Victory Bell Rings
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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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Penn State’s Tyler Warren reacts after scoring a 38-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter against Minnesota in a White Out game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout
Penn State’s Tyler Warren reacts after scoring a 38-yard receiving touchdown in the second quarter against Minnesota in a White Out game at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102222 Whiteout /

4-1

4. Penn State (6-1, 3-1) Last week: 4

The Nittany Lions bounced back from their loss to Michigan by destroying Minnesota 45-17. It was a shaky start by Penn State, but quarterback Sean Clifford regrouped from an early interception to toss four touchdowns. After giving up 418 rushing yards last week, Penn State’s defense regrouped nicely by allowing 165 rushing yards to Minnesota. That’s not a bad number considering Minnesota ran the ball 46 times. This was the most balanced Penn State has been on offense all year. The Nittany Lions had 304 passing yards and 175 rushing yards. This balance comes at the right times as they face Ohio State this weekend.

3. Illinois (6-1, 3-1) Last week: 3

The red-hot Fightin’ Illini were off this weekend. For their sake, they better hope the bye week did not kill their momentum, but this team has been solid all year and will likely come out against Nebraska next week ready to go. They are the favorites to win the West and for good reason. Illinois runs the ball well and plays exceptional defense.

2. Michigan (7-0, 4-0) Last week: 2

Another Big Ten team that looks unbeatable right now is Michigan. And like Illinois, Michigan is on bye as well. The defending conference champs play rival Michigan State this upcoming week. It’s hard to envision the Wolverines being not 11-0 heading into the Ohio State game.

1. Ohio State (7-0, 4-0) Last week: 1

This Ohio State offense is probably the best in the country, and it showed on Saturday as the Buckeyes beat Iowa 54-10. C.J. Stroud was electric again, going 20-30 for 286 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. Even with top wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba being banged up, this offense does not stop. The Hawkeyes actually got out to a 7-3 lead, but there was little doubt how this one would end. The defense also had a strong day, giving up just three points. The Buckeyes face their toughest challenge yet as they head to Penn State this weekend. It’s really hard to see anyone keeping up with this firepower on offense though.

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