Big Ten Football Power Rankings 2017: Week 9 edition
By Shane Lunnen
Ohio State had the week off to prepare for their showdown with Penn State. Being well rested and playing at home is a huge advantage for the Buckeyes. With a victory, they can avenge last season’s upset loss to the Nittany Lions and pull ahead in the race for the Big Ten East.
The first of three big hurdles for Penn State has been cleared. Penn State walloped Michigan Saturday night before a Whiteout crowd at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State tallied over 500 total offense over a powerful Michigan defense. Running back Saquon Barkley jumped back into the Heisman discussion with 161 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead added a new wrinkle, the Wildcat formation, to his already potent offense and Michigan was unprepared for it.
Next: Penn State position grades in win over Michigan
Penn State now faces their toughest test of the season when they travel to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes this Saturday. The winner will most likely win the Big Ten East and earn the number 1 spot in next week’s power rankings.