Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

45° Evanston, IL
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Joe Paterno Injured In Penn State Loss

By Michael SchlossbergThe Daily Northwestern

No. 17 Wisconsin 13, Penn State 3

In a matchup featuring two of the best defenses in the conference, Wisconsin and Penn State did not disappoint.

Combining for less than 500 yards of total offense, Wisconsin (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) was able to outlast Penn State (6-4, 4-3) in a hard-fought 13-3 victory.

Wisconsin quarterback John Stocco’s 14-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter provided the game’s only touchdown, the first allowed by Penn State’s defense in more than two games.

“All week, we had a little chip on our shoulder,” Badgers safety Joe Stellmacher said. “All we heard about was Penn State’s ‘D’ and how good their linebackers were. We can play a little ball too.”

Wisconsin’s defense was so aggressive that it even contributed to breaking Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s leg. On a tackle out of bounds, a Penn State player rolled into Paterno, sending the 80-year-old coach to the ground. Paterno was carted off the field and taken to a hospital.

No. 1 Ohio State 17, Illinois 10

Taking a 17-0 lead into halftime against Illinois, Ohio State looked like it was ready to cruise to another easy victory.

Illinois, however, had other plans.

The Fighting Illini shut out the Buckeyes in the second half and scored 10 fourth quarter points to give Ohio State (10-0, 6-0) its first real scare of the season.

With four seconds left and the ball at their own two yard line, Illinois (2-8, 1-5) was unable to execute a hook and ladder play, ending its hopes for an upset.

For the Buckeyes, it was the first time all season that an opponent came within 17 points of them.

“I don’t know what being the overwhelming favorite does for us,” Ohio State coach Jim Tressel said. “It doesn’t spot us any points, or get us any first downs.”

No. 2 Michigan 34, Ball State 26

With all of the attention already being given to Michigan’s game against Ohio State in two weeks, the Wolverines nearly made the highly anticipated showdown a lot less important.

Michigan (10-0, 6-0) needed to stop Ball State on a fourth-and-goal with less than three minutes left as the Wolverines were clinging to an eight-point lead.

While Michigan was ultimately able to come away with a 34-26 victory, several of the Wolverines admitted to looking ahead to the Nov. 18 game against the Buckeyes.

“I think that is a lot of the reason why we weren’t focused,” Michigan quarterback Chad Henne said. “Coming into the game, people were reading too many press

clippings.”

One bright spot for the Wolverines was the return of receiver Mario Manningham, who missed the last three games while recovering from a knee injury. Manningham was used sparingly and did not have a reception.

Purdue 17, Michigan State 15

After scoring just three points in its last eight quarters, Purdue finally remembered how to put points on the board.

While facing the stingy defenses of Wisconsin and Penn State in consecutive weeks, Purdue (6-4, 3-3) was able to bounce back with a 17-15 victory over Michigan State (4-6, 1-5).

Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter completed 21 of 30 passes for 286 yards and threw a pair of touchdown tosses to receiver Dorien Bryant.

Michigan State led 15-14 with less than five minutes remaining, however a 19-yard Boilermaker field goal gave Purdue the final advantage.

For Michigan State, the loss was another blow for the struggling Spartans, who have now dropped six of their last seven games.

On Wednesday, the Spartans announced that coach John L. Smith will not be returning for another season.

Minnesota 63, Indiana 26

Minnesota denied Indiana in its first attempt to become bowl eligible since 1993.

After losing its first five conference games, Minnesota (4-6, 1-5) routed Indiana (5-5, 3-3) 63-26, scoring the most points for the Gophers in a Big Ten contest in 90 years.

The game saw 1,045 yards of total offense between the two teams, with each team racking up more than 500.

Minnesota quarterback Brian Cupito completed 22 of 33 passes for 378 yards and four touchdowns.

Indiana must host No. 2 Michigan next week and finish on the road at rival Purdue, needing at least one victory to become bowl eligible.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Reach Michael Schlossberg at [email protected].

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Joe Paterno Injured In Penn State Loss