Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State regroups and dominates

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9. Rutgers (4-3, 1-3) Last week: 11

Rutgers got its first Big Ten win of the season on Saturday with a 24-17 victory over Indiana. As mentioned earlier, the Knights stormed back from a 14-point deficit to score the next 24 points. Rutgers used 192 rushing yards to control the clock and keep Indiana from being able to add on. The Rutgers defense also stepped up, allowing just three points and 181 total yards after going down 14-0. Christian Braswell also had a big play for the defense, stepping in front of a pass and returning it for a touchdown. Rutgers needed to win this one if it had any chance at a bowl game and it did just that.

8. Minnesota (4-3, 1-3) Last week: 7

Minnesota did not manage well without Tanner Morgan against Penn State. Despite getting out to a 3-0 lead, the Gophers got smacked 45-17. The defense gave up 475 yards of offense and did not have an answer for both Penn State’s passing attack and run game. It’s hard to put this all on the defense. The offense was incredibly one dimensional and that made it nearly impossible for Minnesota to sustain drives. The Gophers need Morgan back in order to have a chance in the West. He is expected back this week for the matchup with Rutgers.

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

Every time it looks like Purdue is about the turn a corner, it suffers a tough loss. The Boilermakers lost to Wisconsin 35-24 on Saturday. Purdue got behind 35-10 thanks in part to three Aidan O’Connell interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Boilermakers outgained Wisconsin, controlled the ball for ten more minutes and had less penalties than Wisconsin, but the three interceptions really hurt. Purdue will get its bye this week, which should reset things a bit. Like with everyone else in the West except Northwestern, the chance to go to the title game is still there for the taking.

6. Wisconsin (4-4, 2-3) Last week: 10

Wisconsin took advantage of those three O’Connell interceptions to win 35-24 over Purdue. The Badgers probably aren’t the sixth best team in the conference right now, but everyone else just can’t stop losing. Braelon Allen had another nice day, rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown. It’s been the play of quarterback Graham Mertz that has rejuvenated Wisconsin though. He went 13-21 for 203 yards and two touchdowns, but the biggest thing is that he did not turn the ball over. If he can continue to protect the ball, Wisconsin can still have a solid season.

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

Despite having to start backup quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., Maryland pulled out a 31-24 win over Northwestern. Obviously, the Wildcats are not good, but winning with a backup quarterback can be difficult. Running back Roman Hemby is quietly becoming a star for the Terps. He carried the ball 24 times for 179 yards and three touchdowns in this one. The big problem with Maryland’s offense before the year was that they can’t run. That has now seemed to flip. Being down 17-7 to Northwestern at home is not something you want to see, but Maryland keeps winning.