Hoosier Huddle’s Big Ten Power Rankings: Week Seven
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Written by Evan McShane (@very_reasonable)
Week Seven is in the books and while there were no upsets this past week, the contenders are starting to pull away from the pack.
1. Ohio State (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 1
Bye Week
The Buckeyes got the week off to rest. Ohio State will travel to Evanston to face Northwestern on Friday night.
Next Week: Ohio State @ Northwestern (8:30pm on FS1)
2. Wisconsin (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 2
Defeated Michigan State 38-0
Wisconsin could not have had a more dominant start to the season. So far, the Badgers have blown the doors off their competition and Saturday was no different. A 38-0 beatdown at home against Michigan State further proved Wisconsin is the team to beat in the Big Ten West. Jonathan Taylor continued his Heisman campaign, rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. It was the Badger defense that stole the day, holding the Spartans to under 150 yards of offense and forcing two turnovers. Wisconsin will travel to Illinois next week for their first Big Ten road game.
Next Week: Wisconsin @ Illinois (Noon on BTN)
3. Penn State (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 3
Defeated Iowa 17-12
The Nittany Lions have entered the national conversation after defeated Iowa on the road. Quarterback Sean Clifford played well enough to win and the Penn State defense shut down the Hawkeyes. Allowing just two field goals until Iowa finally found the end zone with two minutes remaining and the game nearly out of reach. Another win would add to the Nittany Lions’ resume. Penn State will face an equally tough test next week with Michigan coming to town.
Next Week: Michigan @ Penn State (7:30pm on ABC)
4. Minnesota (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: 4
Defeated Nebraska 34-7
The Gophers have dominated their first three Big Ten games, with Saturday’s mauling over Nebraska their most impressive performance. Minnesota racked up 450 yards of total offense while holding Nebraska to under 300. The Cornhuskers couldn’t find the endzone until late in the game, despite only trailing 14-0 at halftime. Minnesota dominated the third quarter, scoring 20 points and shutting Nebraska out. The Gophers haven’t faced a difficult schedule and next week’s game against Rutgers is no exception.
Next Week: Minnesota @ Rutgers (3:30pm)
5. Michigan (5-1, 3-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: 5
Defeated Illinois 42-25
Michigan jumped out to a 28-0 lead against Illinois on the road and held on for victory. The Fighting Illini fought back and scored 25 unanswered points, but the Wolverines would add two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the game. After a disappointing blowout loss against Wisconsin a few weeks ago, Harbaugh’s team is back on track sitting at 5-1. Michigan travels to Penn State for a night game showdown against the Nittany Lions in what could prove to be an extremely high stakes game.
Next Week: Michigan @ Penn State (7:30pm on ABC)
6. Iowa (4-2, 2-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 6
Lost to Penn State 17-12
Iowa remains in the 6-spot after losing to Penn State at home. The Hawkeyes will have to turn around this two-game losing streak, or their season could go south. Iowa has combined for just 15 points over its past two games. The offense will need to improve quickly if Iowa wants to keep their New Years’ bowl hopes alive. Iowa hosts a Purdue team coming of its first conference win next week.
Next Week: Purdue @ Iowa (Noon on ESPN2)
7. Indiana (4-2, 1-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 9
Defeated Rutgers 35-0
Indiana looked sharp coming out of their bye week, shutting out Rutgers and outgaining them 557 yards to 75. The Hoosiers still have to prove they are worth this ranking, but they are trending in the right direction. Be sure to visit HoosierHuddle.com for detailed recaps of the games and other news and updates!
Next Week: Indiana @ Maryland (3:30pm on BTN)
8. Michigan State (4-3, 2-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 8
Lost to Wisconsin 38-0
Michigan State is reeling after getting blown out against Wisconsin. The Spartans have been outscored 72-10 in their past two games. With an elite defense and experienced offense, Michigan State certainly didn’t expect to find themselves in this position. Luckily, MSU has a bye week to correct things. They will then have two consecutive home games against Penn State and Illinois.
Next Week: OFF
9. Nebraska (4-3, 2-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 7
Lost to Minnesota 34-7
Nebraska could not pull off the upset in Minnesota with their backup quarterback. Adrian Martinez missed the game with injury and sophomore backup Noah Vedral couldn’t get the job done. The Cornhuskers offense has looked anemic the past two games. After a stout performance against a struggling Northwestern team last week, Nebraska’s defense wasn’t up to the task Saturday versus the Gophers. Nebraska will have the week off before hosting Indiana on October 26th.
Next Week: OFF
10. Purdue (2-4, 1-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 12
Defeated Maryland 40-14
Purdue got a much-needed win over Maryland at home on Saturday. It was homecoming for the Boilers and their young quarterback racked up 420 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Bryce Hopkins had 10 receptions for 140 yards and true freshman wide receiver David Bell hauled in 9 catches for 138 and two touchdowns. Jeff Brohm’s offense had their best performance of the season and they’ll look to repeat it next week Iowa.
Next Week: Purdue @ Iowa (Noon on ESPN2)
11. Maryland (3-3, 1-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: 10
Lost to Purdue 40-14
Maryland looked lost on the road against Purdue. The Terrapins gave up 420 passing yards to Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer and surrendered 547 in total. Maryland QB Ty Pigrome three two interceptions on the day. One positive sign was Maryland’s offense, which was able to gain over 400 yards, including 7.1 yards per rushing attempt. Maryland will have to work out some kinks on defense to save their season.
Next Week: Indiana @ Maryland (3:30pm on BTN)
12. Northwestern (1-4, 0-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 11
Bye Week
Northwestern had the week to rest before hosting Ohio State on Friday night next week.
Ohio State @ Northwestern (8:30pm on FS1)
13. Illinois (2-4, 0-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: 13
Lost to Michigan 42-25
Illinois had a moment of clarity, finding themselves trailing to Michigan by just three points late in the game. The Fighting Illini couldn’t hold on for the upset and fell to 0-3 in Big Ten play. Illinois showed some positive signs. They will need to be on their A-game next week when they host the Badgers.
Next Week: Wisconsin @ Illinois (Noon on BTN)
14. Rutgers (1-5, 0-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: 14
Lost to Indiana 35-0
Rutgers’ tumultuous season continued with another lopsided loss. Next week isn’t any easier with undefeated Minnesota coming to town.
Next Week: Minnesota @ Rutgers (3:30pm)