Big Ten Teams Close Nonconference Play Strongly

Michigan receiver Andrew Marsh’s breakout performance came after a quiet start to the season: he had only five catches for 28 yards through two games, but against UTEP produced 84 yards after the catch, seven first downs and a 34-yard touchdown. Coach Kyle Whittingham said Michigan made a “concerted effort” to get him the ball because he is “one of the better receivers in the Big Ten.”
Michigan defensive lineman Tariq Boney recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, a sack, three run stops and two quarterback pressures in only 16 snaps, strengthening his case for a larger role going forward.
Penn State has outscored Marshall, Temple and Buffalo 127-22 over its last three games and has not committed a turnover during that stretch; against Buffalo, the Nittany Lions allowed only one sack.
Penn State’s offensive production was spread across its skill players: Koby Howard scored on both a 70-yard reception and a 20-yard rush, while Quinton Martin led the team’s four productive running backs with 100 yards.
Big Ten teams wrapped up nonconference play with dominant performances Friday night. Michigan thrashed UTEP 52-17 behind receiver Andrew Marsh's breakout 10-catch, 105-yard game, while Penn State overwhelmed Buffalo 55-13 with 575 total yards and five rushing touchdowns Lancaster Online. Nebraska's defense also shined, holding North Dakota to just seven points while recording five sacks.
Michigan receiver Andrew Marsh exploded against UTEP after a quiet start to the season. Through two games, he had only five catches for 28 yards. Against the Miners, Marsh caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, including 84 yards after the catch and a 34-yard scoring reception Lancaster Online. Coach Kyle Whittingham said the team made a "concerted effort" to get Marsh the ball because he is "one of the better receivers in the Big Ten."
Michigan defensive lineman Tariq Boney made the most of his 16 snaps against UTEP. He recorded four tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, three run stops and two quarterback pressures Lancaster Online. His efficient performance is building a case for expanded playing time moving forward.
Penn State's 55-13 victory over Buffalo capped an impressive nonconference stretch. The Nittany Lions have outscored Marshall, Temple and Buffalo 127-22 over their last three games without committing a turnover Lancaster Online. The offense generated 575 total yards, including five rushing touchdowns and seven plays of 20-plus yards.
Penn State's scoring was distributed among multiple skill players. Koby Howard scored on both a 70-yard reception and a 20-yard rush Lancaster Online. Running back Quinton Martin led the team's backfield with 100 yards, part of a balanced attack that limited Buffalo to just one sack.
Nebraska's defense delivered a strong finish to nonconference play against North Dakota. The Huskers held the Fighting Hawks to just seven points and recorded a season-high five sacks 247Sports. Nebraska rotated extensively across its defensive lineup, with multiple players contributing to the pressure effort.
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