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Big Ten Power Rankings: How far does Penn State fall?

By Alec Whitaker

Michigan running back Blake Corum runs for a touchdown against Penn State during the second half Oct. 15, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.Michpenn 101522 Kd 0016519
Michigan running back Blake Corum runs for a touchdown against Penn State during the second half Oct. 15, 2022 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.Michpenn 101522 Kd 0016519 /
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Oct 15, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Jim Leonhard reacts during the game against Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Jim Leonhard reacts during the game against Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-5, 1-2) Last week: 14

Northwestern was off this week and let’s just say this was the last chance for the Wildcats to breathe. After this, they face Maryland, Iowa, Ohio State, Minnesota, Purdue and Illinois. It’s not that farfetched to think that Northwestern will end up 1-11 this season.

13. Indiana (3-4, 1-3) Last week: 12

Indiana fell to Maryland 38-33 in a hard-fought game on Saturday. The Hoosiers held a 27-24 lead in the fourth but allowed Maryland backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. to lead two scoring drives to give Maryland a 38-27 lead. A late score made the game look closer. The Hoosiers had only 26 net rushing yards and three turnovers, the fact they scored 33 points with those numbers is impressive. Indiana also seems to be in the game, but the difference in talent is showing up late in games. It will be a struggle for the Hoosiers to reach bowl eligibility.

12. Nebraska (3-4, 2-2) Last week: 10

Nebraska lost a back-and-forth game to Purdue on Saturday. The Huskers lost 43-37 and could have had a chance to win the game had Purdue not been able to run out the almost six minutes left on the clock. Quarterback Casey Thompson had an up and down day. He went 16-29 for 354 yards and two touchdowns but also had two interceptions. Wide receiver Trey Palmer had a huge day, catching seven passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. The defense was just horrible for Nebraska though. That unit allowed 608 total yards of offense, including 391 through the air.

11. Rutgers (3-3, 0-3) Last week: 11

Rutgers was off this week, and with so many teams towards the bottom of the rankings losing, they stand firm at No. 11. The Scarlet Knights have a winnable up next against Indiana. A loss would all but end their chances at a bowl game.

10. Wisconsin (3-4, 1-3) Last week: 8

Wisconsin lost a tough one to Michigan State 34-28 in double overtime on Saturday. The Badgers battled back to tie the game at 21 to head to overtime, but a fumble on their possession in the second overtime doomed them. Running back Braelon Allen had a nice day, rushing the ball 29 times for 123 yards and two touchdowns. The problem for Wisconsin was that it’s a run-first team and Michigan State’s weakness is the secondary. The Badgers just weren’t able to take advantage of that mismatch because of the lack of a passing attack. The loss likely takes Wisconsin out of the race for the Big Ten West title.

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