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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; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Taizse Johnson (40) reacts after sacking Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) during the second half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive lineman Taizse Johnson (40) reacts after sacking Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) during the second half at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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4. Maryland (4-1, 1-1) Last week: 5

Can Maryland actually compete in the Big Ten East this year? The Terps defeated Michigan State 27-13 on Saturday. Maryland took advantage of the Spartans’ weak pass defense as Taulia Tagovailoa went 32-41 for 314 yards and a touchdown. Maryland’s defense has shown plenty of improvement, holding Michigan State to 321 yards of offense and just 13 points. Maryland led just 14-13 at one point but scored the last 13 points. In the past, the Terps would not close out games that way.  Holding in there against Michigan last week and then crushing Michigan State this week has warranted the No. 4 ranking. It’s not unthinkable to think Maryland could end the season 9-3 or 8-4.

3. Penn State (5-0, 2-0) Last week: 4

Penn State held off Northwestern 17-7 on Saturday in a rain-soaked game. The Nittany Lions did not play well offensively, turning the ball over five times. The wet conditions certainly played a role, but Penn State needs to be better. Quarterback Sean Clifford went just 10-20 for 140 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Penn State seemed to play somewhat conservative on offense and wanted to escape with the victory and not worry about putting up points. The defense continued to dominate, giving up just seven points and forcing three turnovers. Northwestern only ran the ball for 31 yards in the game. The bye week is up next for the Nittany Lions.

2. Michigan (5-0, 2-0) Last week: 2

Michigan handled Iowa 27-14 on Saturday. Running back Blake Corum has no problem against one of the best defenses in the Big Ten as he rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was efficient, going 18-24 for 155 yards and a touchdown. Scoring 27 on Iowa is not easy, but Michigan did look solid on offense. The defense remained stingy, although Iowa was not much of a threat on that side of the ball. The Wolverines did force four sacks and held the Hawkeyes to just 35 rushing yards. Indiana is up next for the Wolverines.

1. Ohio State (5-0, 2-0) Last week: 1

Ohio State did what Ohio State does, and that’s blowing out bad teams. The Buckeyes rocked Rutgers 49-10 on Saturday. With TreVeyon Henderson out, Miyan Williams went off, rushing the ball 21 times for 189 yards and five touchdowns. He was the heart and soul of the offense on Saturday and Rutgers had no answer. The Buckeyes are dangerous because of how deep they are on offense. Despite not having Henderson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, they still scored 49 points. Ohio State’s defense forced two turnovers and held Rutgers to 1-11 on third down. This was a complete effort against an improved Rutgers team.

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