Big Ten Power Rankings Week 14: Winner Gets the Rose Bowl or CFB Playoff

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 14

Can anyone find the Michigan defense? The Wolverines defensive unit has not been seen in a few weeks because whoever showed up in Columbus were not part of the number one defense in the country. Going into “The Game,” the most amount of points in a game that Michigan allowed was 24 to Notre Dame. Ohio State nearly tripled that amount as they scored 62 points on their way to a 23 point victory. As Michigan’s Playoff hopes died, Ohio State’s dreams were reborn, but before we talk about the postseason, do no forget about Northwestern in the Big Ten Power Rankings Week 14.

Here are last week’s Big Ten Power Rankings for reference.

14. Rutgers (1-11)

Lost to Michigan State, 14-10

I know I’ve been bashing Rutgers the past couple of weeks, but I will give credit where credit is due. They played hard against Michigan State and deserved to win. That being said, there are no moral victories in the Big Ten. Chris Ash was on the hot seat going into this season and despite a 1-11 year, Ash will return for another season. This move is head scratching, but ask yourself this: Can anyone save Rutgers?

13. Illinois (4-8)

Lost to Northwestern, 24-16

Illinois hung around the entire game against Northwestern before losing by 8 points. However, the biggest story for the Illini was the decision to extend Lovie Smith’s contract an additional two years. The Illini made some strides this year, but Smith has won only 9 games in three years. Does that merit an extension? All eyes will be on the quarterback position in 2019 as they welcome five-star recruit Isaiah Williams to the program.

12. Indiana (5-7)

Lost to Purdue, 28-21

After a 4-1 start, the Hoosiers went 1-6 in their final 7 games to end the season and ruin their chances of making a bowl game. On the bright side, Stevie Scott is an excellent running back and finished off his strong freshman season with 104 rushing yards and 1 TD.

11. Maryland (5-7)

Lost to Penn State, 38-3

For Maryland, it was a season of some highs, but many lows. A win over Texas was the highlight of a season clouded in controversy. Now that the DJ Durkin debacle is past the Terps, they can move on to finding a new coach to turn this program around. Many believe their first call will be to current Alabama offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who had two stints on the Maryland coaching staff.

10. Nebraska (4-8)

Lost to Iowa, 31-28

It may have taken 6 games to reaffirm their coaching decision but Nebraska hired the right guy to turn this program around in Scott Frost. The Cornhuskers went 4-2 over their last 6 games and only lost by a combined 8 points in two games. Quarterback Adrian Martinez is going to be a Heisman favorite going into next season. Watch out for Nebraska.

9. Michigan State (7-5)

Beat Rutgers, 14-10

I’m only putting Michigan State ahead of Nebraska because of their bowl eligibility status. Other than that, Michigan State had a disastrous season and it would’ve hit rock bottom had it not been for a touchdown by Cody White on an end-around to take the lead against Rutgers late in the fourth quarter. Michigan State will play in a bowl game to cap off their disappointing season.

8. Wisconsin (7-5)

Lost to Minnesota, 37-15

What a disappointing season for the Badgers, who had Playoff hopes coming into the year. No one expected this Wisconsin team to be this bad. In fact, Lee Corso picked Wisconsin to win the National Championship this past August!

I understand Alex Hornibrook was hurt throughout the year, but he is not the answer at quarterback (4 turnovers against Minnesota in the loss). The good news is that star running back Jonathan Taylor will be back for at least one more season. Plus, the Badgers will play in a bowl game to end the season.

7. Purdue (6-6)

Beat Indiana, 28-21

After starting the season 0-3, Purdue rallied to go 6-3 and become bowl eligible for the second straight year. As I stated last week, the only storyline at Purdue is the status of coach Jeff Brohm. Will he go to Louisville or will he stay at Purdue? His impending decision will have a huge impact on the direction of this program. If I’m a Boilermaker fan, I’d start saying my prayers to keep Brohm.

6. Minnesota (6-6)

Beat Wisconsin, 37-15

Row. The. Boat. It’s a huge jump in the rankings for Minnesota (10 to 6), but they deserve it after throttling their rival, Wisconsin, to take back Paul Bunyan’s ax and become bowl eligible. This was Minnesota’s first win over Wisconsin since 2003. P.J. Fleck is one hell of a coach, and it’s clear that he is building something special at Minnesota. I’m a believer.

