SB Nation named Oregon’s win over previously unbeaten USC the Big Ten’s best victory of Week 4; backup Dylan Raiola threw for nearly 300 yards after Dante Moore was carted off following a first-half hit. Penn State’s late collapse was named the week’s worst loss.
Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith earned offensive player of the week after catching 12 passes for 217 yards and four touchdowns in a 42-19 win over Illinois. UCLA safety Ta’Shawn James was the defensive pick, with four tackles and a touchdown as the Bruins beat Maryland. Iowa’s Reece Vander Zee caught the game-winning touchdown on the final play to beat No. 18 Michigan, 20-19; Minnesota’s defense was recognized after a seven-sack performance in a road win over Washington.
Maryland finished with fewer than 200 yards of offense against UCLA; coach Mike Locksley said he was committed to fixing the problems and had confidence in his team. Northwestern quarterback Aiden Chiles struggled in the first half against Indiana, then improved after halftime as the Wildcats’ upset bid fell short. The roundup also criticized Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz for attempting a 50-plus-yard field goal while trailing by five late in the fourth quarter, after a fourth-down penalty.
