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Quarterback play in Big Ten continues to make or break top teams
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- Quarterback play in Big Ten continues to make or break top teams
It is now nine weeks into the college football season in the Big Ten, yet a couple of programs still have quarterback issues. For the Ohio State Buckeyes , one simple quarterback adjustment could change everything, just like what happened for the Indiana Hoosiers . Quarterback play could be the one factor that keeps the USC Trojans in the hunt in the Big Ten.
Here is what we learned from the Big Ten in Week 9:
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Indiana Hoosiers are searching for improved quarterback play
Josh Hoover has been holding back the Indiana Hoosiers for multiple reasons over the last few weeks. Curt Cignetti made the right decision and gave another quarterback a shot. Grant Wilson came in and immediately led the Hoosiers to a comeback win over the feisty Minnesota Gophers . He was elite in the overtime win for the Hoosiers. He and Charlie Becker displayed a lethal connection. The offense opened up when Grant Wilson came into the game. It looked like confidence was there in Grant Wilson from the staff, and there was a greater amount of confidence within Grant Wilson to deliver. The Hoosiers are a better football team with Wilson under center.
Ohio State needs to start Tavien St. Clair
The Ohio State Buckeyes did not solely lose to the USC Trojans because of Luke Fahey, but his struggles were hard for the Buckeyes to overcome. For the rest of the season, Tavien St. Clair should be the guy. He has upside as an athlete, and he has some traits that could elevate the Buckeyes' offense. There is a chance Ohio State could have a higher ceiling offensively with St. Clair, even over Julian Sayin. I am shocked he did not even get a shot in the game against USC.
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Northwestern still has some work to do
The Northwestern Wildcats , like many other teams, punched the Oregon Ducks in the mouth to start the game. Chip Kelly and Northwestern's offense were having their way early. Unfortunately, that did not carry into the second half as Dylan Raiola led Oregon to a comeback win. Northwestern took their foot off the gas, and their inexperience late in the big games came back to bite them. This loss prevents them from any shot at the College Football Playoff or a top spot in the Big Ten.
Wisconsin's win last week was more about USC not showing up
The Wisconsin Badgers dominated USC in Week 8; this past week, however, they looked like a completely different football team. The same could be said for USC, but for good reason. The Badgers are not the amazing team USC made them out to be; they just took advantage of USC not being ready for a hostile road environment. The Iowa Hawkeyes proved in Week 9 that the Badgers should not be viewed as a contender just yet.
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UCLA is the best team in the Big Ten
Looking at the top teams in the Big Ten, the UCLA Bruins should be viewed as the best team. Their defense is phenomenal, and their offense knows exactly how to complement it each week. Bob Chesney has this team playing as well as any. There are no clear weaknesses on the Bruins like the other top 2 contenders in the Big Ten. Right now, the Bruins are the most trustworthy team when it comes to winning the Big Ten.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Quarterback play in Big Ten continues to make or break top teams