5. Iowa (8-4)

Beat Nebraska, 31-28

Iowa finished its season off on a high note with a game-winning field goal as time expired to defeat Nebraska, 31-28. At one point, Iowa controlled it’s own destiny to make the Big Ten Conference Championship game, but losing three straight games in the middle of conference play derailed their chances. Iowa will most likely play in the Outback Bowl or Holiday Bowl.

4. Penn State (9-3)

Beat Maryland 38-3

In their last dress rehearsal before a bowl game, Penn State put the beatdown on Maryland, which is something they needed to do in order to impress the committee. Going into Saturday, Penn State was a long shot to make a New Year’s Six Game. Now, I believe it can happen because of brand recognition (popularity) and their position in the rankings. Penn State will finish in the Top 12, but that does not guarantee entrance to a New Year’s Six game. Penn State will need both LSU and Washington State to drop below them in the rankings (which should happen this week) and pray Oklahoma beats Texas in the Big 12 Championship. If all three of those things happen, Penn State will play in the New Year’s Six.

3. Northwestern (8-4)

Beat Illinois, 24-16

Northwestern has managed to escape these past few weeks with close wins against inferior opponents, but I’m not putting that much stock into those games. It’s hard to focus on the task at hand when their ticket to the Big Ten Conference Championship game was punched weeks ago. Make no mistake about; this is a good Wildcats team. Can they beat Ohio State? Sure, anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Is it likely to happen? No, but crazier things have happened. No matter what, Northwestern had a special season that their team and fans should be proud of.

2. Michigan (10-2)

Lost to Ohio State, 62-39

To paraphrase the great Pedro Martinez, “Michigan (and Jim Harbaugh) just needs to tip their hat and call Ohio State their daddy.” A lot of fans call it big brother vs. little brother, but in all actuality, it’s father vs. son. Since 2001, Michigan has beaten Ohio State twice in 18 attempts (counting the vacated win by OSU in 2010). Michigan’s defense was exposed all day as the speed and offensive creativity of the Buckeyes outmatched the Wolverines. Now, Michigan will be the biggest Ohio State fan on Saturday. Assuming Oklahoma is ahead of OSU in the Playoff rankings, Michigan may need OSU to win and both Georgia and Oklahoma to lose for the Wolverines to go to the Rose Bowl.

1. Ohio State (11-1)

Beat Michigan, 62-39

At the end of the day, Ohio State is still the big brother. The loss to Purdue was a head scratcher, but after Saturday, it was probably a fluke. Ohio State established their recent dominance once again over Michigan, dropping 62 points on the best defense in the country. Dwayne Haskins made the Michigan defense look like Rutgers as he threw for 396 yards and 6 TDs. Now, the Buckeyes wait and see where they fall in the College Football Playoff rankings. My guess is that they will be at #6, right behind Oklahoma. If that’s the case, Ohio State will have to beat Northwestern and hope both Georgia and Oklahoma lose in their respective conference championship games. Then, Ohio State would be in the Playoff with a win over Northwestern. A lot has to happen, but it’s not impossible. For the second straight year, an embarrassing loss might keep the Buckeyes (and the Big Ten) out of the Playoff.

Only one game remains in the Big Ten season, and that’s Northwestern vs. Ohio State on Saturday night.

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 13: All Eyes On Columbus

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 13

After weeks of “what ifs,” the game college football fans wanted to see is happening. One loss Michigan will play one-loss Ohio State for a chance to represent the Big Ten East in the conference championship game. Penn State, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan State didn’t go down without a fight. The road to get to “The Game” was bumpy (thanks, Ohio State), but it all worked out in the end as both teams’ will look to not only win the game on Saturday but improve their chances of making the College Football Playoff. Strap in. It’s game time in the Big Ten Power Rankings Week 13.

Here are last week’s Big Ten Power Rankings for reference.

14. Rutgers (1-10)

Lost to Penn State, 20-7

The streak continues for all the wrong reasons. Rutgers has not won a Big Ten game since November 4, 2017, and that streak continued this past weekend after their loss to Penn State. This season can’t end any faster for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers travels to Michigan State to finish off their season (from hell).

