Big 10's success in Week 8 was a throwback to the 1970s

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Josh Hoover (10) hands the ball off to running back Turbo Richard (1) against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Big 10's success in Week 8 was a throwback to the 1970s

By Alan Rubenstein | Last updated Oct 26, 2026 9:12 PM ET

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin all won in Week 8 while passing for under 100 yards. Indiana won 13-6 in overtime at Michigan, Illinois beat Oregon 21-10 and Wisconsin overwhelmed USC 24-7. The wins by the Badgers, Fighting Illini and Hoosiers were old-school Big 10.

In the 1970s, the Big 10 was known as the "Big Two and the Little Eight" because of how Michigan and Ohio State dominated the conference. The Buckeyes and Wolverines relied on a heavy ground game, often called three yards and a cloud of dust.

Indiana ran 35 times for 131 yards and scored its only touchdown in the win at Michigan. Quarterback Josh Hoover completed eight passes in 18 attempts for 80 yards and scored the game-winning overtime TD. Hoover completed one pass in two attempts for 21 yards with an interception in the second half.

Turbo Richard led Indiana with 19 carries for 68 yards. Lee Beebe Jr. had 12 carries for 56 yards, and Hoover ran four times for seven yards and the TD. Indiana ran 17 times for 53 yards in the second half and overtime. The Hoosiers had 74 total yards after halftime.

Ohio State, Indiana, UCLA and Northwestern all move up, and Wisconsin makes its debut pic.twitter.com/i6pRZC54Vf
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 25, 2026

Illinois and Wisconsin pounded on the ground

Illinois had 21 carries for 225 yards and one TD in their win over Oregon. Aidan Laughery had 13 carries for 123 yards and a TD against Oregon. Laughery's 75-yard TD run with 2:15 left in the first half, 14 seconds after Oregon extended its lead to 10-0, was a pivotal point in the game.

Jordan Anderson had 11 carries for 67 yards, Javari Barnett had six carries for 27 and Carson Boyd had four carries for 21. Illinois QB Michael Clayton II completed 11 passes in 18 attempts for 84 yards and two TDs in his first collegiate start. Illinois won despite being outgained 426 yards to 314 yards.

Wisconsin dominance on the ground

Wisconsin relied on a familiar formula that has made them successful as a program with 43 carries for 142 yards and two TDs in the win over USC. Abu Sama III led Wisconsin with 17 carries for 71 yards. Bryan Jackson had seven carries for 38 yards and a TD and QB Colton Joseph ran 15 times for 32 yards.

Joseph completed 12 passes in 14 attempts for 58 yards. Wisconsin made the most of its opportunities against USC. The Badgers scored three TDs and a field goal in four red zone trips. USC converted one of three in the red zone. Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin's week eight formulas were reminiscent of 1970s Michigan and Ohio State.

Alan Rubenstein

More must-reads: