Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings
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Written by Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)
We are entering the final week of the college football regular season and one Big Ten race has been decided, while the other will come down to The Game in Columbus on Saturday.
1. Michigan (10-1, 8-0 Defeated Indiana 31-20)
Ranking Last Week: 1
Michigan and Ohio State barely survived, but at the end of the day the Big Ten will get what they’ve longed for all season: a winner-take-all showdown between the Wolverines and the Buckeyes in Columbus next Saturday. The Hoosiers challenged Michigan’s vaunted defense, putting up 385 yards and 17 first half points. Michigan prevailed with a balanced attack. 250 yards through the air and 257 yards on the ground. The Wolverines controlled time of possession 36 minutes to 24 and won the turnover battle. If Michigan wants to pull off a road win against Ohio State, they need to utilize their defensive prowess and exploit a weak Buckeye defense
Next Week: Michigan plays at Ohio State at noon ET
2. Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 defeated Maryland 52-51 OT)
Ranking Last Week: 2
The Buckeyes picked up a road win by the skin of their teeth. In what was an outrageous back-and-forth game, Ohio State capitalized on Maryland’s failed two-point conversion attempt in overtime. This game has to be concerning for Buckeye fans having watched their defense give up 535 total yards and allowed Maryland to run for 339 yards. How can Ohio State conquer a dominant Michigan rushing attack next week? Will they be able to contain QB Shea Patterson? Ohio State put up 688 yards against Maryland, but they can’t expect to come near that level of production against Michigan’s stellar defense. Next Saturday will feature another classic between Ohio State and Michigan.
Next Week: Ohio State hosts Michigan at noon ET
3. Northwestern (7-4, 7-1 defeated Minnesota 24-14)
Ranking Last Week: 3
Northwestern pulled off another victory against a Big Ten foe, advancing to 7-1 in conference play. The Wildcats controlled the Gophers from start to finish, although the victory wasn’t exactly dominant. The Big Ten West continues to underwhelm, with a handful of mediocre teams, and no clear-cut contender. Northwestern deserves credit for taking care of business, however, and they will likely head into the Big Ten Championship game sitting at 8-4. Northwestern will finish their season at home against a reeling Illinois team. Regardless of what happens next week, Northwestern will be massive underdogs against Michigan or Ohio State in the conference championship game. Can they pull off the upset?
Next Week: Northwestern hosts Illinois at noon ET
4. Penn State (8-3, 5-3 defeated Rutgers 20-7)
Last Week Ranking: 4
Penn State has now recovered from an embarrassing beatdown against Michigan two weeks ago. The Nittany Lions avoided catastrophe by defeating Rutgers. Penn State’s defense is rounding into form at the right time and Penn State could see themselves finish the season 9-3. The 14th ranked Nittany Lions host Maryland next week and if they win, they’ll be in line for a New Years Day bowl game.
Next Week: Penn State hosts Maryland at 3:30PM ET
5. Wisconsin (7-4, 5-3 defeated Purdue 47-44)
Last Week Ranking: 6
Wisconsin posting absurd numbers against Purdue, spearheaded by Jonathon Taylor’s 321 rushing yards. Purdue QB David Blough threw for 386 yards, but it wasn’t enough for the Boilermakers to overcome Taylor’s career-best outing. The Badgers scored just three points through the first two quarters before exploding for 24 points in the second half and 20 more in overtime. One concern would obviously be the Badgers’ defense. Wisconsin gave up 462 yards to Purdue and their secondary was taken advantage of. Although expectations were higher, the Badgers can finish their season with a respectable 8-4 record with a win against Minnesota next week.
Next Week: Wisconsin hosts Minnesota at 3:30PM ET
6. Iowa (7-4, 5-4 defeated Illinois 63-0)
Last Week Ranking: 7
Quite frankly, the Big Ten is somewhat of a mess outside the top two teams. Iowa didn’t surpass the Badgers power rankings because of their head-to-head loss. Nevertheless, Iowa absolutely destroyed Illinois 63-0. This was a beatdown for the ages as the Hawkeyes dismantled the Fighting Illini. Nate Stanley threw for three touchdowns, the defense returned a fumble for a touchdown, special teams returned a punt for a touchdown, and Iowa ran for four more touchdowns on the ground. Had Iowa not lost to Purdue two weeks ago, this season may be a different story for the Hawkeyes. Iowa hosts a suddenly rejuvenated Nebraska team on Friday next week.
