So, you're looking for the big 10 football scores from yesterday, Saturday, January 17, 2026. Here is the thing: if you tuned in expecting a full slate of Saturday afternoon gridiron action, you probably found yourself staring at a basketball court or a wrestling mat instead.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a weird time in the sports calendar. Yesterday was actually a total "dark day" for live Big Ten football games. No kickoffs. No touchdowns. Zero points on the board.
Why? Because we are in the eye of the storm. We're sandwiched right between the chaos of the New Year's Day quarterfinals and the massive National Championship game happening tomorrow night. Basically, the Big Ten has already done its heavy lifting for the season, and yesterday was purely about the calm before the storm.
Why There Were No Big 10 Football Scores From Yesterday
It feels wrong, right? A Saturday in January without football? But the 12-team playoff structure has changed the rhythm of the winter. Most of the Big Ten's bowl participants already packed up their pads weeks ago.
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Yesterday, the conference's focus shifted entirely to the hardcourt. While you might have been hunting for a football score, the real drama was John Mobley Jr. lighting up the scoreboard for Ohio State basketball. He dropped 28 points to help the Buckeyes take down UCLA 86-74. Meanwhile, Michigan State handled business out west, beating Washington 80-63.
If you're a die-hard football fan, it’s kinda depressing to see the stadiums empty, but there’s a massive reason for the silence.
The Only Game That Matters Now
The reason yesterday was quiet is that the Indiana Hoosiers are currently in Miami preparing for the fight of their lives. Tomorrow, Monday, January 19, 2026, No. 1 Indiana faces No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
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Think about that for a second. Indiana. For the title.
The Hoosiers have been the story of the year. They aren't just winning; they're obliterating people. Just over a week ago, on January 9, they absolutely dismantled Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal. Before that? They crushed Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl. It's been a total scorched-earth policy from Curt Cignetti’s squad.
Recapping the Recent Big Ten Postseason Results
Since there weren't any new big 10 football scores from yesterday, let’s look at the "yesterdays" that actually counted. This postseason has been a rollercoaster for the conference.
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- The Dominance: Indiana’s 56-22 win over Oregon was a statement. It proved the Big Ten's top tier could handle the speed of the West Coast teams even after the expansion.
- The Heartbreak: Ohio State fans are still reeling from that 24-14 loss to Miami in the Cotton Bowl on New Year's Eve. That’s the game that prevented an all-Big Ten national title game.
- The Mid-Tier Grinds: Iowa managed to pull out a 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl, while Illinois edged out Tennessee 30-28 in a Music City Bowl thriller.
It hasn't been a clean sweep, though. Michigan took a thumping from Texas (41-27) in the Citrus Bowl, and Nebraska's trip to Vegas ended in a 44-22 loss to Utah.
What to Watch for Next
Since you can't find a score from Saturday, you need to shift your focus to tomorrow night. The betting lines have Indiana as an 8.5-point favorite against the Hurricanes. That’s a massive spread for a title game, but given how Indiana has played, it almost feels low.
Most experts are looking at the matchup between Indiana's high-flying offense and Miami's opportunistic defense. If Indiana wins, it'll be the first time a team outside the "traditional" powers has truly sat on the throne in the modern era.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Clear your schedule for Monday night: The National Championship kicks off at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN.
- Check the injury reports: Keep an eye on the Hoosiers' secondary; they've been banged up since the Peach Bowl.
- Look ahead to 2026: If you're already missing the weekly grind, the 2026 regular season schedules are starting to firm up. Wisconsin just replaced Pitt with Eastern Michigan, and USC added Louisiana to their non-conference slate.
The wait is almost over. Yesterday was quiet, but tomorrow is going to be deafening.