The Big Ten in 2016 is not just about Ohio State and Michigan.
That's what we learned over the weekend. Wisconsin, having already played (and hung) with both, is a legitimate contender to win in Indianapolis.
The Badgers already have a pair of losses, though, which means their margin for error is essentially zero from here on out. And there's also Nebraska they have to deal with, and the Cornhuskers haven't lost yet this season.
Ohio State and Michigan appear to be on a collision course for the Nov. 26 showdown scheduled in Columbus. The winner of that game is likely going to be heading to Indianapolis to play for a Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff berth spot. But they'll be challenged when they get there; the Badgers and Cornhuskers, at least right now, seem like legitimate oppositions out of the West.
We also learned some other things this past weekend and that's why Stock Up/Stock Down has returned to break everything down. Without any further delay, let's jump right into it.
STOCK UP
J.T. Barrett – Ohio State quarterback
It’s kind of crazy for me to be including Barrett here because he’s one of the best players in the country, but he proved his worth yet again Saturday night with a huge second half and overtime to help lift Ohio State to a come-from-behind win at Wisconsin.
Barrett is far from perfect as a passer, but when things matter most he tends to get the job done. The redshirt junior completed 9 of his final 10 passes including the game-winning touchdown to Noah Brown in overtime.
He’s a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate because of how he performs in the biggest moments.
Wisconsin's Defense
For the second-straight week, I'm putting something in the 'stock up' portion following a loss, but the Badgers' defense deserves it after the performance Saturday night against Ohio State.
I thought the Buckeyes would have a significant speed advantage on the outside at the skill positions, but Wisconsin was flying around to the ball all evening. The Badgers' defense is for real and it nearly sprung an upset of No. 2-ranked Ohio State.
Northwestern
I wrote the Wildcats off after their horrendous start — and let’s be honest, it was terrible — but Pat Fitzgerald’s group has battled back to save its season.
Sure, a victory over Michigan State might not mean as much this season as it normally would (more on that later), but to hang 54 points on the Spartans on their home field is certainly making a statement.
I have no idea how good Northwestern actually is, but I’m more than impressed it has rallied to win three of its last four after starting the season 0-2 with one of those losses coming to an FCS team.
STOCK DOWN
Darrell Hazell — Former Purdue head coach
It might seem like overkill to include someone here who just got fired, but this is the internet so you can pretty much do whatever you want here and get away with it.
After Saturday's 49-35 loss to Iowa, Purdue fired Hazell. He was 9-33 in his three-plus seasons leading the Boilermakers — a mark with included an abysmal 3-24 record in Big Ten play.
Look, Purdue is a really, really difficult job and it's hard for anybody to win there, but the Boilermakers could have made this move after last season. At least they wouldn't have totally put the next head coach up against the wall that way.
Michigan State
I really didn't want to include the Spartans on this list again because, frankly, I thought last week was rock bottom and their stock couldn't get any worse. But then Michigan State went and gave up 54 points at home to Northwestern.
This will be the final time the Spartans are included on this list unless, of course, they don't make a bowl game. And with Michigan, Ohio State and a trip to Happy Valley on the schedule, that seems like a possibility.
Maryland's Offense
I didn't fully buy in when the Terrapins got off to their 4-0 large in part because they hadn't played anybody, but I at least expected Maryland to look competitive in its last two games and it hasn't.
In particular, the Terps' offense has struggled as it posted just 14 and 10 points each of the last two weeks. Maryland scored no fewer than 30 points in each of the first four weeks of the season. They've played better competition, for sure, but it's been a bit disappointing to say the least.
Maryland still have a few winnable games on its schedule to earn bowl eligibility in DJ Durkin's first season. That'd be a successful year in one man's opinion.
