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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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Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman (14) is held back by his coaches and teammates after getting into a verbal argument with a Penn State player following the Buckeyes’ win at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102922 Psuosu
Ohio State safety Ronnie Hickman (14) is held back by his coaches and teammates after getting into a verbal argument with a Penn State player following the Buckeyes’ win at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in State College.Hes Dr 102922 Psuosu /

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4. Penn State (6-2, 3-2) Last week: 4

Had Maryland played this week and won, Penn State may have moved back a spot after losing 44-31 to Ohio State. This game was as wild as it gets. Ohio State led 10-0, Penn State then stormed back to take a 21-16 lead in the fourth before being outscored 28-10 in the that quarter. Sean Clifford had a roller coaster of a game. He started the game with two interceptions, then brought the Nittany Lions to the 21-16 lead with a couple touchdowns, and then turned the ball over two more times. His turnovers more or less lost the game, especially because one was a pick-6. The defense held in as long as it could, but Ohio State’s talent took over in the end. Penn State is now out of the Big Ten race barring something insane.

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

The Fightin Illini just refuse to lose as they beat Nebraska 26-9 on Saturday. It was another strong showing by the defense, but it was nice to see the offense look balanced in this one. Tommy DeVito was near perfect, going 20-22 for 179 yards and two touchdowns. Chase Brown had another big game, going for 149 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries, he added a receiving touchdown as well.  The Illinois defense held Nebraska to just 60 net rush yards and forced four turnovers, another winning formula. This team looks scary is built the exact way you want to be built if you want to win the Big Ten West.

2. Michigan (8-0, 5-0) Last week: 2

Michigan handled Michigan State in the rivalry game 29-7. Blake Corum was big again, rushing the ball 33 times for 177 yards and a touchdown. Like in some other Big Ten games, the Wolverines got off to a slow start, trailing the Spartans 7-3 after one quarter. But like always, they corrected it and scored the final 26 points to win convincingly. The defense continues to play well for Michigan, giving up just 37 net rush yards and holding Michigan State to just 252 total yards. The big thing again was that Michigan controlled the clock, holding the ball for over 40 minutes in this one. They will not lose if the Wolverines continue to dominate the clock like that. Rutgers is up next for Michigan.

1. Ohio State (8-0, 5-0) Last week: 1

It wasn’t the prettiest at times, but Ohio State beat Penn State 44-31 on Saturday. The theme of this game was talent. C.J. Stroud: 26-33, 354 yards, one touchdown. Marvin Harrison Jr.: 10 catches, 185 yards. J.T. Tuimoloau: six tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery. These three players won the game for Ohio State, because otherwise it was a pretty even match. The Buckeyes exploded for 28 points in the fourth quarter to erase a 21-16 deficit. Tuimoloau’s play was really the difference, as he harassed Sean Clifford all game and was directly responsible for three turnovers and a touchdown. Even without star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and talented running back Miyan Williams, who was hurt during the game, the Ohio State machine just kept going.

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