Saturday Blitz
Fansided

Big Ten Football: New No.1 emerges in Week 8 power rankings

By Richard Kimball

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 20: Binjimen Victor #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled after the pass reception by Antonio Blackmon #14 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - OCTOBER 20: Binjimen Victor #9 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled after the pass reception by Antonio Blackmon #14 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Since opening their season with a big win over the Texas Longhorns, the Terrapins have gone .500 in their previous six games. And with their offense’s production this season, it was quite surprising they were held scoreless and to just 115 yards of total offense in their not-so-surprising loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes. And although their defense held Iowa to just 86 yards passing and one offensive touchdown, the Terrapins allowed the Hawkeyes to tack up 224 yards on the ground, allowing Iowa to have the ball for 40 minutes of the game.

Maryland should get back in the win column this Saturday as they host the Illinois Illini. The Terrapins bowl chances aren’t as bad as the teams behind them, but picking up two more wins won’t be an easy task. The Terrapins still play Michigan State, Ohio State and Penn State but also have games with Illinois and Indiana. Maryland is in the driver’s seat to their postseason hopes.

The Purdue Boilermakers shocked the college football world with their 29-point win over the Ohio State Buckeyes in Week 8. Quarterback David Blough continued his hot streak, torching the Buckeye defense, throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns, connecting with fresh phenom Rondale Moore 12 times for 170 yards and two scores. The Boilermakers also dominated in the run game as D.J. Knox ran for 128 yards and three touchdowns on just 16 carries.

Purdue goes into a big game against the Michigan State Spartans this Saturday, as a win could propel them into the AP Poll and the first playoff rankings, which debut after this weekend’s games. Purdue is far from a national title contender, but their win over Ohio State was no fluke. They’re now winners of four straight and are building some steam heading into the bowl season and 2019.

The Michigan State Spartans conference championship hopes were put to rest this past Saturday after their 21-7 loss to the Michigan Wolverines. If not for the weather, this game probably would’ve been a lot worse for the Spartans, as the Wolverines fumbled twice due to the rainy conditions, including one that set up the Spartans “special”, and only, touchdown of the game.

The Spartans could find themselves back at .500 after Week 9 as they battle a hot Purdue team, fresh off their upset win against Ohio State. The Spartans will still make a bowl game, unless they just completely fall apart, but could be on pace for a 6-6 or 7-5 season. This season should be marked as a disappointing one for the Spartans, as they’ve gone from playoff hopeful, to hovering around .500 real fast.

Home/Big Ten