Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 9, 2019

12. Maryland (3-5, 1-4)

Last Week at No. 17 Minnesota: Maryland got stampeded by Minnesota 52-10. The Terps were in a 28 point hole before they finally kicked a field goal at the end of the first half. 200 yards of offense won’t cut it against a good team. This Week vs No. 14 Michigan: Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Michigan is reborn coming off an upset of eighth-ranked Notre Dame.

11. Purdue (2-6, 1-4)

Last Week vs Illinois: It didn’t go well at home for the Boilermakers on Saturday. Illinois picked up where they left off the week before. Purdue did very little right including giving up a pick-six in a 24-6 defeat. This week vs Nebraska: Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer was pulled last week but will start Saturday against Nebraska. A win could salvage the Boilermakers season.

T9. Nebraska (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week vs Indiana: In a hard-fought slugfest, Nebraska lost 38-31. Down by two touchdowns early in the fourth quarter, the Cornhuskers ran the ball into the endzone to close the gap to seven points. They forced IU to punt on the next possession and got the ball back deep in their own territory, with 6:36 left to play. Unfortunately, Nebraska got as far as Indiana’s 35-yard line before losing the ball on downs and the Hoosiers ran out the clock. This week at Purdue: Nebraska has to be heartbroken after the loss, but they will be on a mission in West Lafayette, IN this week.

T9. Michigan State (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week vs No. 6 Penn State: Michigan State played hard, but still lost 28-7. Giving up four turnovers to the sixth-ranked team in the country will get you beat every time. It’s really a shame the Spartans couldn’t do a better job keeping the ball because they only had 37 fewer yards of offense than PSU did. This Week: Bye.

8. Illinois (4-4, 2-3)

Last Week at Purdue: Look out the Fighting Illini are on a roll after their 24-6 win at Purdue. Illinois literally pounded the ball down Purdue’s throat. They ran an astounding 53 times for 242 yards. Their defense was tough as well with eight tackles for loss and the above-mentioned pick-six. This Week vs. Rutgers: The Fighting Illini have turned their season around and could go to a bowl game for the first time since 2014, but they need to win this game. It’s hard to believe that Rutgers can stop what Illinois will run at them.

7. Indiana (6-2, 3-2)

Last Week at Nebraska: The Hoosiers upped their season record to 6-2 with a 38-31 win at Nebraska. While Indiana’s defense wasn’t that great, they still forced three fumbles and recovered two. Hoosiers quarterback Peyton Ramsey was 27-of-40 for 351 yards, a pair touchdowns, and an interception. He hooked up with receiver Whop Philyor 14 times for 178 yards. This Week vs Northwestern: Indiana hosts Northwestern. It’s a game they should win big.