Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 12, 2019

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Jake Hausmann, Ohio State Buckeyes. Christian Izien, Rutgers Scarlet Knights. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

5. Wisconsin Badgers (14th, 8-2, 5-2)

Last Week: The Badgers kept their slim chances alive for a West Division title with a win at Nebraska. Jonathan Taylor had another big week with 25 carries for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He should be a Heisman finalist.

This Week vs Purdue: With Minnesota on the horizon, Wisconsin needs to avoid getting caught in a trap game against Purdue this week.

4. Michigan Wolverines (12th, 8-2, 5-2)

Last Week: Michigan won another Paul Bunyan trophy last week. The Wolverines knocked off in-state rival Michigan State 44-10. Shea Patterson silenced some of his critics, the Wolverines quarterback was 24-of-33 for 384 yards and four touchdowns.

This Week at Indiana: One week to go before Ohio State. Michigan better not look ahead because Indiana has a good team.

3. Minnesota Golden Gophers (8th, 9-1, 6-1)

Last Week: The Gophers dream season was denied at Iowa last week. A late interception derailed a big Golden Gophers comeback.

This Week: A trip to Northwestern is just the cure for a demoralizing loss. Look out Wildcats, Minnesota is coming for you.

2. Penn State (9th, 9-1, 6-1), 1. Ohio State (2nd, 10-0, 7-0)

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Last Week: The Nittany Lions needed a last minute on-sides kick recovery to keep their lead after a furious Indiana comeback. PSU held on for 34-27 win. Ohio State, on the other hand, had a relatively easy time at Rutgers blowing out their hosts 56-21.

This Week No. 9 Penn State at No. 2 Ohio State: Maybe a week earlier than most thought, this is the Big Ten’s biggest game of the year. The contest looked a little more significant two weeks ago when PSU was undefeated. Nevertheless there are huge National Title implications attached.

A Penn State win, vaults the Nittany Lions back into the top six with a shot at the playoffs should they win out. Ohio State wins the East with a home win. They still have to play Michigan next Saturday then Minnesota in the Conference Championship. If they do run the table, there will be no doubt that the Buckeyes are the best team in the country.

Next. If Tua is available, is he worth a Giants draft pick?. dark

Check back with us next week to see how the rankings change after Penn State at Ohio State.

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