Big Ten Power Rankings Week 10: Spartans defeat Wolverines at home.

The Penn State Nittany Lions are on a three-game losing streak with losses to Iowa, Illinois, and Ohio State. It is hard to imagine that Sean Clifford’s health is what has kept Penn State from a better season. Clifford was supposed to be the limiting factor.

What has been a limiting factor for Penn State has been the running game. The Nittany Lions have not been able to run the football this season. The offensive line’s run blocking has not been very good. That could be trouble for the Nittany Lions for the rest of the season.

Iowa’s trip to Evanston could not have come any sooner. The Hawkeyes have lost their last two games, scoring a combined 14 points against Wisconsin and Purdue. A good old-fashioned, low-scoring rock fight is exactly what the Hawkeyes need.

Injuries might tell the story of the Hawkeyes the rest of this season. Defensive backs Riley Moss and Terry Roberts are both likely out for this game. If the Hawkeyes cannot generate turnovers, it is difficult for them to create enough offense to score points.

Head coach Jeff Brohm has to be pleased with Purdue’s progress this season. This season, the Boilermakers have dealt with injuries but find themselves in a three-way tie for second place in the Big Ten West. Purdue has done it with good defense and David Bell on offense.

Purdue enters the last month of the season needing just one win to make the postseason. The Boilermakers have challenging games against Michigan State and Ohio State in consecutive weeks. However, Northwestern and Indiana are both winnable games.