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Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State and the East continue to dominate

By Alec Whitaker

Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Nick Tarburton (46) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Northwestern 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Nick Tarburton (46) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Northwestern 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wisconsin Badgers football head coach Paul Chryst speaks during a press conference as part of Wisconsin Badgers men’s football media day at the McClain Center in Madison on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. Photo by Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal SentinelBadgers Media Day 1105
Wisconsin Badgers football head coach Paul Chryst speaks during a press conference as part of Wisconsin Badgers men’s football media day at the McClain Center in Madison on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022. Photo by Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal SentinelBadgers Media Day 1105 /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-4, 1-1) Last week: 14

Northwestern gave Penn State all they could handle but ultimately fell 17-7. The Wildcats battled through the elements and forced five Penn State turnovers. Northwestern had little success running the ball, but quarterback Ryan Hilinski moved the ball enough to at least be a threat. This game could have ended differently had Northwestern converted a fourth and goal from the one-yard line, but at the end of the day, it’s another loss. The defensive effort was encouraging though, but Northwestern’s chances at a bowl are quickly slipping away.

13. Michigan State (2-3, 0-2) Last week: 12

Another week, another loss for Michigan State. The Spartans lost to Maryland 27-13 on Saturday. Once again, Michigan State was torched through the air as Maryland threw for 314 yards. The Terps added another 175 yards on the ground, leading to 489 yards of total offense. The Spartans just have no answers on the defensive side of the ball and it’s leading to the string of losses. Keep in mind, Michigan State still has to play Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State. After winning a New Year’s Six bowl last year, Mel Tucker’s squad may struggle to even reach bowl eligibility this season.

12. Nebraska (2-3, 1-1) Last week: 13

Nebraska picked up a big victory over Indiana on Saturday. The Cornhuskers won 35-21 behind a big day from wide receiver Trey Palmer, who had eight catches for 157 yards and a touchdown. The fact Nebraska scored 35 points is impressive considering it turned the ball over twice and was penalized 12 times for 111 yards. Nebraska has the talent to compete, but it’s clear this team still has a lot to clean up. This game was arguably the best Nebraska’s defense has looked all season, so that is a good sign as the Huskers prepare to play Rutgers.

11. Indiana (3-2, 1-1) Last week: 10

As just mentioned, Indiana lost to Nebraska 35-21 on Saturday. It wasn’t a pretty game for the Hoosiers as they were outscored 14-0 in fourth quarter after being tied at 21 at the half. Part of the reason Indiana struggled to move the ball late in the game was because of the running game. The Hoosiers averaged just 2.9 yards per rush and had 11 turnovers for 92 yards. Considering how down Nebraska had been, this was a chance for Indiana to steal a game, but they failed at that. Going 2-15 on third down is not going to win you many games, and that was the case here.

10. Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2) Last week: 9

What in the world happened to Wisconsin? The Badgers fell 34-10 to Illinois on Saturday and then fired Paul Chryst on Sunday. The once dominant force in the West will now go through what looks to be a rebuild. Wisconsin held a 10-7 lead and then allowed Illinois to score the next 24 points. Star running back Braelon Allen carried the ball just eight times for two yards. Counting sacks, Wisconsin rushed for net of two yards on 24 carries. This is not how Wisconsin plays football. Giving up 34 points, especially to Illinois, is also not how Wisconsin plays. The No. 10 spot could end up being the highest Wisconsin is at the rest of the season.

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