Big Ten football power rankings, Week 9: Purdue stumbles

No Taulia Tagovailoa did not seem to be a problem for Maryland. Billy Edwards Jr. got the start under center instead and was serviceable. The most important thing is he had no turnovers. It also helped to hand the ball off to Roman Hemby who had a career day with 179 yards and three touchdowns.

Maryland earned bowl eligibility for the second consecutive year. They have a tough November with road games at Wisconsin and Penn State followed by a home game against Ohio State. But now the Terps get a week off to prepare for the Badgers.

After a blowout loss in Ann Arbor, Penn State bounced back in a big way against Minnesota, defeating the Gophers 45-17. Sean Clifford had a shaky start throwing an early interception, but was money afterward, tossing four touchdown passes.

The Nittany Lion defense played much better than they did against the Wolverines, but it did help that they could sell out to stop the Minnesota rushing attack with no threat from their backup quarterback. Did they solve their problems in one week? Doubtful and they have a huge challenge coming up against Ohio State. Still, this team is on track for a 10-win season.

Illinois had the week off but sits atop the Big Ten West standings all alone. Who had that on their bingo card? The Illini begin the final stretch to Indianapolis with a game at Nebraska this Saturday.