The Hodgepodge: Ohio State Has Two Superstar RBs, Michigan Channels Its Inner Iowa, Illinois is a B1G Upstart and Nebraska's Ranked Foe Woes Continue

By Garrick Hodge on September 23, 2024 at 11:35 am
Illinois
Dylan Widger – Imagn Images
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Welcome to The Hodgepodge.

Ohio State’s underwhelming non-conference schedule ended with a third straight blowout to open the 2024 season, a 49-14 victory over Marshall. 

The defense allowed a touchdown on a long opening drive and another score just before halftime on a catch that probably shouldn’t have stood after a review if we’re being honest. Not the most dominant effort from a unit that’s capable of being the nation’s best, and you’d like to see the Buckeyes defend the middle of the field a little more stoutly than they did against the Thundering Herd, but the concern level for that unit is still near zero for me. 

On the other hand, it’s legitimately fun watching Ohio State run the ball. The Buckeyes are spoiled with two legitimate superstars at running back and both TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins averaged at least 12.4 yards per carry Saturday. OSU has the best running back tandem bar none in the country and it’s exciting to think about what packages Chip Kelly could unleash for both of them in more marquee matchups, especially when factoring in Will Howard’s rushing ability.

In all, while it’s fun watching Ohio State score at will on teams helpless to stop it, I’m looking forward to the beginning of Big Ten play this weekend against Michigan State. Well, as long as the Buckeyes get one thing cleaned up.

Ohio State spotlight of the week: Special teams

Did an Ohio State redcoat let Parker Fleming into Ohio Stadium by mistake on Saturday? Jest aside, it was not a banner day for OSU’s special teams. Kicker Jayden Fielding somehow kicked three straight kickoffs out of bounds, which resulted in a very unhappy Ryan Day. 

Fielding was replaced on kickoff duty by Austin Snyder, who drew a Bronx cheer from the Ohio State faithful once it was obvious his first kickoff wasn’t going out of bounds. 

Brandon Inniss also muffed a punt in the first half, but fortunately for him, he got a mulligan as a penalty from Marshall nullified the turnover. All in all, not the end of the world in a 49-14 win, but that unit needs to get things cleaned up as the competition gets tougher.

Michigan parties like it’s the 1920s and downs USC late

Michigan channeled its inner Iowa, set offense back 100 years and somehow still found a way to beat USC in the Trojans’ first Big Ten contest on Saturday at the Big House. 

The Wolverines benched Davis Warren for Alex Orji at quarterback this week, and Orji responded by completing seven of 12 passes for a measly 32 yards and ran for 43 yards on 13 carries. But, in a similar fashion to the Penn State game a year ago, a run-heavy offense was enough for the Wolverines to squeak by, propelled by touchdown runs of 53 and 41 yards in the first half and a pick-six from Will Johnson.

A 14-3 first-half deficit by USC made many, including me, instantly think “same old soft Trojans” on both lines of scrimmage. But to give the Trojans some credit, they adjusted, and in the second half defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn realized “Hey, wait a minute, there is no vertical threat here whatsoever, let’s not put any defender past 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.” That strategy almost propelled a comeback effort, as the Trojans didn’t allow a single first down the entire second half until the Wolverines’ final drive of the game. 

Unfortunately for USC, the first down came via a 63-yard scamper from Kalel Mullings with just more than two minutes remaining, letting the Wolverines eventually win the game after six more running plays.

Michigan’s problems aren’t entirely solved of course, and now opponents know all too well what the blueprint should be to defend that offense moving forward. The Wolverines are probably not going to be able to successfully come from behind late again if necessary. But the win allows the Wolverines to stay in the at-large conversation, at least for now. Also, it might be time for Michigan to admit Mullings (17 carries, 159 rushing yards, two touchdowns) is the best running back on its roster and start him over Donovan Edwards (14 carries, 74 yards, one touchdown). 

Illinois emerges as surprise B1G upstart, Nebraska’s woes against Top 25 foes continue 

Unlike what we saw from Michigan, quarterback play in Friday night’s Nebraska vs. Illinois matchup was far too competent for my liking. It made me wonder if this was truly a Big Ten game on a short week and when the natural order of the world would be restored.

