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

3. Minnesota (13th, 8-0, 5-0)

Last Week vs. Maryland: Eight games in and Minnesota is still undefeated. The Golden Gophers scored early, often, and constantly against visiting Maryland. In another throwback game to a bygone era Minnesota rushed 54 times for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, the Terps offense was stymied all game. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley went with three different quarterbacks in the game, trying to find a successful combination, but there was none to be found. This Week: Bye.

2. Penn State (5th, 8-0, 5-0)

Last Week at Michigan State: It wasn’t the best performance by the Nittany Lions this year but it got the job done. Penn State capitalized on four MSU turnovers including a blocked field goal which they ran back inside the 10-yard line. Their secondary was nasty allowing Michigan State quarterbacks to average just 4.2 yards per pass attempt. The D-Backs knocked down eight passes and intercepted one. PSU sophomore QB Sean Clifford threw four touchdown passes and only one pick. This Week: Bye.

1. Ohio State (3rd, 8-0, 5-0)

Last week vs No. 13 Wisconsin: It took a while for Ohio State to get their offense into gear, but once they did in the third quarter, it was an explosion of points. It was like the team took it personally that they were only ahead 10-7 after Wisconsin scored 2:52 into the second half. From that point, the defense held the Badgers to punt, fumble, fumble, punt. While that stand was going on, OSU’s offense scored four straight touchdowns. This Week: Bye.

Check back with us next week for updated Big Ten football power rankings.