Penn State football: Does the Nittany Lions’ first ranked win change the dynamic in the conference power rankings?

James Franklin and Penn State football have made it through the first month of the season unscathed, moving to 4-0 following a 21-7 win over No. 19 Illinois last Saturday. The most significant win for the Nittany Lions thus far, we now move into October, a month that will undoubtedly shape the landscape of the College Football Playoff. There was plenty of shake-up across the Big Ten last week, with continued separation between the top and bottom of the league. What’s the latest outlook for the conference in this week’s Big Ten power rankings?

Does Penn State football earning its first ranked win shake up the top of the Big Ten power rankings?

As the band Green Day’s song goes, wake me up when September ends. Well the month is now over as we hit October. The Big Ten title chase will really start to heat up this coming month.

It was all conference games this past weekend, with 16 of the Big Ten’s 18 teams in action. Let’s take a look at the changes in Big Ten power rankings as we move into October.

18. Purdue, 1-3 (Last week 18)

Purdue fell to Nebraska 28-10. The game was scoreless in the first half but the Boilermakers left points on the field by missing a field goal and having a touchdown called back for offensive pass interference. They couldn’t do much the rest of the game.

This season is on the cusp of spiraling downward in West Lafayette. Purdue is at Wisconsin on Saturday.

17. UCLA, 1-3 (Last week 17)

© Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

UCLA lost to Oregon 34-13 in Big Ten After Dark action. The Bruins lone touchdown on this one came on a 96 yard interception return. They have now gone sixth straight quarters without an offensive touchdown.

UCLA travels across country to take on Penn State football this coming Saturday at noon. Whether or not the Bruins will have starting quarterback Ethan Garbers for the matchup remains to be seen.

16. Minnesota, 2-3 (Last week 16)

Minnesota’s comeback against Michigan came up short, ultimately losing 27-24. The Gophers should have been afforded a chance to complete the comeback but were wrongly called offside on their onside kick attempt.

The Gophers host USC this Saturday.

15. Northwestern, 2-2 (Last week 15)

The Wildcats were on a bye week after their lost to Washington the previous week. Northwestern is back in action at home against Indiana this coming Saturday.

14. Wisconsin, 2-2 (Last week 14)

The Badgers saw a 21-10 halftime lead over USC evaporate over the last 30 minutes of game time to lose 38-21. The lack of explosiveness really did in Wisconsin and the program continues to lack much of an identity on offense.

The Badgers will look to right the ship against Purdue.

13. Maryland, 3-2 (Last week 13)

The Terps got a nice day from quarterback Billy Edwards, who tossed three touchdown passes. But it was not enough as Maryland fell to Indiana 42-28. Maryland’s defense gave up over 500 total yards.

The bye week comes at a good time for the Terps, as they can rest and look ahead.

12. Michigan State, 3-2 (Last week 11)

Michigan State was no match for Ohio State, falling to the Buckeyes 38-7. The Spartans entered the contest with ten turnovers; they added three more in this contest. Michigan State is -7 in turnover ratio for the season thus far.

It does not get any easier for the Spartans, as they travel to Eugene Friday night to face Oregon.

11. Nebraska, 4-1 (Last week 12)

Nebraska overcame its own mistakes and a scoreless first half to put up 28 unanswered points after halftime to beat Purdue handily. Quarterback Dylan Raiola played well, racking up 257 yards and a score.

Nebraska rebounded from its heartbreaking loss to Illinois, something recent Husker teams could not do. The Huskers host Rutgers on Saturday.

10. Washington, 3-2 (Last week 6)

Washington missed what would have been a game tying field goal at the end of the game to lose to Rutgers 21-18. The Huskies out-gained Rutgers in total yards 521 to 299 but it did not matter.

Dropping four spots in this week’s Big Ten power rankings, Washington will look to rebound against Michigan in a rematch of last season’s National Championship game.

9. Illinois, 4-1 (Last week 9)

8. Iowa, 3-1 (Last week 7)

The Hawkeyes had the week off to prepare for their challenge in Columbus this coming Saturday.

7. Indiana, 5-0 (Last week 10)

© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

The Hoosiers are 5-0 for the first time since 1967. Who had that on their preseason bingo card? Indiana is playing great under first year coach Curt Cignetti and have shot up our Big Ten power rankings since the start of the year.

The Hoosiers will attempt to get bowl eligible for the first time since 2020 at Northwestern next.

6. Rutgers, 4-0 (Last week 8)

Like Indiana, the Scarlet Knights are also an early season surprise. They improved their record to 4-0 with a Friday night victory over Washington. Rutgers was out-gained but finished ahead on the scoreboard.

Rutgers will put its undefeated record on the line at Nebraska next.

5. USC, 3-1 (Last week 5)

USC scored 28 unanswered points against Wisconsin to win 38-21. Quarterback Miller Moss tossed the ball for over 300 yards and found the end zone three times.

USC travels to take on Minnesota Saturday before welcoming Penn State football to Los Angeles next weekend.

4. Michigan, 4-1 (Last week 4)

Michigan staved off a second half comeback from Minnesota to retain the Little Brown Jug. The Wolverines continue to be one-dimensional with a lack of passing attack. It is likely to hurt them at some point in conference play.

Michigan travels to Seattle to take on Washington next.

3. Oregon, 4-0 (Last week 3)

The Ducks continued their domination over UCLA. Outside of a pick six, quarterback Dillion Gabriel played well with 278 yards through the air and three touchdowns.

Oregon hosts its first Big Ten game when they host Michigan State this coming Friday night.

2. Penn State, 4-0 (Last week 2)

© Dan Rainville / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As I attended Penn State’s 21-7 win over Illinois, I have a few observations. First the “White Out Energy” was brought by the crowd. One of the best I’ve seen in person and it was awesome it occurred spontaneously. Second the tandem of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen were excellent. Illinois had no answer and Andy Kotelnicki’s play calling leaned heavily on them in the second half.

1. Ohio State, 4-0 (Last week 1)

The Buckeyes dominated the Spartans this past Saturday in East Lansing. Freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith scored touchdowns on the ground and through the air while senior star Emeka Egbuka also nabbed a score. Once again, the Buckeyes claim top spot in this week’s Big Ten power rankings.

Ohio State returns home to face Iowa this Saturday.

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