Penn State football rises in Big Ten rankings with conference title spot on the line

The penultimate weekend of this year’s college football regular season brought a wild Saturday full of upsets. Penn State football narrowly escaped Minneapolis with a victory, but others were not so lucky.

The results rocked the rankings and changed the outlook of this week’s College Football Playoff bracket. It also changed the outlook of the Big Ten title hunt, giving the Nittany Lions a potential path to Indianapolis.

With one week to go in the regular season, how do the Big Ten power rankings shake out?

Penn State football rises in Big Ten power rankings heading into final week of regular season

18. Purdue, 1-10 (Last week 18)

Purdue was down to the Spartans 24-3 at halftime. The Boilermakers tried to make it a game in the second half, but still fell short 24-17. Purdue should be commended for not quitting on the season, but 10 straight losses is rough. The only question remaining is whether Ryan Walters will get a third season in West Lafayette.

The Boilermakers finish the season, as always, against rival Indiana.

17. Maryland, 4-7 (Last week 17)

© Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Maryland had no answer for Iowa’s rushing attack, as the Terps were soundly beaten 29-13. Quarterback Billy Edwards was hurt, and backup MJ Morris saw extended playing time.

After back-to-back eight-win seasons and three straight bowl victories, this season can only be seen as a big step back for Maryland. The Terps will wrap up their season with a matchup against Penn State football.

16. Northwestern, 4-7 (Last week 16)

It was another rough outing for Northwestern, as the Wildcats could manage only six points, 128 yards, and eight first downs against Michigan. This was a burn-the-tape type of game. After eight wins a year ago, the Wildcats will not be going bowling this season.

Northwestern finishes up at home against rival Illinois.

15. UCLA, 4-7 (Last week 14)

The Bruins had a 13-9 lead over crosstown rival USC Saturday night at the Rose Bowl but could not hold on for the win. UCLA showed fight during a three-game winning streak, but after back-to-back losses, the Bruins will fail to make a bowl game.

UCLA finishes its season with a non-conference game against Fresno State.

14. Rutgers, 6-5 (Last week 13)

Greg Schiano has to be kicking himself for calling that timeout right before Illinois missed a go-ahead field goal. It allowed the Illini to regroup and trot their offense back out there to throw the game-winning touchdown instead.

Rutgers is at Michigan State to finish the regular season.

13. Michigan State, 5-6 (Last week 15)

Michigan State was outgained by Purdue by 42 yards but still managed to hang on for a victory. The Spartans are now one win away from bowl eligibility and will attempt to do so on Saturday against Rutgers.

12. Wisconsin, 5-6 (Last week 9)

Wisconsin’s 10-game winning streak over Nebraska was snapped as the Badgers fell to the Huskers 44-25. The Badgers played well a week ago against Oregon, holding the Ducks to 16 points. They gave up nearly triple the points and 473 yards to the Huskers.

Wisconsin’s 22-year bowl streak will be on the line when it hosts Minnesota on Friday.

11. Nebraska, 6-5 (Last week 12)

The Huskers finally found that elusive sixth win to gain bowl eligibility. The fans rushed the field after the win, which I guess they cannot be blamed for. It was the longest bowl drought among Power Four teams.

Nebraska will try to get to a seventh win against rival Iowa on Friday night.

10. USC, 6-5 (Last week 11)

USC needed a fourth-quarter comeback to defeat rival UCLA 19-13. The victory came after the team had 27 players and staff members out with the flu during the week leading up to the game. The Trojans secured bowl eligibility in what has been a disappointing season.

The Trojans will host rival Notre Dame to conclude the regular season.

9. Michigan, 6-5 (Last week 10)

The Wolverines finally found their offense, dropping a 50-burger on Northwestern this past Saturday. Michigan absolutely needed this win to secure bowl eligibility. The Maize and Blue will now be heavy underdogs against rival Ohio State this Saturday.

8. Washington, 6-5 (Last week 8)

Washington had the week off to prepare for its rivalry game against Oregon.

7. Minnesota, 6-5 (Last week 7)

The Golden Gophers led Penn State football 10-0, taking advantage of the Nittany Lions’ special teams miscues. However, it still was not enough, as Minnesota fell by a point. This was a valiant effort, but it was the fourth loss for the Gophers decided by one score this season.

Minnesota finishes up by traveling to Madison to battle Wisconsin.

6. Iowa, 7-4 (Last week 6)

Iowa had a two-headed monster at running back against Maryland. Kaleb Johnson saw a career-high 35 touches, totaling 164 yards and a touchdown. Kamari Moulton also ran for 114 yards and a score as the Hawkeyes notched their seventh win of the season.

Iowa hosts Nebraska on Friday evening in hopes of increasing its bowl standing.

5. Illinois, 8-3 (Last week 5)

© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Illinois used a crazy finish to defeat Rutgers and keep their top 25 ranking for this week. The win probability chart at the end of the game is insane.

With a win against Northwestern this coming Saturday, Illinois will secure its first nine-win season since 2007.

4. Indiana, 10-1 (Last week 3)

The Hoosiers had their only test of the season to date and failed, losing to Ohio State 38-15.

Honestly, the score could have been worse in this game. Indiana’s defense tried to hold on in the first half, but the Hoosier offense did not hold up its end outside of the first drive. The floodgates opened in the second half, and it was over for Indiana.

Despite what happened around them, the Hoosiers are still in a good spot for the College Football Playoff. Beat Purdue and see where everything else falls.

3. Penn State, 10-1 (Last week 4)

© Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Penn State football moves up a spot this week after a close victory in Minnesota. The Nittany Lions did not seem in sync early on offense and did not play their best game on defense, especially in the first half. Special teams mistakes, a blocked punt and a blocked extra point, contributed to the hole the Nittany Lions faced.

Luckily, Penn State was able to climb out of the hole just enough to win. Leading by a point with 5:48 left in the game, the offense took control. Aided by a gutsy fourth-down fake punt conversion that may have preserved the team’s playoff spot, the Nittany Lions picked up two more fourth-down conversions on the same drive, running out the clock on the Gophers.

Penn State football is now one win away from making its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. The Nittany Lions still have an outside shot at making it to Indianapolis if they defeat Maryland and the Buckeyes lose to Michigan.

2. Ohio State, 10-1 (Last week 2)

The Buckeyes took care of business pretty easily against Indiana. The defense held the Hoosiers to only 153 total yards, and the offense was pretty efficient once it got things rolling.

Ohio State is in the driver’s seat to make the Big Ten Championship game. While not out of the question, it would be very shocking if the three-game losing streak against Michigan does not end on Saturday.

1. Oregon, 11-0 (Last week 1)

The Ducks had the week off and already have their ticket punched for Indianapolis and the Big Ten Championship game. They will host Washington on Saturday night.

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