NBC Sports' Big Ten Country

Penn State outduels Illini, Ohio State makes big statement against Spartans

Traditional Big Ten powers had big statements to make Saturday, and they obliged. Penn State used a stifling defense and a potent rush attack to down Illinois in Happy Valley, while Jeremiah Smith continued to dazzle the nation in an Ohio State romp over Michigan State. Ken and James also break down Indiana's 5-0 start and Michigan's bounce back after their early-season struggles. The guys end the show with a significant announcement, and a message to all of our listeners as NBC Sports Chicago says farewell.

Ohio State, Penn State face first Big Ten tests in huge week for conference

Two of the top teams in the Big Ten will face their first conference tests this week, and Kenneth Davis and James Neveau are breaking it all down. Eleven Warriors' Dan Hope discusses Ohio State's showdown with Michigan State, evaluating how the team's defense plans to slow down Jordan Chiles and the devastating run game the Buckeyes have deployed this season (1:00). Johnny McGonigal of PennLive then joins the show as Penn State and Illinois collide in a battle of undefeated squads. Can Drew Allar keep up his strong play, and can the Nittany Lions' defense get enough pressure on Luke Altmyer and company (22:21)? Finally, the guys break down several conference matchups, including Minnesota-Michigan and an intriguing showdown between Washington and Rutgers (44:41).

Illinois, Michigan show resilience in massive Week 4 wins

Several teams made big statements in the Big Ten this weekend, with Illinois' win over Nebraska showcasing the grit of Luke Altmyer and the strategic genius of Aaron Henry. Michigan also proved that reports of their demise were premature in a run-fueled win over USC, with Kalel Mullings stealing the show in Ann Arbor. The guys also praise Iowa for an emphatic win over Minnesota and judge whether mudslides, wild safeties or creepy chickens are the Footballiest Thing of the Week.

Illinois, Nebraska showcase ascending programs, with USC looking to make statement vs. Michigan

Big Ten conference matchups take center stage this week, starting with a Friday throwdown between Illinois and Nebraska. Illini Inquirer's Jeremy Werner discusses Dylan Raiola's strong play, whether Illinois can cause issues for the freshman, and how Pat Bryant has come into his own in 2024. Ryan Abraham of USCFootball.com then breaks down USC-Michigan, debating how Michigan's uncertainty at quarterback could play into the Trojans' hands, and how Miller Moss will respond to his first conference game. Finally, Ken and James break down a slew of other high-profile matchups, including Iowa vs. Minnesota and Michigan State's showdown with Boston College.

Oregon, Indiana steal the show in jampacked Week 3 of Big Ten season

Rivalry and statement games dotted the Big Ten's schedule this week, and James Neveau and Kenneth Davis have a full recap. Washington drops the Apple Cup, while Oregon blasts Oregon State in a one-sided Civil War showdown. The guys also have plenty of reaction to Alabama thrashing Wisconsin, Indiana and Kurtis Rourke making a statement at the Rose Bowl and Maryland bouncing back against Virginia. Quarterback controversy at Michigan, undefeated starts for Michigan State, Nebraska, and Illinois, and a wild ride through the Footballiest Things of the Week cap off this jam-packed episode.