Around the Big Ten: Week 12

Ohio State remains at the top of the conference’s power rankings, while Minnesota settles into the No. 2 spot after defeating Penn State.

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The Daily Iowan; Photos by Josep

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck cheers on players after scoring during an Iowa/Minnesota football game in Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers, 17-10. (Joseph Cress/The Daily Iowan)

Robert Read, Assistant Sports Editor

Big Ten power rankings

1. Ohio State

Ohio State perfectly executed an onside kick up 14-0 against Maryland. I think that explains Buckeye football pretty well.

2. Minnesota

Whoa.

3. Penn State

Penn State made jokes about rowing the boat and then lost to Minnesota. That’s rough.

4. Wisconsin

Jonathan Taylor is a great football player. That is all.

5. Michigan

I’m out of khaki jokes for now.

6. Iowa

Right where I thought the Hawkeyes would be before the season — just above Indiana and Illinois.

7. Indiana

Not only is Minnesota undefeated, but Indiana is ranked.

8. Illinois

Lovie ball! Bowl eligible!

9. Michigan State

Goodbye, Mark Dantonio.

10. Purdue

The Boilermakers played Auburn in a bowl game last year.

11. Nebraska

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 250 yards against Iowa, so he will rush for [insert high number here] against the Cornhuskers.

12. Maryland

Maryland was ranked more recently than Nebraska.

13. Northwestern

You can get into Northwestern’s game against Massachusetts for $2.

14. Rutgers

Final score: Ohio State 94, Rutgers 0.

Big Ten schedule

Massachusetts at Northwestern

 11 a.m. | BTN

The Minutemen are giving up 59 points per game over their last five games, so Northwestern may be good for a touchdown or two in this one.

No. 24 Indiana at No. 9 Penn State

11 a.m. | ABC

Indiana is ranked in football. Hoosier fans can thank the DI’s own Pete Mills for starting the campaign.

No. 15 Wisconsin at Nebraska

11 a.m. | BTN

Scott Frost got on his team for being soft due to certain players wearing hoodies in warmups. He then wore a sweatshirt to a press conference.

Michigan State at No. 14 Michigan

11 a.m. | FOX

All I can think about when I see this matchup is how Michigan lost to Michigan State on a last-second blocked punt, which was returned for a touchdown. Also, Northwestern and maybe now Minnesota will have more Big Ten Championship Game appearances than the Wolverines. Crazy stuff.

No. 2 Ohio State at Rutgers

2:30 p.m. | BTN

Is there a mercy rule in college football? Young children should not be allowed to watch this game due to graphic content.

 No. 7 Minnesota at No. 23 Iowa

3 p.m. | FOX

I’m sorry Minnesota. You are for real, and you proved that by scoring more than one touchdown and winning against Penn State.