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Big Ten Power Rankings: Penn State notches big SEC win this week

By Dante Pryor

Sep 18, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion players celebrate with members of the Penn State student section following the competition of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Auburn 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lion players celebrate with members of the Penn State student section following the competition of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Auburn 28-20. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Wisconsin Badgers 0-1, 1-1

The Badgers were off this week, which allows them to gear up for Notre Dame this weekend at Soldier Field. This game is an intriguing matchup for both teams. Notre Dame has not played the run well, and Wisconsin runs the ball well.

Can the Badgers throw the ball downfield to keep the safeties back? Chez Mellusi is a physical running back but not explosive. Notre Dame has had injuries at tackle, and Wisconsin should get pressure on quarterback Jack Coan. This matchup should be a physical game.

7. Minnesota Golden Gophers 0-1, 2-1

Minnesota went to Boulder, Colorado, and took the Buffaloes to the woodshed in a 30-0 shutout. The Gophers’ defense allowed just 63 points, and that is not a type-o, ladies and gentlemen. Minnesota did not let Colorado move the football at all.

Offensively, the Gophers bludgeoned the Buffs into submission, running the football 53 times for 277 yards. Chris Autman-Bell did play, but if Minnesota’s three-headed hydra of Treyson Potts, Mar’Kiese Irving, and Ky Thomas can run like that all season, the West could go through Minneapolis.

6. Maryland Terrapins 1-0, 3-0

The Terrapins were fortunate to leave Champaign last weekend with a 20-17 win. It was a Joseph Petrino field goal as time expired that gave Maryland the win. Two fumbles and eight penalties kept the Terps out of the endzone on several occasions, but sometimes you have to survive and advance.

Taulia Tagovailoa played well once again, throwing for 350 yards and one touchdown. After the Terrapins host Kent State this weekend, the Terps get tested with Iowa and Ohio State in consecutive weeks.

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