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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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Oct 1, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck , left, and Purdue Boilermakers head coach Jeff Brohm shake hands after the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck , left, and Purdue Boilermakers head coach Jeff Brohm shake hands after the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

9-5

9. Rutgers (3-2, 0-2) Last week: 7

After starting the season 3-0, Rutgers has dropped its first two Big Ten games. The Knights were crushed by Ohio State 49-10 on Saturday. Rutgers allowed 252 yards on the ground and went a combined 1-13 on third and fourth down, that combination will not win games. Rutgers is tougher than in years past, but they still lack the talent to keep up with the best in the Big Ten. The Knights need better quarterback play as Evan Simon went 10-19 for 74 yards with a touchdown and interception. Once they figure out the quarterback position, Rutgers could be more competitive.

8. Iowa (3-2, 1-1) Last week: 6

The offensive struggles continue for Iowa as it was defeated by Michigan 27-14. The Hawkeyes did not get anything going on offense until the fourth quarter, and by then Michigan was up 20-0 and had lightened up a bit. Iowa’s defense looked the worst it’s looked all season, but that was expected against a really good Michigan offense. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that quarterback Spencer Petras got in some kind of groove, going 21-31 for 246 yards and a touchdown. The run game got nothing going though, as Iowa netted just 35 yards on 24 rush attempts. Iowa’s schedule does not get easier either, with games against Illinois and Ohio State up next.

7. Purdue (3-2, 1-1) Last week: 11

Those Purdue Boilermakers were back to their old tricks, upsetting Minnesota 20-10. The return of quarterback Aidan O’Connell helped, although he did not play his best, going 27-40 for 199 yards and two interceptions. This game was more about the fact that Purdue’s defense held Minnesota to 10 points and forced three Tanner Morgan interceptions. Part of the reason Purdue had success on defense was because Minnesota’s star running back Mohamed Ibrahim did not play due to an ankle injury. Regardless, this was a big win for a Purdue squad that badly needed a win. The Boilermakers’ chances to win the Big Ten West went up significantly with this win.

6. Illinois (4-1, 1-1) Last week: 8

Illinois made a statement on Saturday, crushing Wisconsin 34-10. The Illini leaned on their talented running back Chase Brown, who carried the ball 25 times for 129 yards and a score. While the fact Illinois scored 34 is impressive, the defensive effort was even better. Holding one of the best rushing teams in the Big Ten to a net of two rushing yards is arguably the best defensive performance we’ve seen from a Big Ten team this year. The question going forward will be if Illinois can throw the ball enough if needed. For now, the running game and defense could lead this team to a West division title.

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

Despite losing 20-10 to Purdue, it’s hard to punish Minnesota too much. Not having Mohamed Ibrahim certainly hurt the Golden Gophers and led to the defeat. Not having top wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell seemed to finally catch up to Tanner Morgan as he went 18-33 for 257 yards and three interceptions. The defensive effort was still strong as that unit forced three turnovers and at least gave the offense a chance to win the game. If Ibrahim comes back, Minnesota should still be able to compete in the West, if not, there could be more games like this. A big matchup with Illinois is next.

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