{
  "id": 8235977,
  "title": "Biggest storylines to watch in Week 3 of Big Ten football",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/biggest-storylines-to-watch-in-week-3-of-big-ten-football",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T11:41:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/biggest-storylines-watch-week-3-114134501.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Week 3 of the Big Ten football season promises several exciting matchups, as the conference aims to avoid the chaos witnessed in the previous week. One of the key storylines is the USC Trojans' first game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, a team boasting NFL-caliber talent on offense. With Antwan Raymond leading the charge, the Trojans' run defense will face a significant test. It is expected that Rutgers' rushing attack will be held in check, with the Trojans forcing Raymond to rush for fewer than 60 yards.\n\nAnother intriguing matchup is Northwestern vs. Colorado, where both teams possess formidable quarterbacks. Colorado's Julian Lewis has recently thrown for an impressive 366 yards and four touchdowns, while Northwestern's Chip Kelly has a history of generating productive offensive days. Expect a high-scoring game between these two teams.\n\nMichigan State will seek to upset Notre Dame, who often play to the level of their competition. Michigan State's strong defense will provide a challenge for Notre Dame's offense, but the Irish will likely pull away in the fourth quarter. This game highlights the depth of the Big Ten conference.\n\nWashington will finally get to showcase their explosive offense, after having a strong defense throughout the season thus far. With Demond Williams leading the charge, the Huskies are expected to dominate Eastern Washington, boosting their confidence heading into Big Ten play.\n\nNebraska will likely fall short against their upcoming opponent, with North Dakota currently 3-0. The Cornhuskers' performance this week will be crucial in testing the mettle of their opponents and providing a glimpse of their true potential.",
  "summary": "Following last week's slate of games in the Big Ten, the excitement will not die down this week",
  "key_points": [
    "USC Trojans face Rutgers' NFL-caliber offense, with Antwan Raymond's run defense as key test",
    "Northwestern vs. Colorado promises high-scoring game between formidable quarterbacks Lewis and Kelly",
    "Michigan State seeks upset against Notre Dame, testing depth of Big Ten conference"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}