Fansided

Big Ten power rankings, Week 8: Michigan replaces Penn State in top 2

By Ethan Lee

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson (2) runs with the ball during a game between the Wisconsin Badgers (15) and the Michigan Wolverines (12) on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-13. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 13: Michigan Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson (2) runs with the ball during a game between the Wisconsin Badgers (15) and the Michigan Wolverines (12) on October 13, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 38-13. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 13: Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Rondale Moore 94) scores in the third quarter during a Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. Purdue won, 46-7. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – OCTOBER 13: Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Rondale Moore 94) scores in the third quarter during a Big Ten Conference college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 13, 2018, at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL. Purdue won, 46-7. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

The Boilermakers did a great job on offense, which isn’t much of a surprise. Similarly, Purdue also had a great performance on defense, which may not be much of a surprise either given that the Fighting Illini are still trying to figure everything out on offense. After Illinois scored first, Purdue put 46 unanswered points on the scoreboard.

Purdue stifled Illinois’ offense, holding the Illini to just 256 total yards of offense on Saturday. While the Boilermakers’ defense was keeping Illinois quiet, Purdue’s offense racked up over 600 total yards and tore down everything that stood in its way. If Purdue can continue to play like this, then the Boilermakers will continue to climb in the Big Ten.

The Maryland Terrapins took on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Like just about everyone that plays Rutgers, the Terps came away from Saturday victorious. Maryland did a great job of getting into the end zone routinely to make sure that Rutgers’ inept offense wouldn’t be able to keep up. Maryland moved up this week thanks to some movement ahead of them.

Yes, the Northwestern Wildcats did get a win against Nebraska. However, in 2018, that feat isn’t as impressive as it would’ve been about a decade ago. What was impressive with this game is how Northwestern was able to win. The Cornhuskers had plenty of chances to put the Wildcats away, but Northwestern tacked on 10 points in the final moments of regulation.

Then, Nebraska was unable to get anything in overtime. Northwestern impressively came back and now leads the Big Ten West in some mind-boggling fashion. All three of Northwestern’s wins have come against conference foes.

Home/College Football