| Nebraska's Taylor Martinez has improved his throwing mechanics but Saturday his legs propelled him to the team's longest play, a 92-yard touchdown scramble. (US Presswire) |
1. Wisconsin’s shocking 10-7 loss to Oregon State proved that it is not an elite football team. Consider that new offensive coordinator Matt Canada called for 38 passing plays from junior quarterback Danny O’Brien, six more attempts than third-round draft pick Russell Wilson ever threw in a game last year. Canada had assuaged Badger fans’ concerns by telling them that he wasn’t going to deviate from what took Wisconsin to consecutive Rose Bowls. Montee Ball rushed for just 61 yards on 15 attempts, after averaging 22 rushes per game last season.
Some of the excessive passing attempts can be attributed to Wisconsin’s urgency down the stretch, trailing 10-0 late in the game. But Wisconsin beat Oregon State 35-0 last year, including 189 rushing yards, so it probably never should’ve come to that. As a result of the loss, the Badgers parted ways with offensive line coach Mike Markuson, who was on the job for just two games. If your Heisman candidate running back can’t muster more than 61 yards behind a mammoth offensive line, something has to give.
2. Braxton Miller can’t sustain this production. It may not be evident yet, but Miller can’t continue his torrid offensive run. The sophomore has rushed for more than 300 yards and four touchdowns while passing for another 362 and three touchdowns in the Buckeyes’ two wins. At some point, Ohio State’s RB depth is going take a toll on Miller. Carlos Hyde left Saturday’s game with a knee sprain and it’s unclear whether Jordan Hall, who has been rehabbing for months after stepping on a piece of glass, will be cleared to play vs. California this weekend. Meyer intended for Miller to have around 15 attempts vs. Central Florida. He finished with 27.
One player to keep an eye on is Corey Brown, Ohio State’s multi-threat wideout. He has 13 catches for 135 yards in two games and Urban Meyer said following Saturday’s win vs. UCF that they could use Brown in the backfield along with FB Zach Boren. With freshman Bri’onte Dunn and sophomore Rod Smith as the only healthy running backs, the Buckeyes should lean heavily on the speedy junior.
3. Mobile quarterbacks are the flavor of the day in the Big Ten. Five Big Ten quarterbacks had their team’s longest play of the game this past weekend, and all five were quarterback scrambles that ended in a touchdown. Nebraska's Taylor Martinez broke off a 92-yard touchdown run while Michigan's Denard Robinson scored on a 79-yard scamper and Minnesota quarterback MarQueis Gray managed a 75-yard touchdown run. A sixth quarterback -- Northwestern's Kain Colter -- scored on a 29-yard run to secure the victory over Vanderbilt in what was the team’s second-longest play of the day.
Gray explained at Big Ten media days that schools are seeking more dynamic athletes because it opens up the offense and gives the team more versatility. Gray also said that one reason for the proliferation of mobile quarterbacks is because of their ability to extend plays. The downside, however, is that when a quarterback takes off, he exposes himself to hungry defenders eager for a big hit. Indiana’s Tre Roberson suffered this fate on a second-quarter rush that left the sophomore with a broken leg. He’ll redshirt and miss the entire season.
For more Big Ten coverage, follow Mike Singer and Dave Carey @CBSSportsBigTen.