13. Illinois (4-7)

Lost to Iowa, 63-0

Illinois either blows you out or gets blown out. Last weekend, Illinois was on the wrong side of a 63-0 blowout courtesy of the Iowa Hawkeyes. What’s worse is that their best running back, Reggie Corbin, left the game after 1 carry with an ankle injury. Illinois closes out the season on the road against Northwestern.

12. Indiana (5-6)

Lost to Michigan, 31-20

Michigan definitely overlooked Indiana this past weekend. Credit the Hoosiers for taking advantage of Michigan’s slow start as Indiana went into halftime up 17-15. Despite losing the game, Indiana proved a lot to me. In particular, running back Stevie Scott has the chance to be the best player in the Big Ten for years to come. Scott set the record for rushing yards by a true freshman at Indiana with 1,033. Indiana closes out their season at home against Purdue on Saturday.

11. Maryland (5-6)

Lost to Ohio State in OT, 52-51

I don’t feel too bad when teams lose. It’s part of the game. However, this is a rare case where I feel extremely bad for Maryland. This win could’ve changed the program in a year that has been plagued by scandals and controversies. I absolutely loved the call to go for 2. The receiver was open too and even after a bad throw, the ball still hit his hands. That win could have changed the college football landscape. Hats off to Maryland for competing in one of the best games of the year. Maryland travels to Happy Valley to take on Penn State.

10. Minnesota (5-6)

Lost to Northwestern, 24-14

Minnesota hung around in the game longer than expected as they entered the fourth quarter down 13-7. However, this game was more about Northwestern’s special season than Minnesota’s growth. PJ Fleck is slowly building a program that can compete in the Big Ten West. They will put the rest of the conference on notice for next season if they knock off Wisconsin on the road this Saturday.

9. Purdue (5-6)

Lost to Wisconsin in triple OT, 47-44

Purdue lost a barn burner to Wisconsin in triple overtime. It happens. However, the biggest storyline concerns their head coach, Jeff Brohm, and his status at Purdue. Once Bobby Petrino was fired at Purdue, “Jeff Brohm to Lousiville” watch has started. Brohm was born in Louisville, played at Louisville, and coached at Louisville. Louisville is going to throw the kitchen sink at Brohm to try and sway him away from Purdue. Although Brohm has a great recruiting class coming in next year (25th in the nation), will that be enough for him to stay? We soon shall see. Purdue travels to Bloomington to play Indiana on Saturday.

8. Michigan State (6-5)

Lost to Nebraska, 9-6

Michigan State wants to run the ball and play defense. The defense played well on Saturday against Nebraska, holding them to under 250 yards and 9 points. The running game was solid as well as they accumulated 143 yards rushing. However, I’m baffled that the Spartans decided to throw the ball FORTY ONE times (only completed 15 passes) with their backup quarterback in bad weather. I don’t understand that thought process whatsoever and frankly, it cost the Spartans. Michigan State plays Rutgers at home on Saturday.

7. Nebraska (4-7)

Beat Michigan State, 9-6

The Cornhuskers did it again and this time, they did it without scoring a single touchdown. The high powered Nebraska offense was held in check by the Michigan State defense (and the weather) as the Cornhuskers only accumulated 248 yards. However, the Cornhuskers came back from a 6-0 defeat to score 9 unanswered 4th quarter points, all off of field goals. Nebraska has now won 4 out of 5 games and will look to finish on a high note on Friday as they travel to Kinnick Stadium to face Iowa.

6. Wisconsin (7-4)

Beat Purdue in triple OT, 47-44

A Wisconsin team was able to win a shootout? Say it ain’t so. Lead by Jonathan Taylor’s career-high 321 rushing yards and 3 TDs, Wisconsin was able to comeback and defeat Purdue in triple overtime, 47-44. It still boggles my mind that in a game where the Badgers put up 47 points, quarterback Jack Coan only threw for 160 yards. (Coan did have 2 TDs). Wisconsin needs a a stud at quarterback in order to take them to the next level in 2019. Wisconsin closes out its season at home against Minnesota.

5. Iowa (7-4)

Beat Illinois, 63-0

I’m not an expert, but I believe Iowa was mad at their performance against Northwestern from a week ago because they swept the leg and showed Illinois no mercy in a 63-0 win. Iowa outscored their last four opponents 133-82. Do you want to know what their record is in those four games? 1-3. This Iowa team has “Outback Bowl Winners” written all over it. Iowa will face a surging Nebraska team at Kinnick to close out the season on Friday.

