Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings (November 26th)
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Written by Evan McShane
The Big Ten regular season has concluded. Here are the final regular season power rankings.
1. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1 defeated Michigan 62-39)
Ranking Last Week: 2
One week after Indiana challenged Michigan’s defense, Ohio State obliterated it. The Buckeyes completely dominated their inferior rivals once again. After many analysts pegged Harbaugh’s Wolverines to beat Ohio State in Columbus, Michigan absolutely embarrassed themselves. What was the best defense in the country got slaughtered for 62 points – and it could’ve been more than that. Michigan saw their playoff hopes evaporate. Meanwhile, if they beat Northwestern next week, Ohio State must rely on the committee for them to earn a selection to the college football playoff.
Next Week: Ohio State plays Northwestern in the Big Ten Championship Game
2. Michigan (10-2, 8-1 lost to Ohio State 62-39)
Ranking Last Week: 1
ESPN and the companies advertising for college football want us to believe that Michigan-Ohio State is one of the best rivalries in sports. Well, when “The Game” is dominated by one side for nearly two decades, that becomes a tough sell. Harbaugh had a clear path to the playoff: win and they’re in. Instead, Michigan’s vaunted defense looked like a JV squad in their biggest game of the year. The Wolverines never stood a chance in Columbus and while a 10-2 season is usually celebrated, this one feels awfully bitter for Michigan fans. Some of them must be wondering if Harbaugh is still the answer.
3. Northwestern (8-4, 8-1 defeated Illinois 24-16)
Ranking Last Week: 3
Northwestern clinched the Big Ten West three weeks ago, but that didn’t stop them from taking care of business the next two weeks. Northwestern completed an impressive 8-1 conference record despite losing every non-conference game. Although Northwestern gave Michigan a run for their money in September, not many pundits are giving the Wildcats a chance against Ohio State. It’s hard to believe they have the fire power to keep up with the Buckeye athletes. With a win over Ohio State, Northwestern can shut up the haters and spoil any chance the Big Ten has at a college football playoff bid.
Next Week: Northwestern plays Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship Game
4. Penn State (9-3, 6-3 defeated Maryland 38-3)
Last Week Ranking: 4
Penn State finished their season on a high note with a three-game win streak. The Nittany Lions defense has been very impressive, allowing just 20 combined points in their last three victories. Although Penn State had dreams of 2018 ending with a playoff bid, they couldn’t overcome the loss of standout running back Saquon Barkley to the NFL. Despite a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State and an embarrassing beatdown against Michigan, Penn State finished the season strong, likely eliminating any doubt the fans had in head coach James Franklin.
5. Iowa (8-4, 5-4 defeated Nebraska 31-28)
Last Week Ranking: 6
Iowa nearly blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, but a clutch field goal as time expired sealed the home win over rival Nebraska. Iowa enjoyed a nice season, although they left much to be desired. Iowa was 6-1 with a golden opportunity to win the Big Ten West. The Hawkeyes then lost three straight games before winning their final two. Nonetheless, it’s another eight-win season for Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes.
6. Michigan State (7-5, 5-4 defeated Rutgers 14-10)
Last Week Ranking: 7
Michigan State received gratuitous amounts of preseason hype. With a plethora of talent returning to a 10-win team, the Spartans were poised to challenge for a Big Ten title. Those dreams were quickly crushed with early losses to Arizona State and at home to Northwestern. The Spartans limped to a 7-5 season with a roster capable of much more. There will certainly be hype against next season. Can Michigan State live up to it?
7. Wisconsin (7-5, 5-4 lost to Minnesota 37-15)
Last Week Ranking: 5
2018 was a forgettable year for Alex Hornibrook and the Badgers. Much like Michigan State, many pundits picked Wisconsin as a potential playoff team. Also, similar to the Spartans, the Badgers suffered early-season losses to BYU and Michigan to crush their playoff hopes. Wisconsin limped to a 7-5 record, losing every other week for the final eight weeks of the season. The loss to Minnesota is a tough way to finish the year. Will the Badgers be better next year?
8. Purdue (6-6, 5-4 defeated Indiana 28-21)
Last Week Ranking: T-9
While Purdue beat their rival on the road and clinched bowl eligibility, you’d think West Lafayette would be nothing but elated. However, with rumors surrounding Jeff Brohm and his potential desire to leave for Louisville, the Boilermakers might have to start from scratch. Will Brohm commit to Purdue long-term or will he leave them high and dry for his alma mater?
9. Minnesota (6-6, 3-6 defeated Wisconsin 37-15)
Last Week Ranking: 12
Minnesota capped off a .500 season with a huge upset win on the road against Wisconsin. The Gophers jumped the Badgers in a 22-point blowout no one saw coming. Head coach PJ Fleck has Minnesota going bowling in just his second season as head coach. Can Minnesota ride this momentum into the offseason? Time will tell, but for now, PJ Fleck looks like a solid hire.
10. Nebraska (4-8, 3-6 lost to Iowa 31-28)
Last Week Ranking: 8
Speaking of solid hires, Nebraska nearly finished their season on a three-game winning streak. A heartbreaking loss thanks to an Iowa field goal ended those dreams. Nevertheless, heading into Saturday, Nebraska had won four of it’s last five games. Head coach Scott Frost looks like he will have the Cornhuskers back in contention very soon. Young QB Adrian Martinez has the makings of a potential stud in this league. The sky is the limit for Nebraska’s future.
11. Maryland (5-7, 3-6 lost to Penn State 38-3)
Last Week Ranking: T-9
A tumultuous season for Maryland final ended with a blowout loss Saturday. A one-of-a-kind head coaching controversy distracted this Maryland team before its season started. An upset win over Texas was the only bright spot this year as Maryland failed to become bowl eligible. They also lost several key players to injury. Will Maryland promote offensive coordinator Matt Canada to head coach or will they go after a big name candidate?
12. Indiana (5-7, 2-7 lost to Purdue 28-21)
Last Week Ranking: T-9
Indiana squandered yet another golden opportunity in typical fashion. There’s no sugar coating this one: 2018 was a complete and total nightmare for Tom Allen and the Hoosiers. Indiana’s season began with the sudden departure of a grad transfer QB and the loss of their two top running backs. After roaring to a 4-1 start, Indiana collapsed, losing six of their final seven games. It’s been 11 years since Indiana enjoyed a winning season. The Hoosiers have more losses than any other college football program in history. IU hasn’t been ranked since 1994 and they haven’t won a bowl game since 1991. This past weekend has many Indiana fans feeling like things will never change.
13. Illinois (4-8, 2-7 lost to Northwestern 24-16)
Last Week Ranking: 13
Illinois couldn’t upset their in-state rival on the road. With a Big Ten West title already clinched, Northwestern took care of business against Illinois. The Fighting Illini have given Lovie Smith a two-year extension to help him keep his recruiting classes together. Lovie has yet to prove himself as a college coach and he will have just two more seasons to show Illinois he’s worth the price tag.
14. Rutgers (1-11, 0-9 lost to Michigan State 14-10)
Last Week Ranking: 14
Rutgers almost completed the miracle upset in East Lansing against Michigan State. Unfortunately, they fell short to complete a 1-11 season. It looks like head coach Chris Ash will return to lead the team. Will next year be any better for Rutgers?