But seriously, wasn’t that game fun? Illinois signal caller Luke Altmyer completed 21 of 27 passes for 215 yards and four touchdowns, while Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola was 24-of-35 for 297 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. When was the last time you watched an Illinois vs. Nebraska game and believed both teams’ quarterbacks could consistently rack up yardage? 

Yet the more things change, the more they also stay the same. And with that, we say, yet again, Nebraska? 

The Cornhuskers lost their 25th straight game against a ranked team and Matt Rhule fell to 1-6 in one-score contests in his brief Nebraska tenure. Only Rutgers has a longer ranked losing streak with 40, not exactly the company you want to keep. 

It’s hard to pinpoint where everything went wrong this time for the Cornhuskers, but a missed 39-yard field goal with 3 minutes remaining and an overtime offensive disaster that led to a 3rd-and-42 will be remembered the most.

Last sad Nebraska fact of the day: The Cornhuskers have now lost eight straight overtime games dating back to 2016. 

If it’s any consolation, Nebraska should still be in line for a nice season, and Raiola is already at least in the top half of the league’s signal-callers as a true freshman. Rhule could have an interesting two-year window to make a College Football Playoff after this season.

By the way, what a win for Illinois, right? The Illini are one of the most pleasant surprises of the Big Ten so far and are quietly transforming into a darkhorse playoff contender. There are a couple of legit NFL prospects on that roster, too. Coming into this season, Illinois was 2-32 in its last 34 games when facing AP Top 25 teams. This season, the Illini are 2-0 in such contests. 

The path to an at-large berth won’t be easy. Illinois will have a chance to make a statement starting with a road matchup with Big Game James Franklin and Penn State next week, followed by eventual contests with Oregon and Michigan. All of those are far from gimmes, but winning at least one doesn’t seem nearly as farfetched as it did a month ago.

Week Four had some fun moments

  • We have to start with the end of Colorado-Baylor. What a wild play by the Buffs to send the contest into overtime and eventually lead to a Colorado win. 
  • Unlike Colorado, this long heave made little difference in a 48-14 loss to South Alabama, but Hail Marys are always fun, and App State converted on one right before halftime. 
  • Kyle McCord came back down to earth by throwing two interceptions (one for a pick-six) in a 26-24 loss to Stanford Friday, but I don’t think any Ohio State fan expected him to ever rush for a touchdown that culminated with him launching himself over a defender into the end zone.
  • For the record, neither did his former high school and college teammate, Marvin Harrison Jr. 
  • Stanford wideout Elic Ayomanor was the primary reason the Cardinal pulled off the upset, as he caught seven passes for 87 yards and a touchdown. One of those receptions was a clutch 27-yard gain on fourth-and-9 and his touchdown grab was an epic one-handed snag.
  • Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr.’s interception nearly gave me Fail Mary vibes since it was called a Nebraska touchdown on the field. Fortunately, the officials got the call correct after a review. For what it’s worth, it was a hell of a throw by Dylan Raiola, but a better play by Cox. 
  • Raiola’s ending to the game against Illinois wasn’t pretty, but he also showcased that he’s going to give Big Ten teams problems both this season and in future years.
  • It was only for a six-yard gain, but no clue how Illinois running back Josh McCray hauled in this one-handed grab.
  • Temple kicker Maddux Trujillo drilled a freakin’ 64-yard field goal with an assist from the iron. 
  • BYU kick returner Parker Kingston channeled his inner Devin Hester here.
  • Navy took down Memphis and fans celebrated with a field storming. 
  • Speaking of Navy, both Army and Navy are undefeated and are favorites in their next matchup. If both can win, they’d each be 4-0 for the first time since 1945. 
  • James Madison put up 70 (!) points against North Carolina. Fifty-three were in the first half.
  • We’ll get into it a little more in Playoff Pursuit on Tuesday, but Utah had to rely on freshman quarterback Isaac Wilson for the majority of the Utes’ contest against Oklahoma State, yet somehow pulled off a road win and now are in the clear driver’s seat in the Big 12 race.
  • Can I interest you in an 85-yard pick-six from FIU? 
  • Or a 99-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Eastern Michigan? 
  • West Virginia went into its bag of tricks on offense in a win over a disappointing Kansas team

