lost as a 16-point underdog to Temple. The Terps have dealt with plenty this year, and their vaunted ground game was unable to get on track.

Coming into the game, Maryland was averaging almost 300 yards rushing. In three quarters vs. the Owls – of Temple, mind you – they had just 50. Also, quarterbacks Kasim Hill and Tyrrell Pigrom were a combined 8-of-24 passing for 63 yards with two interceptions. Not real “big-time” production from a Big Ten team.

And how about the battle of the have-not programs in Lawrence, as Kansas forced six turnovers, scored two defensive touchdowns and won back-to-back games over FBS foes for the first time since 2009.

Rutgers and head coach Chris Ash made qualifying for a bowl a goal this year, but after Saturday’s showing, that is looking like a long, long, long shot. The Scarlet Knights will finish out non-conference play with Buffalo – the Bulls, not the Bills – and should be able to get on track. If not, Ash will likely be given the door to exit, stage right.