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Big Ten Power Rankings: Who will win the West?

By Alec Whitaker

Nov 12, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates with offensive linesman Juice Scruggs (70) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) celebrates with offensive linesman Juice Scruggs (70) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Maryland 30-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rutgers’ Johnny Langan celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in East Lansing.221112 Msu Rutgers Fb 156a
Rutgers’ Johnny Langan celebrates his touchdown against Michigan State during the third quarter on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in East Lansing.221112 Msu Rutgers Fb 156a /

14-10

14. Northwestern (1-9, 1-6) Last week: 14

Northwestern had no answer for Minnesota’s powerful rushing attack as the Golden Gophers crushed the Wildcats 31-3. It was just another tough loss in a season full of them for Northwestern. Minnesota only attempted 13 passes because well, the run game was working. The Gophers ran for 302 yards on 58 attempts, they just kept pounding it down Northwestern’s throat and it worked. This is just a really tough season for Northwestern, there’s no other way to look at it. Will things get better in the coming years? Maybe, but not this season.

13. Indiana (3-7, 1-6) Last week: 13

Indiana was rocked by Ohio State 56-14 on Saturday. The Buckeyes had no problems moving the ball as they put up 662 total yards of offense. The Indiana defense just isn’t a good unit, and it has shown these past few weeks. If there is some silver lining for the Hoosiers, it’s sophomore quarterback Dexter Williams II. Williams went just 6-17 but had 107 yards, two touchdowns and 46 rushing yards. Maybe he is the future of this program, play him more the next two weeks, Indiana has nothing left to lose.

12. Nebraska (3-7, 2-5) Last week: 12

No one expected much from Nebraska against Michigan and that was the case as the Wolverines won 34-3. The Cornhuskers actually played a pretty clean game, they had no turnovers and only four penalties. The difference was talent. Michigan did whatever it wanted on both sides of the ball and Nebraska had no answers. There weren’t many bright spots for Nebraska in this one. The team passed for just 71 yards and ran for just 75. The Huskers will not be favored in their last two games, meaning they are looking at a 3-9 season and a fresh start in 2023.

11. Rutgers (4-6, 1-6) Last week: 11

Rutgers needed to beat Michigan State in order to have a chance at a bowl, it did not as the Spartans won 27-21. While the outcome was disappointing, there are some bright spots the Scarlet Knights can take away from this game. Sophomore quarterback Gavin Wimsatt had the best game of his young career, going 20-34 for 236 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. He should continue to receive all the snaps from here on out. Fellow sophomore, running back Kyle Monangai, also had a nice day, rushing the ball 24 times for 162 yards. Here’s the bad though, the Knights were penalized 14 times and gave up 453 yards of offense to a struggling Michigan State offense.

10. Maryland (6-4, 3-4) Last week: 7

A once promising season is falling apart as Maryland was shutout 30-0 by Penn State on Saturday. The Terps put up just 134 yards of total offense while quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa was sacked seven times. Penn State dominated Maryland in the trenches on both sides of the ball, as the Nittany Lions also ran for 249 yards. Maryland just flat out struggles when the conditions are not ideal for the passing game because the Terps aren’t built to play ground and pound ball. If Maryland wants to win in the Big Ten in November going forward, it needs to get more physical. With Ohio State up next, Maryland is now looking at a 7-5 season after starting 4-1.

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