Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State regroups and dominates

By Alec Whitaker

Penn State players laugh as they pretend to drop the Governor's Victory Bell trophy after defeating Minnesota, 45-17, in a White Out game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout
Penn State players laugh as they pretend to drop the Governor's Victory Bell trophy after defeating Minnesota, 45-17, in a White Out game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout /
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Oct 22, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) breaks up a pas intended for Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Andison Coby (10) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2022; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) breaks up a pas intended for Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Andison Coby (10) during the second half at SHI Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-6, 1-3) Last week: 14

It was a close defeat for Northwestern on Saturday as it fell 31-24 to Maryland. This was the best Northwestern has looked since beating Nebraska to start the season. The Wildcats held a 17-7 lead in the second quarter but allowed Maryland to score the next 17 points. Northwestern did benefit from the fact that Maryland starting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa did not play, but still couldn’t take advantage. The offense did look a little more competent under new starting quarterback Brendan Sullivan, but it still wasn’t enough. Any chance of making a bowl game was practically erased with this loss for Northwestern.

13. Indiana (3-5, 1-4) Last week: 13

Indiana is in some trouble this season after losing to Rutgers 24-17 on Saturday. The Hoosiers looked to be in control early, scoring the first 14 points of the game. Rutgers stormed back though to score the next 24 points. Indiana was totally dominated in time of possession as well. The Knights possessed the ball for nearly 39 minutes in the game. The defensive effort was not great, but the offense was abysmal after going on an 11-play, 91-yard drive to make it 14-0. The next 11 drives resulted in eight punts, a missed field goal, a pick-6 and the end of the half. No one in the country will win many games with those results.

12. Iowa (3-4, 1-3) Last week: 8

Iowa’s offensive struggles continues against Ohio State, and this time the defense couldn’t bail them out. Ohio State rocked Iowa 54-10, with the Hawkeyes only scoring three points on offense. Iowa turned the ball over six times and had only 158 yards of total offense. It was an embarrassing effort by the worst offense in the Big Ten and arguably the worst offense in the country. With games against Purdue, Wisconsin and Minnesota still to be played, the team that represented the West in the title game last year is looking at a 7-loss season this year. The defense was not great, but considering it was Ohio State, it’s understandable. The offense is what is sinking this team in general.

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

Nebraska was off this week after losing to Purdue in Week Seven. The next three weeks will not be easy for the Cornhuskers as they face Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan. The chances of Nebraska regrouping and making a bowl game are pretty slim at this point.

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

Michigan State was also off this week. The Spartans spent the week preparing for their rivalry showdown with Michigan this upcoming week. Michigan State had some momentum heading into the bye week by beating Wisconsin. Mel Tucker better hope his team carries those good vibes into this one against Michigan.

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