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Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State, the East headline rankings

By Alec Whitaker

IPenn State's Kaytron Allen (13) runs during the second half of the Indiana versus Penn State football game at Memorial Stadium on Satruday, Nov. 5, 2022.Iu Psu Fb Allen 3
IPenn State's Kaytron Allen (13) runs during the second half of the Indiana versus Penn State football game at Memorial Stadium on Satruday, Nov. 5, 2022.Iu Psu Fb Allen 3 /
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Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Brendan Sullivan (10) throws during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats
Nov 5, 2022; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Northwestern Wildcats quarterback Brendan Sullivan (10) throws during the first half of the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchNcaa Football Ohio State Buckeyes At Northwestern Wildcats /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-8, 1-5) Last week: 14

Northwestern gave Ohio State all it could handle on Saturday. The Wildcats used the elements to their advantage as the Ohio State offense struggled to throw the ball. Unfortunately, there’s just not enough offensive firepower on this team to stay competitive with a team like the Buckeyes. It was a solid fight, and one that saw Northwestern actually lead 7-0 at one point. At the end of the day, there are no moral victories and Northwestern is looking at an 1-11 season.

13. Indiana (3-6, 1-5) Last week: 13

Indiana was crushed by Penn State 45-14 on Saturday. The Hoosiers stayed competitive early, keeping the game tied 7-7 after the first quarter. The talent of Penn State, along with an injury to Indiana quarterback Jack Tuttle, was just too much to overcome though. Indiana managed just 196 yards of total offense, and 75 yards of that came on just one drive. Three turnovers and six sacks also hurt any chance at a comeback. The Hoosiers need plenty of help on both sides of the ball if they want to be competitive in the Big Ten East.

12. Nebraska (3-6, 2-4) Last week: 12

Nebraska looked like it was going to get a big win to keep its bowl life alive as the Cornhuskers led Minnesota 10-0. Unfortunately for the Huskers, Minnesota scored the next 20 points and won 20-13. It was a valiant effort considering starting quarterback Casey Thompson was unavailable for this game. Chubba Purdy and Logan Smothers each saw time but combined to go just 11-26 for 121 yards and an interception. With a game against Michigan still to be played, Nebraska needed this one to keep the bowl hopes alive, but the Huskers let this one slip away.

11. Rutgers (4-5, 1-5) Last week: 11

Rutgers looked like it was actually going to pull off the upset on Saturday as it led Michigan 17-14 at half. The Wolverines scored 38 unanswered points in the second half to win 52-17. The Scarlet Knights continue to give Gavin Wimsatt the starting job, which is the right thing to do, but it’s not going well. Wimsatt went 14-29 for 166 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. It didn’t help that Rutgers netted just 14 rushing yards in the game. This was more about Michigan’s talent taking over than anything else. The fact Rutgers kept this game competitive as long as it did was encouraging.

10. Purdue (5-4, 3-3) Last week: 8

Purdue’s season has officially gone off the rails after it lost to Iowa 24-3 on Saturday. It was a rough game for a Boilermakers offense that was having a good season when at full strength. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell went just 20-43 for 168 yards and two interceptions, it was one of the roughest outings of his career. Scoring only three points is concerning, letting Spencer Petras go 13-23 for 192 yards and two touchdowns is also pretty concerning. A season that started with the ambitions of making the Big Ten championship is now at the point where a bowl game is still not a lock.

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