Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 12: Michigan loses, but still controls its destiny

Penn State is playing as well as anyone in the country right now, so they may have been guilty of overlooking Indiana. But if they did at the start, they made the necessary adjustments to come back and finish strong.

Barkley struggled mightily through three quarters, with 60 yards on 33 carries. While Indiana’s defense should be given credit, he also had to deal with a depleted offensive line. Brendan Mahon, who Barkley usually relies on for most of his production, is currently hospitalized while Paris Palmer had to leave the game in the first quarter.

But Penn State never abandoned the run, and sensed that the Hoosiers defense was getting tired. And in big time games, big time players make big time plays, which is how Barkley was able to overcome his struggles and score two crucial fourth quarter touchdowns to put his team over the top. And when the running game wasn’t working, the passing game was clicking as Chris Godwin was able to haul in two receiving touchdowns.

Penn State’s defense had its fair share of struggles, but they overcame them. The Hoosiers had a total of 454 offensive yards on the day, but the Lions still recovered five fumbles, including a strip sack in the fourth quarter to extend the lead to 45-31.

Thanks to Michigan’s loss, Penn State now has a more favorable path to the Championship Game than Ohio State. All they have to do is beat Rutgers and Michigan State – which, come on, they totally will – and so long as Michigan doesn’t beat Ohio State, they’re going to Indianapolis.

Even if the Lions fall short of the playoffs, they never would’ve expected to be in the running at the start of the season. They have exceeded expectations, and with all the players they’ll have returning, there’s no reason to think they won’t be this good next year.