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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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Oct 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Mohamed Ibrahim (24) runs for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Blewett-USA TODAY Sports /

9-5

9. Iowa (4-4, 2-3) Last week: 12

Iowa had its best offensive showing of the season on Saturday, putting up 33 points on Northwestern. Northwestern is the worst team in the conference, but this was still somewhat encouraging. Quarterback Spencer Petras had a clean game, going 21-30 for 220 yards and a touchdown. It was the most effective he’s looked all season. The Iowa defense did what it normally does, giving up just 13 points, with six of those coming of the final play of the game. Northwestern was also held to just 18 yards of net rushing, despite being a run-first team. The chances of hanging around in the West are slim, but Iowa can now envision a bowl berth.

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

Purdue was off this week following its key loss to Wisconsin the week before. It looked like the Boilermakers had turned a corner before losing this one. There is still time though as Purdue still has to play Iowa and Illinois this season. Winning the West can still happen.

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

Wisconsin got back into the Big Ten West discussion last week with a win over Purdue. While the Badgers were off this week, they will prepare to face Maryland this upcoming week. Every game from here on out is a must win, but even that may not be enough with Illinois holding the tie breaker.

6. Minnesota (5-3, 2-3) Last week: 8

A healthy Minnesota team got back on track Saturday, crushing Rutgers 31-0. It was the Mohamed Ibrahim show once again as he rushed the ball 36 times for 159 yards and three touchdowns. With Tanner Morgan back at quarterback, it made Rutgers at least respect the pass, and that helped Ibrahim. This was a big game for the Gophers defense as well, considering it gave up 45 points the week prior. A huge bounce back for Minnesota. With Illinois already beating them, it’s going to be difficult for the Gophers to win the West but winning out will at least give them a respectable bowl game and some momentum.

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

Maryland was the other Big Ten team on bye this week. The Terps certainly could have used it, with quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa’s health still up in the air. His health could be the difference in Maryland going 3-1 or 1-3 in the final four games of the season. Those are drastic differences for a program trying to take the next step.

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