4. Penn State (8-3)

Beat Rutgers, 20-7

What is going on with Penn State? This dynamic offense could only score 20 points on Rutgers. Trace McSorley has to be playing hurt. I have no other explanation. However, with West Virginia’s recent loss, Penn State made it’s way back into a New Year’s Six game according to CBS Sports. To keep that spot, Penn State will have to beat Maryland on Saturday in an impressive fashion.

3. Northwestern (7-4)

Beat Minnesota, 24-14

The magical season from the Wildcats continued as they defeated Minnesota on the road in a hard-fought victory. Northwestern already knows it will be playing for a Big Ten Championship, but that doesn’t mean you want to enter the game playing your worst. I expect Northwestern to play hard this Saturday against Illinois to gain some momentum for the title game.

2. Ohio State (10-1)

Beat Maryland in OT, 52-51

I’m speechless. Maryland wins this game 9 out of 10 times if they play this fourth quarter over again. However, Ohio State only needed one time to win and they escaped College Park with a one-point victory in overtime. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins saved his best game of the season for when his team needed him the most. 315 yards passing, 3 touchdowns to go along with 59 yards rushing and 3 TDs. With the victory, Ohio State kept its Big Ten title hopes alive and will play Michigan on Saturday for the right to play Northwestern.

Side note: Is Urban Meyer healthy? I would never wish ill will on someone’s health. If Meyer is truly sick, by all means, do whatever it takes to get better. That being said, what happened on the sideline during this game? When Ohio State was down, it looked like he was dying. When Ohio State battled back to win, he had more pep in his step. Was it just adrenaline kicking in? Maybe. All I know is that it was weird to watch.

1. Michigan (10-1)

Beat Indiana, 31-20

It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan overcame a 17-15 halftime deficit to defeat Indiana at home 31-20. This matchup screamed trap game, and that’s exactly what happened. However, thanks to six field goals from kicker Jake Moody, Michigan did just enough to escape with a win and more importantly, keep their #4 ranking, which is the last spot in the College Football Playoff. Michigan’s destiny is in their hands. To keep their playoff hopes alive, Jim Harbaugh will have to do something that he has never done in tenure in Ann Arbor, which is beat Ohio State. This could be the year it happens. Michigan travels to Columbus to play Ohio State on Saturday.

Michigan vs. Ohio State. Saturday, 12:00 PM on Fox. Be there.

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 12: “The Game” Is On The Horizon

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 12

At the beginning of the season if I told you that the winner of the Michigan vs. Ohio State matchup on Nov. 24 would go on to face Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game, would you have believed me? In all likelihood barring a major upset, that very situation is going to occur in just under two week’s time. For the love of all that is good in the world, please survive these trap games, Michigan and Ohio State. College football needs you two to face off for all the marbles in two weeks. Make it happen. On to the Big Ten Power Rankings Week 12.

Here are last week’s Big Ten Power Rankings for reference.

14. Rutgers (1-9)

Lost to Michigan, 42-7

Well, it was 7-7 in the first quarter. I guess (?) that’s a positive. Rutgers has not won a Big Ten game since November 4, 2017. No comment. Rutgers plays at home against Penn State this Saturday.

13. Illinois (4-6)

Lost to Nebraska, 54-35

Illinois either blows you out or they get blown out. Last Saturday, they were blown out by Nebraska. On a positive note, the Illini rushing game accumulated for 383 yards and 5 TDs. Next season can’t come fast enough as 5-star quarterback Isaiah Williams will most likely be under center. Illinois plays Iowa at home on Saturday.

12. Maryland (5-5)

Lost to Indiana, 34-32

It’s hard to lose ball games when your offense accounts for 542 yards in over 39 minutes with the ball. However, 4 turnovers turned out to be the difference maker in a 34-32 loss to Indiana. If you can remember, Maryland beat Texas in the first game of the season. Here’s to happier times. Maryland plays Ohio State at home on Saturday.

