Overreactions from Week 5 in the Big Ten

So. Much. Contents.

Sometimes it’s a challenge to find enough noteworthy elements in the Big Ten to make the history of overreactions. But in week 5 the conference provided a surplus of content. We had everything from James Franklin cursing on live radio to Matt Rhule slamming his headset on the floor.

We also had one of the worst special teams weekends in any conference that I can remember. Oh, and Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith did Jeremiah Smith things.

But I don’t want to give too much away. Let’s take a look at this week’s overreactions – and remember that some things had to be cut.

James “FCC” Franklin

Apparently no one told James Franklin about the eight-letter words that are not allowed to be broadcast on television or radio. The Penn State coach decided to express his frustration with the officiating team during a halftime radio interview.

Franklin didn’t hold back either.

“We need to clean up the penalties — the legitimate penalties, not the crappy ones,” Franklin said during his interview. He concluded by asking, “Can I say nonsense?”

No, James, you definitely can’t say that on air.

Curt Cignetti didn’t come here to go to school

I realize that Cardale Jones’ old tweet, “We didn’t come here to go to school,” has had its day. But when you saw a message from Indiana coach Curt Cignetti asking students to put their studies on hold, that was the first thing that came to mind.

Cignetti sent an email to students in Indiana urging them to attend Saturday’s game against Maryland. The best part of the letter?

“The tailgates can wait. The parties can wait. If you need to learn, that can wait.”

Coleman Hawkins is living his best life

When former Illinois basketball star Coleman Hawkins decided to enter the transfer portal for his senior year, he told reporters he would likely pick a school where he could enjoy football games. Well, on Saturday Hawkins went out and enjoyed a football game.

Hawkins found himself in the middle of Kansas State’s student section, living his best life. Good for you, Coleman. But I have to admit, it’s a little strange not seeing him in orange and blue.

Here’s the kicker…

We may need to take the word “special” out of “special teams” and simply refer to these units as “teams” in the Big Ten. The field goal kick was terrible for several teams in the conference over the weekend.

Overall, the conference was successful on just 11 of 22 field goal attempts in Week 5 – believe me, I counted. The teams that struggled the most? Nebraska (0 of 3), Washington (1 of 4), Penn State (0 of 2), Illinois (0 of 1), Minnesota (1 of 2) and Purdue (1-of-2). These teams combined managed just three of their 14 shots.

However, kudos also goes out to Michigan, USC, Ohio State, Oregon and UCLA. These teams were a perfect 8-of-8 this weekend. We will allow them to keep the name “Special Teams.”

“Give this man a beer.”

As someone who ALSO had to watch the Nebraska-Purdue game on Saturday, I ALSO need a cold beer.

Seriously, this gentleman’s face represented all 61,000 fans at Ross Ade Stadium on Saturday afternoon. How else would you expect everyone to feel watching two teams go an entire half without picking up a point?

12 against 11

Fans always claim that the officials are working against them. Indiana fans may have been in for a real treat during Saturday’s game against Maryland. I mean, a referee made a clear block on Terrapins running back Roman Hemby, setting up a 75-yard touchdown run!

Okay, it wasn’t actually an intentional block, just bad luck on the part of the Indiana defense – and the referee being taken out.

Maybe coach Mike Locksley should field more players to get additional blocks from the officials. It certainly wouldn’t hurt.

Jeremiah Smith is good at football

We can probably give Jeremiah Smith the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. If he continues on this path, he could also become the conference’s Receiver of the Year.

Forget the numbers, look at what the Ohio State receiver can do on the field – and he only needs one hand to do it! Remarkable.

Please don’t smash your headset with Hulk

Matt Rhule? More like Matt R-Hulk, amirite?

This pun didn’t quite work as I’d hoped, but the sentiment remains. The Nebraska coach was so frustrated with the officiating that he took out his headset and slammed it on the floor.

Rhule’s actions resulted in a penalty, but he definitely got his money’s worth.

BIG TEN WEEK 6 POWER RANKINGS: Penn State passed its first big test on Saturday, defeating Illinois 21-7. Is this the year the Nittany Lions finally return to the Big Ten Championship Game? CLICK HERE

WEEK 6 BIG TEN SPREADS: Another week of Big Ten football is upon us. Here’s a look at all the spreads for the Week 6 games in the conference. CLICK HERE