Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 9: Ohio State stays strong
Oct 24, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Northwestern Wildcats offensive lineman Matt Frazier (57) leads the offensive line onto the field against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Northwestern defeated Nebraska 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Hosting the Wisconsin Badgers in week eight, the Illinois Fighting Illini were looking to prove that their 4-2 start to the year was no fluke by taking down one of the Big Ten’s best teams. After the Fighting Illini saw their head coach, Tim Beckman, fired just a week before the season began, all hope seemed to be lost.
However, this team has rallied and despite the 24-13 loss to the Badgers this week, the future is bright in Champaign. The offense was far too stagnant against Wisconsin and the run game needs to be established moving forward — however, injuries have prevented that from happening.
Man, it’s hard to get a read on Penn State right now. Right when we thought the Nittany Lions were one of the favorites to make a run at a Big Ten title, they struggle against a reeling team like Maryland at home, only beating the lowly Terrapins by a point, 31-30.
Christian Hackenberg got loose a little more than usual, but his accuracy continues to suffer. The junior QB was 13-of-29 for 315 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Penn State defense was having a tough time slowing down Perry Hillis as he rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown while passing for 225 yards and another score — albeit, he had three picks.
Right when we though Northwestern was going to finish the season in the usual downward spiral that the Wildcats have been used to in recent years, they marched into Lincoln, Neb., and stole a win from the Cornhuskers.
Clayton Thorson continues to struggle through the air, completing less than 50 percent of his passes for 177 yards and a score, but he did excel with his legs, running for 126 yards and a touchdown on just nine carries. Justin Jackson will need to improve going forward as he’s been in a three-game slump now.
Next: No. 5 Wisconsin - No. 3 Iowa