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Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State, Ohio State and Minnesota win big

By Alec Whitaker

Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) runs after a catch as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55) tries to make the tackle during the first half of the NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Wisconsin Badgers At Ohio State Buckeyes
Sep 24, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) runs after a catch as Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Maema Njongmeta (55) tries to make the tackle during the first half of the NCAA Division I football game at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Wisconsin Badgers At Ohio State Buckeyes /

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4. Penn State (4-0, 1-0) Last week: 4

Penn State defeated Central Michigan 33-14 on Saturday. The Nittany Lions got out to a quick 14-0 lead but allowed Central Michigan to tie the game before scoring the last 19 points. There definitely seemed to be a bit of a hangover for the team from the big Auburn win last week. Quarterback Sean Clifford accounted for four total touchdowns while freshman Kaytron Allen had 111 rushing yards and a touchdown. The defense came away with four turnovers for the second straight week. The Nittany Lions probably should have won by more, but a win is a win. The heart of Big Ten play starts this week for Penn State as it hosts Northwestern.

3. Minnesota (4-0, 1-0) Last week: 3

As mentioned, Minnesota embarrassed Michigan State 34-7 on Saturday. Despite not having Chris Autman-Bell, Tanner Morgan was lethal, going 23-26 for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Mohamed Ibrahim did his thing as well, carrying the ball 22 times for 103 yards and a score. The Golden Gophers defense is one of the more underrated units in the country. They’re allowing just six points and 187.8 total yards of offense per game. Dominant numbers. They’ll face a bit of a test this week against Purdue, in a game that has big implications for the West.

2. Michigan (4-0, 1-0) Last week: 2

Michigan overcame a slow start to defeat Maryland 34-27. J.J. McCarthy ended the day going 18-26 for 220 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Blake Corum was the big story though, rushing the ball 30 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns. The Michigan defense certainly had its hands full at times, but three timely turnovers helped win this one. This was the Wolverines first big test with their new-look defense, and it performed well enough to win. Michigan’s offense will be tested against Iowa’s stingy defense this upcoming Saturday. The Wolverines currently look firmly in the mix to repeat as Big Ten champs.

1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0) Last week: 1

Ohio State’s offense is a machine, plain and simple. The Buckeyes wrecked Wisconsin 52-21 on Saturday night behind a huge effort from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud went 17-27 for 281 yards, five touchdowns and an interception. Despite not having top wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Stroud seemed to do just fine. The Buckeyes played great defensively, as 14 of Wisconsin’s 21 points came in the fourth quarter when the game was already out of reach. Limiting any team to just 104 passing yards is impressive, it’s even more impressive when you’re up big and just playing prevent and backups. Wisconsin had nowhere to go with the ball through the air all night. The Buckeyes look like a legit national title contender again.

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