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Where does Penn State Football sit in the latest Big Ten power rankings?

By Alec Whitaker

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Amin Vanover (56) and Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) celebrate after winning the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Penn State won 35-3.Syndication Journal Courier
Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Amin Vanover (56) and Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Kobe King (41) celebrate after winning the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Penn State won 35-3.Syndication Journal Courier /
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Purdue Boilermaker quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16)Np1 2636
Purdue Boilermaker quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16)Np1 2636 /

9-5

9. Maryland (6-5, 3-5) Last week: 10

Despite losing 43-30 to Ohio State, Maryland moves up a spot thanks to its valiant effort. The Terps hung with the Buckeyes to the very end, overcoming multiple deficits to get into striking distance. A week after laying an egg against Penn State, the Terps looked rejuvenated and motivated. Taulia Tagovailoa had a bounce back game, going 26-36 for 293 yards and two touchdowns. The effort was certainly there, but at the end of the day it’s loss No. 5 for Maryland.

8. Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4) Last week: 9

Wisconsin became bowl eligible this week a with 15-14 come from behind win over Nebraska. The Badgers offense struggled most of the game, but came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points. Quarterback Graham Mertz overcame a rough day to throw for a touchdown and then rush for the game-winning touchdown. Wisconsin will not have a shot at the Big Ten West title, but it can still finish on a high note by beating Minnesota this upcoming weekend.

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

Illinois had a chance to play spoiler against Michigan but ultimately fell short as Michigan won 19-17. Running back Chase Bown tried to carry his team to the win with 140 yards and two touchdowns. His big day was not enough though as the Illini blew a 17-10 lead by giving up three fourth quarter field goals to Michigan. It would have been a monumental victory for the Illini, but it wasn’t meant to be.

6. Minnesota (7-4, 4-4) Last week: 4

It was a frustrating loss for Minnesota on Saturday as it fell to Iowa 13-10. The Hawkeyes won on a field goal with 28 seconds remaining as the Golden Gophers failed to complete the comeback after trailing 10-0. Running back Mohamed Ibrahim did everything in his power to win the game, rushing for 263 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries. This loss will take Minnesota out of the West title running as it has losses to Iowa and Illinois, meaning it will lose all tiebreakers.

5. Purdue (7-4, 5-3) Last week: 5

Purdue defeated Northwestern 17-9 on Saturday to stay alive in the West. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell tossed a couple touchdown passes as the Boilermakers did just enough to get by the struggling Wildcats. It wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win this late in the season. Purdue can still win the Big Ten West, but it will need a loss by Iowa against Nebraska. The Boilermakers hold the tiebreaker over both Illinois and Minnesota.

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