Five Key Questions That Will Define Week 11 In The Big Ten -

As the Big Ten season heads into its critical stretch, Week 11 brings some intriguing matchups and storylines that could shape the rest of the season. From quarterbacks trying to find their groove to coaches looking to back up their bold words, here are five key questions that will define this week.

1. Will Brendan Sullivan throw for 200 or more yards?

Former Northwestern quarterback and current Iowa signal caller Brendan Sullivan has a chance to rewrite his narrative this week. In his third year of college football, Sullivan has thrown for 200 or more yards only once. While he has largely been known as a dual-threat quarterback, this could be a breakout opportunity for his arm.

The Hawkeyes face a UCLA team that excels at stopping the run, allowing just 100 rushing yards per game, ranking 11th best in the nation. With this tough matchup, Iowa’s rushing attack could potentially be stifled like it was against Michigan State. That’s a major reason why Sullivan could be called upon to air it out against a UCLA defense that has struggled against the pass, giving up 261 yards per game which is second worst in the Big Ten. No team has thrown for less than 190 yards on the Bruins this year. which means it’s up to Tim Lester and Iowa’s coaching staff to trust Sullivan and open up the playbook. His ability to find success through the air could prove to be vital for the Hawkeyes to escape the Rose Bowl with a win.

2. Was Ohio State’s win vs Penn State for real or a fluke?

Ohio State narrowly escaped a major upset two weeks ago against a Nebraska team that hasn’t been firing on all cylinders, barely pulling off a 21-17 win. That performance raised questions about the Buckeyes’ ability to maintain their momentum. Now, they are coming off an emotionally charged top 5 victory against Penn State.

Despite that close call, head coach Ryan Day has an impeccable record against unranked teams, boasting a perfect 45-0 mark. His teams are known for their consistency and focus, but if there were ever a chance for a letdown, it would be in this game against Purdue. The Boilermakers have struggled this season, but Hudson Card is an underrated passer who could surprise some folks in Columbus. While the Buckeyes are expected to win big, this game will reveal whether the Nebraska scare was just a bump in the road or a sign of deeper issues.

3. Will Penn State’s wide receivers step up for Drew Allar?

Penn State is gearing up for a White Out game against Washington, a team that boasts the second-best pass defense in the country, allowing just 156 passing yards per game. This matchup is crucial for Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who has struggled to find reliable targets in the passing game all season.

While tight end Tyler Warren has emerged as one of the best in the country, the wide receivers, including Liam Clifford, Harrison Wallace, and Julian Fleming, have been inconsistent at best. For Penn State to have a chance against Washington’s elite secondary, Allar needs his wideouts to rise to the occasion. Harrison Wallace, in particular, has the potential to be Allar’s go-to target, but after dropping a touchdown that became an interception last week, Wallace will need to prove to his team he can be that guy for them. This game could be a turning point for Allar and his receiving corps, or another frustrating chapter in a season filled with missed opportunities.

4. Was Curt Cignetti right about Michigan?

Last November, after Curt Cignetti was hired as Indiana’s head football coach, he made headlines by boldly calling out Indiana’s archrival and the two Big Ten powers: Purdue, Michigan, and Ohio State. During a speech at an Indiana basketball game, Cignetti declared, “Purdue sucks. But so does Michigan and Ohio State. Go IU!” Now, with his Hoosiers set to face Michigan, Cignetti has the chance to back up his words on the field.

Michigan has been a dominant force all season, but Cignetti’s challenge has put extra pressure on this game. Indiana has struggled mightily in 2024, and Michigan will be a heavy favorite. However, if Indiana can hang with the Wolverines or even pull off an upset, Cignetti’s bold words may take on a life of their own. If not, it will likely be remembered as a fiery speech that fell flat.

5. Will Minnesota’s poor tackling ruin their winning streak?

Minnesota has been riding high on a four-game winning streak, thanks in large part to their suffocating pass defense, a +9 turnover margin, and the emergence of quarterback Max Brosmer. But their Achilles’ heel in their three losses has been stopping elite running backs, a trend that could threaten their success this week.

In each of Minnesota’s three losses, they’ve been shredded by star running backs. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson racked up 206 yards and three touchdowns, Michigan’s Kalel Mullings added 100+ yards and two scores, and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton tallied 146 total yards despite not scoring. The common theme? Missed tackles—47 of them across those three games.

This week, Minnesota faces Rutgers and their star running back Kyle Monangai, who ranks second in the Big Ten in rushing yards. Monangai has been a force, ranking third in yards after contact and leading the conference in missed tackles forced per game. With injuries along the Rutgers offensive line, Minnesota has an opportunity to limit Monangai, but if their tackling issues resurface, the Gophers could see their winning streak come to a crashing halt.

With these five critical questions looming, Week 11 in the Big Ten promises to offer plenty of drama, big performances, and possibly even some surprises. Whether it’s Brendan Sullivan’s chance to step up, Ohio State’s consistency being tested, or Curt Cignetti’s chance to back up his words, this week will help set the stage for the final stretch of the season.