The Big Ten had an interesting weekend on the field with some unexpected wins, a few blowouts and a last-minute stand to cap things off.
With some of the higher-ranked teams having byes on Halloween, it wasn’t a huge recruiting weekend for the conference, but there were still some important visitors for the home teams.
Penn State has been steadily improving on the field and it showed on Saturday with a 39-0 win over Illinois.
The staff gave the visiting prospects a treat on Halloween with a decisive win, a group that included ESPN 300 prospect Damar Hamlin.
ESPN300 DB Damar Hamlin's view at the Penn State game yesterday. Should be interesting to see where he ends up pic.twitter.com/BOX7MMNQxH
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) November 1, 2015Hamlin is down to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State and Pitt, so this was a big visit for the Nittany Lions.
The staff also hosted a 2017 quarterback in Kasim Hill, despite having Sean Clifford already committed.
back in happy valley with @adicerbo_tredo 🦁🔵⚪️ #WeAre #107kStrong
— Kasim Hill (@Khillqb11) October 31, 2015A few other 2017 prospects were on hand as well, including athlete Carlos Washington.
2017 RB/LB @_AyeeLos (Carlos Washington) on an unofficial visit to Penn State. #WeAre #107kStrong pic.twitter.com/EgFynDRxU8
— Crusaders Football (@RBSFootball) October 31, 2015Minnesota had a big game as well, not just because Michigan was coming to town, but it was the first game after coach Jerry Kill announced his retirement.
The team had a lot of emotion behind it and it provided for a good game against Michigan and a charged atmosphere for the visiting recruits. Commits Elijah and Elisha Daniels as well as Dredrick Snelson, snapped a shot before the game.
Home Away From Home 😈〽️ #SkiUMah @_5Livee @D_Snelson2 pic.twitter.com/qzyteIXLH6
— Elijah Daniels〽️ (@ImTooElite) October 31, 2015The game went back and forth and it looked like Minnesota was going to punch it in to win the game late. That was foiled, though, as Michigan had a goal line stand, preventing Minnesota from scoring the go-ahead touchdown and ultimately winning the game.
The outcome shocked the visiting recruits, including Snelson.
Wow.......
— Dredrick Snelson Jr. (@D_Snelson2) November 1, 2015The Iowa Hawkeyes remained undefeated after a lopsided win over Maryland on Saturday. The staff had a few visitors on hand for the win, including commit Cedrick Lattimore.
I'm in Iowa city today ‼️‼️‼️😁 pic.twitter.com/28qVzyUUuY
— CEDDY CED♠️ (@ACE_WM) October 31, 2015Djimon Colbert, a 2017 target, liked what he saw so much that he tweeted he might take another visit to Iowa this season.
May head up to Iowa again in a couple weeks..
— Lèonardö (@DJimonColbert) November 1, 2015The Purdue Boilermakers came up with a huge win for the program against Nebraska on Saturday. The visiting prospects were able to see some improvement from Purdue and a total team win.
Had a great visit at Purdue today #BoilerUp #boilerfootball @BoilerFootball @BigCountyPreps1 pic.twitter.com/ngQ4ysa86z
— Steven Witchoskey (@Steven9Wojo) October 31, 2015The staff even extended an offer to 2017 Pete Werner while on his visit.
Big honor to receive an offer from Purdue! Had a great visit! pic.twitter.com/d0M0ean9QA
— Pete Werner (@petewerner23) October 31, 2015