Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 10, 2019
By Ed Stein
12. Maryland Terrapins (3-6, 1-5)
Last Week: They hosted the Michigan Wolverines last week and the game went as expected. Maryland lost to the perennial conference powerhouse 38-7.
This Week: Out of the frying pan and into the fire. The Terrapins head to Columbus, Ohio for a matchup with top-ranked Ohio State.
11. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-5, 2-4)
Last Week: Nebraska blew a 10-0 half time lead as well as a late 27-24 lead. Purdue scored with 1:08 remaining in the game which sent the Cornhuskers to a 31-27 defeat.
This Week: Bye
10. Purdue Boilermakers (3-6, 2-4)
Last Week: It was a huge win for the Boilermakers, and not only because alumni Drew Brees was in the house. Purdue put together a late drive of 12 plays for 82 yards in only 3:13. It culminated in a 9-yard touchdown run by David Bell to pull out a 31-27 Boilermakers win at home over Nebraska.
This Week: Purdue travels to Northwestern this week. Jeff Brohm‘s team must win out this year to play in a bowl game.
9. Michigan State Spartans (4-4, 2-3)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: This game is not a must-win for MSU at home against Illinois, but its pretty close.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-4, 3-3)
Last Week: The Illini defense beat down Rutgers in the second half. They scored two defensive touchdowns and set up another score with a turnover.
This Week: Illinois is red hot with three straight wins. They can become bowl eligible with a win at Michigan State, this week.
7. Wisconsin Badgers (13th ranked, 6-2, 3-2)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: It’s a big matchup in Madison as 18th ranked Iowa comes to town. Wisconsin needs to win this game for any shot at a share of the West Division title.