11. Indiana (5-5)

Beat Maryland, 34-32

Going into Saturday’s game against Maryland, Indiana had not won a game since September. That all changed when the Hoosiers defeated the Terps 34-32. Despite being outgained by almost 200 yards, the Hoosiers came out on top thanks Peyton Ramsey’s 3 total TDs. Although the defense allowed more than 500 yards, they did force 4 turnovers. Indiana travels to the Big House to take on Michigan on Saturday.

10. Minnesota (5-5)

Beat Purdue, 41-10

The remaining teams in the power rankings are so inconsistent that their ranking in the bottom varies from week to week. Two weeks ago, Minnesota surrendered 55 points in a loss. Against Purdue, Minnesota’s defense held the high-powered Purdue offense to season lows in points and yards. Only in the Big Ten. Minnesota will try for the upset special this weekend as they play Northwestern at home.

9. Nebraska (3-7)

Beat Illinois 54-35

Don’t look now, but Nebraska is starting to figure things out. The Cornhuskers have won 3 of their last 4 games after starting the year 0-6. This past Saturday, Nebraska exploded for 54 points behind an Adrian Martinez’s 345 total yards and 4 TDs. Things are starting to look up for the Cornhuskers as they are building momentum for next season. Nebraska plays Michigan State at home on Saturday.

8. Wisconsin (6-4)

Lost to Penn State, 22-10

Wisconsin, you need help at quarterback desperately. The Badgers are handicapped at quarterback right now. Alex Hornibrook can only take the Badgers so far and his backup, Jack Coan, threw for 60 (!!!) yards total the other day in the loss to Penn State. If I’m Wisconsin, I try and find the next Russell Wilson via graduate transfer. It worked out before. Why not try it again? If I’m Wisconsin, I’m doing everything in my power to recruit Kelly Bryant from Clemson to play for the Badgers next year. It probably won’t happen, but you get the idea. Wisconsin plays at Purdue on Saturday.

7. Purdue (5-5)

Lost to Minnesota, 41-10

Is Purdue not as good as we thought they were? After dismantling Ohio State, the Boilermakers have lost two of the past three games including a head-scratching loss this past Saturday to Minnesota. The Boilermakers picked a bad time to put up season lows in yards and points as it was a must-win game in order to keep pace in the Big Ten West. With that being said, Purdue will look to improve their bowl position with a win on Saturday at home against Wisconsin.

6. Iowa (6-4)

Lost to Northwestern, 14-10

Tell me if you have heard this story before. Iowa had the lead late, but let it slip through their fingers in the 4th quarter on the way to defeat. For the second straight week, the Hawkeyes were unable to hold on to a fourth-quarter lead as Northwestern scored a touchdown with just under 10 minutes left, which was good enough to win. What started off as a promising season for Iowa (6-1) has taken a turn for the worse after 3 consecutive losses. Iowa will look to get back on track as they travel to Champaign on Saturday to face Illinois.

5. Michigan State (6-4)

Lost to Ohio State, 26-6

With a chance to shock the world, the Spartan offense could not gain any momentum against the Buckeyes on their way to a 26-6 defeat. Michigan State was hanging around the entire game and trailed only 9-6 heading into the 4th quarter. However, a costly fumble with their backed up to their own end zone cost the Spartans as the Buckeyes recovered for the touchdown to go up 16-6. Going 2 for 16 on 3rd down also did not help out the Spartans’ chance for an upset. Michigan State will travel to Lincoln to take on Nebraska this Saturday.

4. Penn State (7-3)

Beat Wisconsin, 22-10

Just like that, Penn State is back in the top 4 of these power rankings after beating Wisconsin this past Saturday. Penn State still has an outside chance to make a New Year’s Six Bowl barring a few losses from teams ahead of them in the rankings. Penn State needs to win out in convincing fashion and hope a few teams in the SEC and Big 12 lose. If not, the Outback Bowl or Citrus Bowl will be their final destination. Penn State plays at Rutgers this Saturday.

3. Northwestern (6-4)

Beat Iowa, 14-10

Pat Fitzgerald, take a bow. What you have done this year is simply remarkable. This past Saturday, Northwestern battled and clawed throughout the whole game until Clayton Thorsen threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Bennett Skowronek with just under 10 minutes in left in the 4th quarter to take the lead 14-10, which would be good enough to win. With the win, Northwestern clinched the Big Ten West and will play in the conference championship game in a few weeks for the first time in school history. On July 6, I wrote this about Pat Fitzgerald.

