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Big Ten Power Rankings: Who should be No. 1?

By Alec Whitaker

Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) hauls in a deep pass behind Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) during the fourth quarter of the NCAA Division I football game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Penn State Nittany Lions
Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) hauls in a deep pass behind Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) during the fourth quarter of the NCAA Division I football game at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Penn State Nittany Lions /
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Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed is tackled by Michigan defensive back DJ Turner during the second half of Michigan’s 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Msumich 102922 Kd 0017258
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed is tackled by Michigan defensive back DJ Turner during the second half of Michigan’s 29-7 win over Michigan State on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Ann Arbor.Msumich 102922 Kd 0017258 /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-7, 1-4) Last week: 14

Northwestern did not get much going against Iowa as it lost 33-13 on Saturday. Giving up 398 yards and 33 points to arguably the worst offense in college football is not a recipe for success. The Hawkeyes look as competent as they have all year, and maybe that says more about Northwestern’s struggles than Iowa’s improvements. The Wildcats netted just 18 rushing yards for this game. Considering they were down 20-0 at half, it’s not a surprise that the Wildcats didn’t have much success running the ball. Northwestern becomes the first Big Ten team eliminated from bowl contention.

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

Indiana was off this week and will host Penn State this upcoming week. Considering Penn State is coming off of a tough loss, the Hosiers may be able to catch them sleeping. Indiana is a place Penn State has often got off to slow starts at. With a bowl looking unlikely, this could be Indiana’s bowl game.

12. Nebraska (3-5, 2-3) Last week: 11

Nebraska had a chance to get back in the West division race on Saturday, but it failed to do so, losing 26-9 to Illinois. The Cornhusker offense struggled to do much of anything as quarterback Casey Thompson completed just seven passes and threw two interceptions. In all, Nebraska turned the ball over four times and only recorded 248 yards of total offense. The defense did not play terrible, but with a struggling offense it was hopeless. Nebraska still has a long way to go to get back to relevance, something that won’t happen this season.

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

Rutgers got crushed by Minnesota 31-0 on Saturday. Young quarterback Gavin Wimsatt received the start for the Knights, and it did not go well. He went just 6-17 for 66 yards and an interception. In all, the Rutgers’ offense managed just 134 total yards and turned the ball over three times. This was a poot showing from the Rutgers offense considering this Minnesota defense just gave up 45 points last week, although Penn State is a better team. The defense held their own as long as possible, keeping the score at 14-0 until the fourth quarter. Eventually, Minnesota’s dominant run game took over.

10. Michigan State (3-5, 1-4) Last week: 10

It was an ugly night for Michigan State both on and off the field Saturday at Michigan. The Spartans lost the game 29-7 and then multiple players were seen assaulting Michigan players in the tunnel. Michigan State gave up 276 rushing yards to the Wolverines and were dominated in the time of possession battle, possessing the ball for only 19:27. The Spartans did hold a 7-3 lead in the first quarter, but then let Michigan score the final 23 points of the game. It’s been a surprisingly tough season for Michigan State, and one that may not get better with games against Illinois and Penn State still to go.

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