Big Ten football power rankings, Week 9: Purdue stumbles

Michigan State had a week off after their double-overtime victory over Wisconsin. Next Saturday the Spartans will travel an hour east to take on rival Michigan, who they have defeated the last two seasons.

Purdue needed a victory to keep pace with Illinois in the Big Ten West and they fell flat, losing to Wisconsin 35-24. They dug themselves an early hole, going down 21-0 by the end of the first quarter. They could not claw out of it.

Aidan O’Connell did not play well, throwing three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. The Boilermakers are still in the division race especially since they still have a game against Illinois, but this was a setback. An off week should help them rest and get ready for the final stretch.

The Badgers have been inconsistent this season but they picked a good time to have a good game, defeating Purdue on Homecoming. They extended their winning streak against the Boilermakers to 16 straight games.

Graham Mertz had a solid day in his game manager role, throwing two touchdowns and committing no turnovers. Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo both had good games on the ground, finding the end zone once each and combining for 185 yards.

Now Wisconsin will get a chance to rest before entering the final month of the season. The division is likely out but keeping their bowl streak alive for a 21st consecutive season is a good possibility.