Big Ten football best and worst performances for Week 1

Each week for Basic Blues Nation, I will be taking on a new challenge: Identifying the best and worst team performances from across the Big Ten football landscape.

Whether a race to the top or a race to the bottom, we’ve got you covered with the summary and fun commentary. Here we go!

Best Performance in the Big Ten:

© Ohio State Athletics.

Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes are back to rolling…AGAIN.

Ohio State delivered the most impressive showing of the weekend, defeating No. 1 Texas 14–7 in a gritty, high-stakes opener. Here’s why their performance stood out:

Elite Defense: Holding Texas—loaded with the nation’s top recruiting class and led by (apparently prematurely overrated) Arch Manning—to just 7 points is a statement. The Buckeyes’ defense looked championship-caliber early.

Clutch Execution: In a rematch of last year’s CFP semifinal, Ohio State showed poise and precision, especially late in the game. The Buckeyes’ ability to close out against a top-tier opponent bodes well for a repeat title run.

Quarterback: Newcomer Julian Sayin did what was needed: Held his own, made some great throws under pressure, and didn’t cost the Buckeyes anything. Can’t ask for much more in your first start. With the nation’s best wide receivers to help out, this kid will be more than fine.

Momentum Builder: Yes, we know OSU always looks like dog doo with the offensive line the first couple of games. Then they don’t, and they crush you. Beating the No. 1 team in Week 1 sets the tone for the season and reinforces their status as a national powerhouse.

Worst Performance in the Big Ten:

© Northwestern Athletics.

Northwestern Wildcats

Purdue may finally have a replacement at the bottom…

Northwestern struggled mightily in its opener, falling 23–3 to Tulane. Here’s what went wrong:

Offensive Ineptitude: Scoring just 3 points against a non–power conference opponent is a red flag. The Wildcats’ offense failed to generate momentum or sustain drives.

Defensive Breakdowns: Tulane moved the ball efficiently, and Northwestern couldn’t create turnovers or pressure at all.

Low Expectations, Lower Execution: Already projected to finish near the bottom of Big Ten football, this performance confirmed those fears for Northwestern. Transfer QB Preston Stone couldn’t spark the offense, and the team looked outmatched from the start. Not sure what they do here, but in the age of NIL, Northwestern is going to struggle for a long time.

But for now, that’s all. Until next week, when we get to see who’s great and who sucks the most in the Big Ten!

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