Big Ten football opening weekend features controversy and standout performances

The opening weekend of the Big Ten football season featured significant results and controversy. Western Michigan has officially challenged a clock ruling in its game against Michigan. The ruling allowed for a final second that resulted in a 13-12 victory for the Wolverines. Western Michigan is requesting that the NCAA Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff evaluate the incident to potentially recognize the Broncos as the winners.

Following the win, Michigan dropped out of the AP Top 25 rankings. Other notable conference performances included Ohio State defeating Ball State, Nebraska beating Ohio 49-21, and Iowa securing a 40-0 shutout against Northern Illinois. In a major upset, UMass defeated Rutgers 37-21.

Individual honors for the week include USC quarterback Jayden Maiava as Offensive Player of the Week after a 349-yard, three-touchdown performance. Defensive honors were awarded to Penn State’s Caleb Bacon and UCLA’s Ta’Shawn James. Minnesota’s Javon Tracy was named Special Teams Player of the Week after becoming the first Gopher to score two punt return touchdowns in a single game.