COLUMBUS — Big Ten passing games were under attack Saturday.
Indiana, Oregon and Washington entered Saturday combining to throw for 779 yards per game. They threw for a total of 464 on this day.
Bedeviled by a combination of injuries, weather, Big Ten defenses and opposing crowds, this was one of those days that make Big Ten coaches say they must be able to run the ball, and one of those days that makes you want to believe them.
Oregon faced a downpour in Iowa, and Washington dealt with the same in Wisconsin. The dark clouds in Penn State didn’t hold precipitation — they metaphorically hung over a broken program trying to show signs of life against Indiana in its first home game since James Franklin was fired.
Ohio State faced vaguely similar circumstances. The No. 1 Buckeyes, like the No. 2 Hoosiers, No. 9 Ducks and No. 23 Huskies, were expected to win on the road. But favored by more than 28, the Buckeyes were far bigger favorites than the others. And the rain that hit Iowa City and Madison didn’t make its way to West Lafayette until the game had ended.
Lesser opponent, better weather.
The injuries hit Ohio State, though, like they hit everyone else. Look at these pass-catchers who were out or limited Saturday: