Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings Through Week 8
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Written By Evan McShane
We have a major shakeup in our Big Ten Power Rankings as Purdue blew the doors off of Ohio State. The finish of the 2018 season is shaping up to be the best race in a very long time.
1. Michigan (7-1, 5-0 defeated Michigan State 21-7)Jim Harbaugh finally got a win against a rival (although he record against rivals is still abysmal). The Wolverines looked completely dominant against the Spartans. It's safe to say Michigan has the best defense in the entire country. They held Michigan State under 100 yards of offense and less than one yard per rushing attempt. Spartan QB Brian Lewerke completed just 5-of-25 passes for 66 yards. Thanks to an Ohio State meltdown, Michigan is now in the driver's seat for the Big Ten East title.
Next week: Open Week
2. Iowa (6-1, 3-1 defeated Maryland 23-0)Iowa's defense is not too far behind Michigan in terms of how impressively they've performed this season. Iowa completely shut down Maryland, holding them to only 115 yards of offense. This game was so lopsided, Iowa won the time of possession battle 41 minutes to 19. If Iowa can control the clock like that, they'll be able to beat anybody. A true test for the Hawkeyes presents itself next week when Iowa travels to Penn State.
Next week: Iowa plays at Penn State at 3:30PM ET
3. Ohio State (7-1, 4-1 lost to Purdue 49-20)Urban Meyer and the Buckeye's annual meltdown this year came against Purdue. Last year Ohio State got annihilated by Iowa 55-24. This year, it was Brohm and the Boilermakers who made OSU look pedestrian. The Buckeyes have a bye week to recuperate. With Michigan at home this year, Ohio State still has a solid chance at making the playoff, but they will have to be mistake-free from here on out.
Next week: bye week
4. Penn State (5-2, 2-2 defeated Indiana 33-28)This season hasn't gone the way Penn State fans had hoped, but the Nittany Lions avoided disaster on Saturday in Bloomington. Penn State has basically been eliminated from the playoff, although they can still squeak into the Big Ten championship game if they win out and get some lucky bounces. For now, Penn State needs to beat a red-hot Iowa team at home to avoid having a losing conference record.
Next week: Penn State hosts Iowa at 3:30PM ET
5. Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1 defeated Illinois 49-20)Wisconsin seems to have gotten back on track after a blowout loss to Michigan. Wisconsin can still win the Big Ten West, but with Iowa surging, the task becomes much more daunting. Next week is a must-win game as Wisconsin cannot suffer another conference loss if they want their conference title hopes kept alive. With a solid defense and a special offensive line, the Badgers can still defeat anyone on their schedule.
Next week: Wisconsin plays at Northwestern at noon ET
6. Northwestern (4-3, 4-1 defeated Rutgers 18-15)Every game Northwestern played this year has been an ugly one. Saturday on the road against Rutgers was no exception. The Wildcats simply could not get anything going against an inferior opponent. Their offense was stagnant throughout the game, although they came through to score a game winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Northwestern will learn much more about themselves when they host Wisconsin next week.
Next week: Northwestern hosts Wisconsin at noon ET
7. Purdue (4-3, 3-1 defeated Ohio State 49-20)Purdue is a different team than the one who started the season 0-3. The Boilermakers defense finally matched the firepower of its offense and that ultimately led to an upset blowout win against Ohio State. Purdue can still win the Big Ten West, and if they play like they did against the Buckeyes, they can beat anybody. The biggest challenge for Purdue moving forward may be keeping Jeff Brohm in West Lafayette.
Next week: Purdue plays at Michigan State at noon ET
8. Michigan State (4-3, 2-2 lost to Michigan 21-7)Michigan State looked awful against Michigan, but then again, most teams do. It's hard to expect much production when going up against the Wolverines defense. The Spartans have largely disappointed this year after being pegged as a playoff sleeper. Michigan State will need to stave off red-hot Purdue next week or else their season could really take a turn for the worst.
Next week: Michigan State hosts Purdue at noon ET
9. Maryland (4-3, 2-2 lost to Iowa 23-0)Maryland looked like a JV squad against Iowa's vaunted defense. The Terrapins couldn't get anything going. This Maryland team is tough to figure out. They have two conference wins, but this loss was ugly. They have a win over now 6th ranked Texas, but they also have a home loss to Temple. Maryland has the talent to win, but it's been a mystery as to whether they can put it together.
Next week: Maryland hosts Illinois at 3:30PM ET
10. Indiana (4-4, 1-4 lost to Penn State 33-28)Indiana is tired of being close, but close is all they came on Saturday against Penn State. For the most part, Indiana completely outplayed the Nittany Lions, but they couldn't get a lucky bounce. Two muffed Penn State punts bounced cleanly back to the returner. Six holding penalties halted several Indiana drives. Indiana shot themselves in the foot on special teams, giving up a kickoff return for a TD after taking a one-point lead. At the halfway point of the season, some IU fans are wondering if this team will ever "breakthrough" under Tom Allen.
Next week: Indiana plays at Minnesota on Friday at 8PM ET
11. Minnesota (3-4, 0-4 lost to Nebraska 53-28)Minnesota is still searching for a conference win. Despite how bad Nebraska is, it is still an incredibly difficult place to play. So while the Gophers started 3-1, it isn't a huge surprise to see them on a losing streak. Minnesota is still in rebuilding mode under second-year coach PJ Fleck. The Gophers have been ravaged by injuries and inconsistent play. The upcoming game against Indiana has become a must-win game for both teams.
Next week: Minnesota hosts Indiana on Friday at 8PM ET
12. Illinois (3-4, 1-3 lost to Wisconsin 49-20)
Illinois season is going just about as expected so far. The bar wasn't set to high for the Fighting Illini and they haven't surprised anyone yet. Wisconsin dominated Illinois en route to a 29-point victory. Illinois can turn things around with a win next week against Maryland. Maryland has much more talent than the Fighting Illini, but it is certainly a winnable game.
Next week: Illinois plays at Maryland at 3:30PM ET
13. Nebraska (1-6, 1-4 defeated Minnesota 53-28)Scott Frost finally won a game. Our sincerest apologies to the Big Ten Network, but this conference win doesn't mask the fact that Nebraska is an awful football team. The Cornhuskers raced out to a 28-0 lead before allowing the Gophers to score 22 unanswered points. Nebraska kept their foot on the gas and cruised to victory. Nebraska will trounce Bethune-Cookman next week, but Frost's Huskers still have road games against Ohio State and Iowa remaining. It will continue to be a long rebuilding season for Nebraska.
Next week: Nebraska hosts Bethune-Cookman at noon ET
14. Rutgers (1-7, 0-5 lost to Northwestern 18-15)The Scarlet Knights came close to notching a conference win against Northwestern, but they fell short. After taking a five point lead into the fourth quarter, Rutgers collapsed. Despite holding Northwestern to under 300 yards, Rutgers only accumulated 188 yards themselves. Another brutal day during an incredibly brutal season. Rutgers has a much-needed bye week coming up.
Next week: Open Week