“In two of the past three seasons, Fitzgerald has led the Wildcats to 10-win seasons. Mark my words, Fitzgerald will lead Northwestern to a Rose Bowl appearance one day.”

Maybe this is the year it happens. Northwestern plays Minnesota on the road on Saturday.

2. Ohio State (9-1)

Beat Michigan State, 26-6

I’ll give credit where credit is due. Ohio State did not play up to its own standards, but they won an ugly game in dominant fashion against Michigan State. The Buckeyes had the edge in just about every offensive category, but it was their defense that stepped up, forcing 3 turnovers and holding the Spartans to 6 points. There is a formula to beating Ohio State, and Michigan State did not have it. Teams that can spread the field and run a fast, up-tempo offense (Purdue, Nebraska, Penn State to an extent) give the Buckeyes problems. When they face a slow, pro-style offense, the Buckeyes defense dominates. This is why I still believe Ohio State can beat Michigan. Ohio State travels to College Park on Saturday to take on Maryland.

1. Michigan (9-1)

Beat Rutgers, 42-7

No disrespect to Rutgers, but Michigan had a scrimmage last Saturday. It was a chance to fine-tune their skills against a significantly inferior opponent in Rutgers. Michigan now knows what it has to do.

  1. Beat Indiana this Saturday
  2. Beat Ohio State
  3. Beat Northwestern for the Big Ten Championship

If those three things happen, Michigan will make the College Football Playoff. Can Jim Harbaugh, Shea Patterson, and the rest of the Wolverines take care of business? We will soon find out.

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 11: The Wild Big Ten West

Big Ten Power Rankings Week 11

The Big Ten East is a two-team race between Michigan and Ohio State. In the Big Ten West, it’s absolute chaos. At the beginning of the year, Wisconsin and Iowa were the two teams that were favored to win the division. It’s the second week of November, and the favorites are now Northwestern and Purdue. The Big Ten has been crazy all year, and there are still some opportunities for more madness in the Big Ten Power Rankings Week 11. Strap in.

Here are last week’s Big Ten Power Rankings for reference.

14. Rutgers (1-8)

Lost to Wisconsin, 31-17

Rutgers only lost by two touchdowns on the road against Wisconsin. In my book, that is a huge win for the Scarlet Knights. I still don’t believe Chris Ash survives at the end of the year, but if they can keep it close against Michigan on Saturday, you never know.

13. Minnesota (4-5)

Lost to Illinois, 55-31

The Golden Gopher offense had a very good day against Illinois. 438 total yards and 31 points are usually enough to win games. However, when your defense allows 646 yards of total offense and 55 points, you won’t win any games. Minnesota will look to play the role of spoiler on Saturday when they welcome Purdue to Minneapolis.

12. Illinois (4-5)

Beat Minnesota, 55-31

Two games ago, Illinois was on the wrong end of a 66-33 beatdown. This past weekend, the Illinois offense exploded for 55 points in a blowout victory over Minnesota. The Illini are a different team with AJ Bush Jr. under center, who accumulated 4 TDs on the day. If Illinois can make it to a bowl game this year, that would be the absolute best case scenario for this team. Illinois travels to Lincoln to play Nebraska on Saturday.

11. Indiana (4-5)

Bye

Indiana has not won a game since late September. During that span, the Hoosiers have lost four games, which were all to Big Ten opponents. Indiana is now in trouble of missing a bowl game. They will look to get back on the winning side with a game against Maryland at home on Saturday.

10. Nebraska (2-7)

Lost to Ohio State, 36-31

I don’t care that Nebraska lost to Ohio State this past Saturday. Besides Penn State and Purdue, Nebraska was one of the few teams to keep the game under single digits against the Buckeyes. In fact, the Cornhuskers lead against the Buckeyes at halftime. This is exactly why they hired Scott Frost. This very well may be a preview of what’s to come. With Adrian Martinez as their quarterback of the future, the sky is the limit. Nebraska plays Illinois at home on Saturday.

9. Maryland (5-4)

Lost to Michigan State, 24-3

Maryland was in a losing situation before they stepped foot on the field because of the D.J. Durkin saga. Putting all of the offseason issues aside, the Terrapins are still a few years away from taking the next step in competing with the best teams in the Big Ten. It came as no surprise that Maryland could not throw for over 100 yards, but their rushing game, which is the team’s strength, was stifled from the start and rushed for an abysmal 26 yards. Maryland travels to Bloomington to take on Indiana on Saturday.

