Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 12, 2019
By Ed Stein
![Matt Alaimo, Daevon Robinson, Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers Scarlet Knights. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Matt Alaimo, Daevon Robinson, Isaih Pacheco, Rutgers Scarlet Knights. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/8f44ead7feba7bb671bb4b11bd18698dc6f93211760cb54196f6de17b83bfc87.jpg)
12. Maryland Terrapins (3-7, 1-6)
Last Week: Bye.
This week vs Nebraska: This is a good week for Maryland to get a second conference win. It’s unlikely they do, because Nebraska needs this one.
11. Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-6, 2-5)
Last Week: Another week, another disappointing loss for the Cornhuskers. Nebraska fell at home to Wisconsin 37-21.
This Week at Maryland: It’s a must win at Maryland if Nebraska wants to go to a Bowl this year. They can certainly do it against one of the conference’s bottom dwellers.
10. Michigan State Spartans (4-6, 2-5)
Last Week: A chance to salvage the 2019 season went by the wayside last Saturday. The Spartans were blown out at Ann Arbor, by Michigan, 44-10.
This Week at Rutgers: MSU is in a must-win situation as they head to Rutgers this week. Look for the Spartans to bring their “A” game with them from Lansing.
9. Purdue Boilermakers (4-6, 3-4)
Last Week: Bye.
This Week vs. No. 14 Wisconsin: Purdue is also in win now mode to qualify for a bowl game. Too bad they play a Wisconsin team that needs a victory as much as the Boilermakers do.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-4, 4-3)
Last Week: Bye.
This Week vs. No. 19 Iowa: Illinois has turned their season around with four straight wins. The streak hits a roadblock Saturday as the Illini travels to Iowa City to face the fired up Iowa Hawkeyes.
7. Indiana Hoosiers (7-3, 4-3)
Last Week: A big comeback at Penn State fell short as the Hoosiers lost 34-27. Indiana wasted a huge day from quarterback Peyton Ramsey (31-of-41, 371 yards).
This Week vs. No. 15 Michigan: The Hoosiers were knocked out of the Top 25. They probably won’t get back into it, playing against Michigan this week.
6. Iowa Hawkeyes (19th ranked, 7-3, 4-3)
Last Week: The Hawkeyes pulled off a huge upset last week, as they knocked Minnesota from the ranks of the unbeaten. Two quick first quarter scores gave Iowa a lead they never lost.
This Week vs. Illinois: Iowa hosts one of the hottest teams in the conference, it should be a good one to start a huge day of Big Ten play.