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Who is the real number 2? Penn State tries to change the narrative against Ohio State: Big Ten Power Poll
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Who is the real number 2? Penn State tries to change the narrative against Ohio State: Big Ten Power Poll

It’s one thing to rank third nationally in all the major polls.

It is another to be the undisputed number 2 in the only ranking system that matters – PennLive’s Big Ten Power Poll.

that of James Franklin The undefeated Penn State team is No. 2 here at the moment, but the Nittany Lions I have to beat a long-time foe this week to stay there.

If PSU can do that, the top spot could possibly belong to the Franklin guys.

Let the ranking process begin.

LOWER FIVE

18. Purdue

17. Northwest

This week, we’ll finally get our answer to the question: What happens when FBS’s #132 total offense (Northwestern) collides with West Lafayette’s #123 total defense (Purdue)?

rutgers

Southern California wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) runs with the ball during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)P.A.

16. Rutgers

Greg Schiano’s Scarlet Knights have a bye week to address some serious defensive issues. Rutgers has allowed a total of 119 points in its last three games, losses to Wisconsin (42-7), UCLA (35-32) and Southern California (42-20).

15.UCLA

14. Maryland

Lose to Northwestern by 27, beat USC by 1, lose to Minnesota by 25. Got it. The Terps visit Oregon on the road in two weeks.

NEW ENVIRONMENT

13. Minnesota

12. Iowa

The total in the Iowa-Wisconsin matchup in Iowa City on Saturday is 40.5 points. Come on. Someone wins this game 16-10.

11. Nebraska

Matt Rhule’s team showed courage by pushing Ohio State to its limits in Columbus before losing 21-17 last Saturday. It will take less courage to beat UCLA in Lincoln this week. Much, much less.

10.USC

9. Michigan State

Check out this stretch of Michigan State games: Boston College, Ohio State, Oregon, Iowa, Michigan. Brutal, right? The Spartans have taken their lumps this season. They can now host undefeated Indiana on Saturday.

Michigan football hosts Michigan State

Michigan State and Michigan linemen line up as Michigan football hosts Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, October 26, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

8.Michigan

Speaking of Oregon, the Ducks visit the Wolverines this week after beating Illinois 38-9 in Eugene last Saturday. Michigan scored seven points against the Fighting Illini on October 19.

7.Washington

6.Wisconsin

The Badgers are heading in the right direction, but it’s hard to win big games without a difference-making quarterback. Wisconsin, held to 13 points in a home loss to Penn State last Saturday, has scored a combined 33 points in its last three games against the Nittany Lions.

5.Illinois

FAB FOUR

4. Indiana

Will starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke return for IU’s game at Michigan State on Saturday? Curt Cignetti, Hoosiers coach is full of hope. Rourke, who is dealing with a right thumb injury, has totaled 1,941 yards and 15 touchdowns. Without him, IU rushed 52 times for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-17 win over Washington in Bloomington last week.

college football action

The Big Nut watches the first half of the college football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Columbus on Saturday, October 26, 2024.David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

3. Ohio State

The Buckeyes invade State College this week. Besides, it’s also Will Howard’s return match. The Ohio State quarterback obviously feels like he has something to prove. The Buckeyes left tackle, whoever he is in this one, also has something to prove.

2. Penn State

Will it be Drew Allar or Beau Pribula at quarterback for the Lions against Ohio State? Will Edge Rusher Dani Dennis Sutton play? What if good tackler Anthony Donkoh? James Franklin’s team faces significant injury questions before the team’s biggest game of the year. Undefeated Penn State also has road wins against West Virginia, USC and Wisconsin. Also, also: The Lions are 1-9 in their last 10 games against this West team.

Oregon Ducks football

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning during a Big Ten college football game between the No. 1 Ducks and No. 20 Illinois at Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

1. Oregon

It’s tempting to forget that Oregon didn’t look all that dangerous in its first two games, beating Idaho 24-14 and Boise State 37-34. One problem that has been resolved: After allowing seven sacks in the first two games, the Ducks have allowed just three in their last six games. Yes, we’re watching you closely, Dan Lanning.

PENNLIVE BIG TEN POWER SURVEY

1. Oregon (8-0, 5-0). Next: at Michigan on Saturday.

2. Penn State (7-0, 4-0). Next: Hosts Ohio State on Saturday.

3. Ohio State (6-1, 3-1). Next: at Penn State on Saturday.

4. Indiana (8-0, 5-0). Next: At Michigan State on Saturday.

5. Illinois (6-2, 3-2). Next: Hosts Minnesota on Saturday.

6. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2). Next: at Iowa on Saturday.

7. Washington (4-4, 2-3): Next: Hosts USC on Saturday.

8. Michigan (5-3, 3-2). Next: Hosts Oregon on Saturday.

9. Michigan State (4-4, 2-3). Next: Hosts Indiana on Saturday.

10.USC (4-4, 2-4). Next: Visits Washington on Saturday.

11. Nebraska (5-3, 2-3). Next: Hosts UCLA on Saturday.

12. Iowa (5-3, 3-2). Next: Hosts Wisconsin on Saturday.

13. Minnesota (5-3, 3-2). Next: at Illinois on Saturday.

14. Maryland (4-4, 1-4): Next: Bye this week.

15. UCLA (2-5, 1-4). Next: Visits Nebraska on Saturday.

16. Rutgers (4-3, 1-3). Next: off this week.

17. North-West (3-5, 1-4). Next: at Purdue on Saturday.

18. Purdue (1-6, 0-4): Next: Hosts Northwestern on Saturday.