Week Four had some wacky things, too

  • Oregon and Kansas State were all too content to let Dillon Gabriel and Will Howard leave in favor of younger, highly touted signal callers. Well, Jackson Arnold was benched midway through the Sooners’ loss to Tennessee and Avery Johnson was anemic and committed multiple turnovers in a 38-9 loss to BYU. Gabriel and Howard are both playing well on top-10 teams with national championship aspirations. Sometimes, it’s good to appreciate what you have.
  • Just putting it here again for emphasis: Nebraska’s first two plays in overtime lost 32 yards and forced the Cornhuskers to face a 3rd-and-42.
  • Arkansas and Auburn threw a combined three interceptions within 26 seconds of game time. Masterful sequence. 
  • In that same game, a hurdle turned into an attempted karate kick.
  • You’re gonna have to watch this clip a few times just to fully comprehend how this Purdue interception unfolded.
  • Virginia Tech gave up perhaps the funniest safety in the history of college football.
  • Following a loss to Arkansas, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze threw just about everyone under the bus but himself. 
  • Yes, the next play rendered it moot, but Colorado dropped a potential game-tying touchdown on its second-to-last play of regulation.
  • Colorado fans stormed the field complete with a goalpost teardown before the game was even officially over, with officials pleading to students with no avail to leave the field so they could finish reviewing the play. Luckily, a Baylor fumble that sealed the contest was upheld so no damage done overall, but could you imagine what would have happened if the call was reversed? 
  • The start of the Purdue vs. Oregon State game aired on a network called NewsNation, and leading yours truly to ask “what the hell is NewsNation?”
  • Noticed this on a quick re-watch but a referee accidentally decked TreVeyon Henderson in the head in the midst of making a call. 
  • That’s a way to use your head, Utah.
  • Who doesn’t love a good play featuring two fumbles?
  • Vanderbilt missed its opportunity for a top-10 upset in part due to college kickers.

Former Buckeye of the week 

Week Four former Buckeye of the week: Julian Fleming, WR, Penn State

Fleming hadn’t been utilized much in Penn State’s first two contests of the season, only catching one pass for three yards. That changed on Saturday, as Fleming snagged two passes for 60 yards in a 56-0 win over Kent State. Sure, it was against one of the worst teams in the FBS, but production is production.

Past results

Week Zero former Buckeye of the week: Mason Arnold, LS, Florida State
Week One former Buckeye of the week: Evan Pryor, RB, Cincinnati
Week Two former Buckeye of the week: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
Week Three former Buckeye of the week: Mookie Cooper, WR, Missouri

Games of the week

We were one measly point from Georgia Tech away from having a really good week. Alas, we’ll accept any week above .500 around here. Onward.

Week 4 record: 4-3
Overall record: 16-12

Appointment viewing

Georgia at Alabama, 7:30 p.m. Saturday on ABC

Pick: Georgia -2

Breakdown: Oh I’ve seen this story before. The system wants me to pick against Georgia when the Bulldogs face a marquee matchup when they looked like a wounded animal in their last matchup. Nope, not falling for it.

Illinois at Penn State, 7:30 p.m. Saturday on NBC

Pick: Illinois +17.5

Breakdown: Is this a big game? Check. Is James Franklin the head coach of Penn State? Why, yes! Is a scrappy, yet also talented Illinois team getting at least seven and a half points in a road mat… Wait, SEVENTEEN? You’re giving me Illinois and 17.5 points? I’ve never smashed a pick faster. 

Oklahoma State at Kansas State, noon Saturday on ESPN

Pick: Oklahoma State +5.5

Breakdown: Two preseason Big 12 favorites could be playing essentially a “loser out” game against each other this week. The stakes are incredibly high for both. We’re rolling with the Cowboys’ senior-laden experience carrying the day.

Louisville at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. Saturday on Peacock

Pick: Louisville +5

Breakdown: Notre Dame’s offense continues to look vulnerable. Jeff Brohm has beaten the Fighting Irish once already with Louisville. Who’s to say he can’t do it again with another quality team?  

