{"id":1106,"date":"2025-09-29T22:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T22:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/?p=1106"},"modified":"2025-09-29T05:40:15","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T05:40:15","slug":"big-ten-paradigm-week-5-brings-drama-and-statement-wins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/big-ten-paradigm-week-5-brings-drama-and-statement-wins\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Ten Paradigm: Week 5 Brings Drama and Statement Wins"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Use<\/a>
\nWeek 5 in the Big Ten<\/a> delivered everything from double-overtime heartbreak to physical battles that will shape the season\u2019s playoff picture. Noah Drury<\/a> breaks down the biggest takeaways of the week that was in Big Ten Paradigm<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Oregon Outlasts Penn State in Double Overtime<\/h2>\n

The headline game of the week came under the whiteout lights in Happy Valley, where Oregon stunned Penn State 34\u201328 in double overtime. For James Franklin, the loss was another painful chapter in his struggles against top-10 opponents. Penn State\u2019s offense sputtered despite returning key starters, while Oregon quarterback Dante Moore looked poised on the road, throwing for 248 yards and three touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Illinois Shocks USC in Champaign<\/h2>\n

Illinois bounced back from a tough Week 4 loss to outlast USC 27\u201324. Quarterback Luke Altmyer steadied the Illini, while backs Kaden Feagin and Aidan Laughery provided balance. USC, missing key targets, couldn\u2019t withstand Illinois\u2019 physical style. The Trojans now face questions about whether Lincoln Riley\u2019s team can handle Big Ten trench warfare.<\/p>\n

Indiana Escapes Iowa City<\/h2>\n

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza continued his rise with 312 passing yards in a gritty win over Iowa. Wideout Omarion Dollison torched the Hawkeyes with 132 receiving yards, while Indiana\u2019s defense sealed it late. Mendoza is quickly climbing into NFL draft buzz, showing polish under pressure.<\/p>\n

Buckeyes Pull Away from Washington<\/h2>\n

It wasn\u2019t pretty early, but Ohio State surged past Washington 31\u201313. Freshman running back Bo Jackson injected life into the offense, while the Buckeyes\u2019 defensive front dominated with five sacks. Quarterback Julian Sayin looked sharp, completing 22 of 28 passes, as OSU continued its march toward another playoff bid.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere Around the Big Ten<\/h2>\n