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Some questions and answers before the weekend ... Antonio from Omaha writes: As I read Brian's article "Huskers take aim at turnover problem" earlier, it hit me how much an impact a team's offensive success or failure has on it's defense, and vice...

The Big Ten used to be the league of coaching stability. Rewind to the 2005 season, and the Big Ten featured seven coaches -- Penn State's Joe Paterno, Wisconsin's Barry Alvarez, Michigan's Lloyd Carr, Minnesota's Glen Mason, Purdue's Joe Tiller, ...

Ohio State overcame a minus-3 turnover margin, some key injuries, a premature whistle and a plucky Michigan State squad to hold off the Spartans 17-16 at Spartan Stadium. The 14th-ranked Buckeyes remain perfect at 5-0, while No. 20 Michigan State dro...

Michigan State overcame four turnovers and rode Le'Veon Bell and a stifling defense to edge a plucky Boise State squad 17-13 in the opener. Let's take a closer look. It was over when: Michigan State converted two third downs and received a firs...

Wisconsin lost six assistant coaches between Dec. 22 and Jan. 19 but that's nothing new for the Badgers. They hire young and ambitious assistants and get a new crop when coaches move on.

INDIANAPOLIS -- So much for the Big Ten championship game being a defense-driven contest. Both offenses are moving the football very well so far tonight at Lucas Oil Stadium. A Michigan State turnover has allowed Wisconsin to take a 21-7 lead agai...

It has been an odd game at the Big House so far, although Michigan has to like the result at halftime after some bumps along the way. Despite allowing an easy touchdown drive to open the game and committing two turnovers, the Wolverines have a com...

Here's the strongest endorsement for Illinois' defense so far this season. The Illini offense has committed five turnovers through the first three plus games. None have been converted into points. Vic Koenning's defense continued to bail out th...

Michigan State's defense won't shut down Notre Dame the way it did Florida Atlantic last week. But it won't stop the Spartans from exposing Notre Dame's primary weakness. Michigan State forced two Notre Dame turnovers in the first 13 minutes, b...

Hope you enjoy the games this weekend. Stephen from Raleigh, N.C., writes: It occurred to me today after reading another article about MSU being underdogs to ND (Who has 10 turnovers in 2 games) and picked by most of your colleauges to get upset...

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State has spent a decent amount of time in Alabama territory today and also in last year's game. But the Nittany Lions haven't been able to hold onto the ball. After committing three of four turnovers in plus territor...

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Penn State lost last year's game to Alabama for many reasons, the most glaring being turnovers in Alabama territory. To have any chance to upset the third-ranked Crimson Tide today, the Lions had to capitalize on each trip in...

Nothing has come easy to Purdue during Danny Hope's tenure as coach, and the season opener against Middle Tennessee proved to be no exception. Purdue had its struggles -- 11 penalties, two turnovers, 460 yards allowed, no sacks recorded -- and nee...

PASADENA, Calif. -- Wisconsin takes great pride in not beating itself, and the numbers bear it out. The Badgers not only tie for the national lead in fewest turnovers (9), but they also lead the nation in fewest penalties per game (2.92). It has b...

Only one Big Ten team in action this week, but as always, I've got a few notes and nuggets for you. Thanks to Illinois' sports information office and the Big Ten office for these. The Illinois defense has forced 16 turnovers in the last five game...

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Michigan's defense hasn't been that bad today. No, you don't need to get your eyes checked. I just typed that. The Wolverines' defense hasn't been great, but turnovers and special teams mistakes are the primary reasons why Mic...