Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 8, 2019
By Ed Stein
3. Minnesota (17th, 7-0, 4-0)
Last Week: There is something to be said about being undefeated in late October. You can only beat the team in front of you and its exactly what the Golden Gophers have done in 2019. Last Saturday it was Rutgers in Piscataway, NJ. The Minnesota defense was stifling, allowing Rutgers only 189 total yards. Gophers Running back Rodney Smith gained 111 yards rushing on 19 carries, with a pair of touchdowns.
This Week vs. Maryland: This one is right in Minnesota’s wheelhouse. The Gophers will run it up, literally and actually, against Maryland at home. They can’t get caught looking ahead to Penn State next week, but they have been very focused over the last month.
2. Penn State (6th, 7-0, 4-0)
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Last Week: As mentioned above, the Nittany Lions held off a late Michigan rally to pull out a 28-21 win. PSU’s offense was uncharacteristically lethargic putting up only 283 yards. Quarterback Sean Clifford only completed 56 percent of his passes, but he threw three touchdowns.
This Week at Michigan State: Penn State has beaten ranked teams the past two weeks. James Franklin isn’t about to let a trip to East Lansing Michigan derail his team’s conference title hopes. The Nittany Lions should remain undefeated until they face Ohio State on November 23.
1. Ohio State (4th, 7-0, 4-0)
Last Week: Ohio State crushed Northwestern last week 52-3. Quarterback Josh Fields continued his Heisman campaign with four touchdown passes. He didn’t need to throw very much because the Buckeyes racked up 279 yards on the ground. In turn, their defense only allowed only 199 total yards. It was complete destruction.
This Week vs. No. 13 Wisconsin: This is the Buckeyes one tough game in a four-week stretch. The Badgers will be fired up after their loss last week at Illinois. Being fired up and taking down a top team are two different things. OSU won’t drop this one at home.
Next. Knicks players fans should look forward to watching. dark
Our Big Ten Powe Rankings will move back to its regular Wednesday placement next week.