8. Wisconsin (6-3)

Beat Rutgers, 31-17

Did Wisconsin win the game? Yes, but their performance was subpar at best against an inferior opponent in Rutgers. Jonathan Taylor ran for over 200 yards and three touchdowns. This game also marked the return of Alex Hornibrook under center, who missed last week’s loss to Northwestern. Just like Iowa, Wisconsin will need to win out and hope for a few Northwestern losses to have a shot at the Big Ten West title. The Badgers play Penn State on Saturday.

7. Penn State (6-3)

Lost to Michigan, 42-7

A season that started so promising has now taken a turn for the worst. In their three biggest matchups of the season against Ohio State, Michigan State, Penn State lost all three. This game against Michigan was personal as the Wolverines were out for blood after the Nittany Lions humiliated the Wolverines last season. The only thing that Penn State can hope for now is to win out and try to secure a top bowl game. Penn State plays Wisconsin at home on Saturday.

6. Iowa (6-3)

Lost to Purdue, 38-36

In a must-win game, Iowa failed to stop Purdue when it mattered most as they lost on a game-winning field goal attempt. This marks Iowa’s second straight road loss in the final minutes. With the loss, Iowa’s chances of winning the Big Ten West have now pretty much evaporated. However, the Hawkeyes can play spoiler when they welcome Northwestern into town on Saturday.

5. Purdue (5-4)

Beat Iowa, 38-36

And just like that, Purdue disrupted the Big Ten once again as they defeated Iowa with a game-winning field goal. This game had huge Big Ten West implications as Iowa now picked up a third conference loss, which all but eliminates their chances of going to the Big Ten Championship. On the flip side, Purdue still has a chance to make it to the Big Ten Championship but will need some Northwestern losses. For now, all the Boilermakers can do is win out and that starts on Saturday when they play Minnesota.

4. Michigan State (6-3)

Beat Maryland, 24-3

The Spartans are gaining momentum at the right time. Michigan State returned to their old ways with a successful rushing attack and dominant defensive performance in their win over Maryland. If this defense continues to trend upwards, the Spartans will play spoiler in the Big Ten, and that is a real possibility when they welcome Ohio State to town on Saturday.

3. Northwestern (5-4)

Lost to Notre Dame, 31-21

Losing at home to Notre Dame will move you up spots in these power rankings? In an unpredictable season, that’s exactly what’s happening because I learned a lot more about Northwestern in this loss than I have from them all season. I wouldn’t say that Northwestern does any one thing well in particular, but it’s their toughness that stands out for me. The Wildcats play hard from start to finish and more importantly, they keep the game close. The Wildcats could’ve given up down 17 points in the 4th quarter, but they scored two unanswered touchdowns to cut it to a 3 point game. If they beat Iowa at Kinnick on Saturday, it might be time to pop champagne and celebrate a division title.

2. Ohio State (8-1)

Beat Nebraska, 36-31

Ohio State needed to pull out everything in its arsenal to defeat Nebraska in Columbus. Ohio State came back from a 21-16 halftime deficit to defeat the Cornhuskers thanks a 163-yard rushing performance from J.K. Dobbins. Ohio State may be 8-1, but these last two games have been eye-opening. The Buckeyes are not as dominant as many thought, and the absence of Nick Bosa has been a huge loss. The Buckeyes have to figure it out fast because they travel to Michigan State on Saturday.

1. Michigan (8-1)

Beat Penn State, 42-7

Michigan, the Big Ten is yours to lose. After another dominating performance, this time over Penn State, the Wolverines continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. If Michigan played Ohio State today, Michigan would win by at least 2 TDs. No team besides Notre Dame has figured out the Michigan defense, and right now, the Ohio State offense hasn’t exactly been a beacon of hope. I don’t see Michigan slowing down anytime soon. Michigan will look to continue its successful season this Saturday when they travel to Piscataway to play Rutgers.

Ohio State vs. Michigan State and Northwestern vs. Iowa have the ability to turn the conference upside down with wins if the Spartans and Hawkeyes come out with victories. If this season has proved anything, it’s that crazier things have happened.