Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 11, 2019

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Jordan Howden, Minnesota Golden Gophers. KJ Hamler, Penn State Nittany Lions. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (9th, 8-1, 5-1)

Last Week: PSU suffered a heartbreaking loss at Minnesota to spoil an undefeated season. While the final score was heartbreaking, the final minutes were heart-stopping. Penn State scored at the 3:49 mark of the fourth quarter, pulling within five points, 31-26.

Minnesota went three and out to give the Nittany Lions a shot with 2:39 to go in the game. Unfortunately, they could get no further than the Minnesota 10-yard line. An offensive pass interference call, followed by Sean Clifford‘s third interception of the game two plays later sealed Penn State’s fate.

This Week vs No. 24 Indiana: There is still a chance for the Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten. Technically, they aren’t out of the playoff picture either. Penn State will need to pull themselves together against the second hottest team in the conference.

2. Minnesota Golden Gophers (7th, 9-0, 6-0)

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Last Week: Minnesota pulled off a huge upset at home over Penn State. Gophers quarterback Tanner Morgan was nearly perfect, completing 18 of 20 pass attempts for 339 yards and three touchdowns. 203 of his yards went to receiver Rashod Bateman. With the win Minnesota remained undefeated, clinched first place in the West Division, guaranteeing them a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game, and vaulted to number seven in the polls.

This Week at No. 22 Iowa: Minnesota’s dream season goes down the tubes with a loss at Iowa this week. The Golden Gophers will look to pummel a demoralized Iowa team. Easier said than done, despite three Big Ten losses, the Hawkeyes are a tough out.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (2nd, 9-0, 6-0)

Last Week: The Buckeyes steamrolled Maryland 73-14. Here’s a rare stat, Ohio State outgained their opponents 705-139, a 566-yard difference. That’s the definition of domination.

This Week at Rutgers: The only thing worse for Rutgers than Ohio State would be if the four horsemen of the apocalypse were coming to town.

Next. Knicks head coach David Fizdale’s seat is heating up. dark

Check back with us next week. There are some big games on the schedule, so another shakeup could be in the cards.

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