Underrated games

Oklahoma at Auburn, 3:30 p.m. on ABC

Pick: Oklahoma -3

Breakdown: Which team that has benched its starting quarterback do you prefer? In this case, we’re rolling with the Sooners, who slowed Tennessee’s offense down for the first time all season and should be able to limit the Tigers’ production.

Washington at Rutgers, 8 p.m. Friday on FOX

Pick: Rutgers -2.5

Breakdown: We can only hope this week’s Friday night Big Ten game will be as entertaining as last week’s was. In any case, Washington has the honor of traveling literally across the country to play an undefeated Rutgers team. RIP to whichever poor bastard from Washington drew the short end of the stick and has to drive the equipment truck 42 hours to Rutgers. On a short week, no less. Anyway, Kyle Monangai will carry the Scarlet Knights on his back and help his team eke out a win.

Washington State at Boise State, 10 p.m. on FS1

Pick: Washington State +7

Breakdown: Washington State is 4-0 with two wins over Power Four teams and this game is probably the contest standing in the way of the “What would the CFP committee do with an undefeated Cougars team?” conversation. I still think Boise State will win the game and probably render the conversation moot, but it should be a shootout and a fun, high-scoring affair.

Hot seat tracker

Seat is red hot

Billy Napier, Florida: Beating arguably the worst team in the SEC handily isn’t enough to get you off the hot seat, Billy. It still seems like it’s a matter of when, not if, Napier is fired at Florida. 

Dave Aranda, Baylor: Almost giving up a game-tying Hail Mary to Colorado, then actually giving up a game-tying Hail Mary in consecutive plays when you’re already on the hot seat has to be the worst possible scenario Dave Aranda could have imagined. Even worse, he admitted the play call on the final defensive play of the game was named “victory cigar.” It also didn’t help that Baylor fumbled a potential game-tying touchdown in overtime. Things aren’t going great for the Bears right now!

Seat is probably a little warm

Mack Brown, North Carolina: When you allow James Madison to drop a 70-burger on your team and have to tell your team after the game you’ll consider resigning if you can’t turn things around, yeah, your seat has officially heated up.

Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame: Staying on this list for two weeks seems the appropriate punishment for losing to Northern Illinois, but if the Fighting Irish take down Louisville Saturday, he’ll be removed next Monday. If they don’t, he’ll probably be here to stay for a while.

Clark Lea, Vanderbilt: Oh, Clark. You really had a chance to work your way off this list for the second time already this year. Taking top-10 Missouri into overtime on the road is an accomplishment by itself and the Commodores will probably beat someone they shouldn’t this year, but it’s still hard to envision them getting to a bowl game.

Sam Pittman, Arkansas: Pittman has been upgraded to just warm from red hot after the Razorbacks’ victory against Auburn. A 3-1 start is just what the doctor ordered for Pittman, but he’s not safe yet. 

Off the list for now

Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati: Since blowing a 21-point lead against Pittsburgh, Satterfield and Cincinnati have rattled off two wins and have brought down the temperature a little. It’s worth monitoring how the Bearcats finish, but things are headed in the right direction there, for now.

Hodgepodge Week Four team classifiers

Conference contenders: Ohio State, Oregon, Utah, Iowa State, Oklahoma State, Kansas State, Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Miami, Clemson

At-large bid contenders: Penn State, Michigan, USC

Better get your act together fast if you have playoff aspirations: Missouri, Notre Dame, LSU, Iowa

Finally won a game: Florida State

Arguably the most disappointing team not named Florida State: Kansas

Playoff darkhorses: Illinois, Louisville, Washington State

I really want to put you in the above category but can’t yet: Indiana

Group of Five playoff contenders: Boise State, Northern Illinois, Toledo, James Madison, Coastal Carolina, Memphis, Liberty, UNLV

Could make a nice bowl game but don’t know about much else: Oklahoma, Syracuse, Nebraska, Arizona, Rutgers, Kentucky, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, BYU

Will have a chance to make a bowl game at least: Washington, Minnesota, Michigan State, Maryland, Cal, Duke, Colorado, TCU, South Carolina, Auburn, Boston College, SMU, Arizona State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, NC State, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Stanford

It’s not looking great: Florida, Northwestern, UCLA, Purdue, Wake Forest, Texas Tech, Baylor, Houston, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt

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