Big Ten football power rankings, Week 11: A new top team?

It looked to be a tough contest against Maryland in Madison this past Saturday, but the Badgers passed the test. Both Braelon Allen and Isaac Guerendo hit the century mark on the ground and found the end zone once each. The Badger defense kept the Terp offense in check all game.

This team has responded fairly well to Jim Leonhard being the interim coach and it seems only a matter of time before the interim title is removed. The Badgers are also technically alive for the West division title but they will have to take care of business first in Iowa City against a suddenly surging Hawkeye team.

Illinois took their second loss of the season, surprisingly falling to Michigan State. The Illini won most of the statistical categories against the Spartans, except the scoreboard. Just kind of a head-scratcher how they lost this one except their offense was kept out of the end zone a lot. They turned over the ball on downs four times.

With Purdue losing also, the loss did not hurt as bad. Illinois can nearly wrap up the West division if they defeat the Boilermakers this Saturday.

Penn State bounced back from its emotional loss to Ohio State by routing Indiana on the road. This season has turned the narrative some for James Franklin and his Nittany Lions. In previous seasons, Franklin’s teams have at times not been able to shake off a loss, going on to lose a second consecutive game. This year they have defeated two opponents handily after their two losses.

Against Indiana, it was the freshman show with running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton combining for 4 touchdowns. Highly touted quarterback Drew Allar played most of the second half and he threw a pair of touchdowns. Expect to see more Allar down the final stretch of this season. Penn State gets Maryland at home this weekend.