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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; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) runs for a first down alongside Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Spencer Holstege (75) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2022; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) runs for a first down alongside Purdue Boilermakers offensive lineman Spencer Holstege (75) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports /

9-5

9. Michigan State (3-4, 1-3) Last week: 13

Michigan State probably doesn’t deserve to jump this high, but with a bunch of teams ahead of them either losing or on bye, the Spartans move up. As just mentioned, they defeated Wisconsin 34-28 in double overtime. Quarterback Payton Thorne had his best game of Big Ten play, going 21-28 for 265 yards and two touchdowns. The Spartans defense looked better, but some of that can be attributed to Wisconsin not really being interested in throwing the ball. Michigan State has three games left against ranked teams, meaning a 7-5 season could be the ceiling at this point.

8. Iowa (3-3, 1-2) Last week: 9

Despite not playing, Iowa moves up a spot this week. This has little to do with how good the Hawkeyes are and more to do with the fact that a lot of Big Ten teams are struggling right. The defense is still great but unless there were drastic changes to the offense over the bye week, this team is going nowhere special.

7. Minnesota (4-2, 1-2) Last week: 5

The battle for the inside track to win the Big Ten West took place this past Saturday and Minnesota ended up on the short side of the stick. The Gophers lost to Illinois 26-14. It was a poor offensive effort for Minnesota, but some of that can be attributed to the fact that quarterback Tanner Morgan left with an injury. The Gophers were unable to get anything going once Morgan left the game. Mohamed Ibrahim still had a nice day, rushing for 127 yards and a score. The 26 points were the most Minnesota has allowed this season. It doesn’t get easier as they head to Penn State for the White Out.

6. Maryland (5-2, 2-2) Last week: 7

Maryland got by Indiana 38-33 on Saturday. It was a game the Terps should have won, and they did. Maryland is closing in on bowl eligibility and should get there with games over the Northwestern and Rutgers still to play. The storyline from this game is not the Maryland won, or that they gave up 33 points to a struggling Indiana offense, it’s that quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa left the game with an injury. The extent of the injury is not yet known, but it would be difficult to see Maryland win more than seven games this year if he was to miss the rest of the season. Backup Billy Edwards Jr. did not complete a pass, but he did run five times for 53 yards and a touchdown. Maryland wants to throw the ball, so it will be interesting to see a change in the offensive approach from them if necessary. Keep a look out for updates on Tagovailoa.

5. Purdue (5-2, 3-1) Last week: 6

Purdue is starting to get hot and at the right time. The Boilermakers defeated Nebraska 43-37 on Saturday behind a monster day from quarterback Aidan O’Connell. O’Connell went 35-54 for 391 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. While we expect big days from Purdue’s passing game, the fact the Boilermakers ran for 217 yards was encouraging to see. The defense left some to be desired, but overall this was a solid win for Purdue. Wisconsin is up next for the Boilermakers. There’s a good shot that Purdue’s game against Illinois on Nov. 12 will decide who wins the West.

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