Next Week: Iowa hosts Nebraska at noon ET on Friday
7. Michigan State (6-5, 4-4 lost to Nebraska 9-6)
Last Week Ranking: 5
Michigan State has one of the most boring offenses in college football this year. After sky high expectations for a team that returned a ton of starters, the Spartans have sputtered to become very average. While Michigan State likely beats Rutgers and finishes 7-5, it’s fair to wonder what prevented the Spartans from a more successful season. Will they return to their 10-win form next season, regress, or remain average?
Next Week: Michigan State hosts Rutgers
8. Nebraska (4-7, 3-5 defeated Michigan State 9-6)
Last Week Ranking: 13
Nebraska is finishing their season on a high note. A gutty win in the snow against Michigan State pushed Scott Frost and the Cornhuskers to four wins including three conference wins. While the win wasn’t dominant, Nebraska fans must be extremely relieved with this football team after starting the year with six straight losses. Since that point, Nebraska is 4-1 with their only loss a close game on the road against Ohio State. With coach Frost just getting started, the Nebraska Cornhuskers should become a force to be reckon with in the Big Ten for years to come.
Next Week: Nebraska plays at Iowa at noon ET on Friday
Tied-9. Purdue (5-6, 4-4 lost to Wisconsin 47-44 OT)
Last Week Ranking: 9
Purdue, Indiana, and Maryland all played extremely hard-fought, close games against tough opponents. Thus, all three teams are tied for ninth in the power rankings this week. Purdue’s offense continues to look unstoppable. Quarterback David Blough can seemingly surpass 300 yards with ease. Coach Jeff Brohm relentlessly attacks downfield and with playmakers like Rondale Moore, it’s no surprise the Boilermakers put up points with the best of them. However, Purdue couldn’t stop anything on Saturday, giving up 545 yards to Wisconsin, including 385 on the ground. Was this Brohm’s last game in West Lafayette? We’ll find out after a winner-take-all Old Oaken Bucket game in Bloomington.
Next Week: Purdue plays at Indiana at Noon ET
Tied-9. Indiana (5-6, 2-6 lost to Michigan 31-20)
Last Week Ranking: 10
Indiana fell short in their upset bid at the Big House. The Hoosiers hung neck and neck with Michigan, but with just three second half points, IU couldn’t seal the deal. It was an encouraging performance heading into the Old Oaken Bucket game next week. Indiana halted six of Michigan’s drives short of the end zone, forcing field goals (unfortunately, Michigan made all six kicks). The Hoosiers offense was respectable against Michigan’s famously stout defense. Coach Tom Allen has a chance next week to avenge Indiana’s loss against Purdue last year. For the second straight season, the winner of the Old Oaken Bucket will go to a bowl game and the loser will end their season at 5-7. Can the Hoosiers take care of their rival at home? A win would be a major step in the right direction for this football program.
Next Week: Indiana hosts Purdue at 1PM ET
Tied-9. Maryland (5-6, 3-5 lost to Ohio State 52-51 3OT)
Last Week Ranking: 11
Maryland almost spoiled Ohio State’s entire season. With playoff hopes in jeopardy, Maryland ran wild against the Buckeyes, giving them all they could handle. The Terrapins were making all the right plays and getting a few great bounces – including a fumble into the end zone recovered by Maryland for a touchdown. Ultimately, a decision to go for two in overtime resulted in an errant throw and a heartbreaking loss for Maryland. On the bright side, Maryland may have found their next head coach. Offensive coordinator and interim head coach Matt Canada displayed excellent play calling ability. Maryland must beat Penn State on the road next week to become bowl eligible.
Next Week: Maryland plays at Penn State at 3:30PM ET
12. Minnesota (5-6, 2-6 lost to Northwestern 24-14)
Last Week Ranking: 8
Minnesota failed to get their third Big Ten win in a loss against Northwestern. The Gophers failed to capitalize on an opportunity to clinch bowl eligibility. Minnesota couldn’t get anything going against the Wildcats defense one week after exploding against Purdue. Minnesota must pull off a huge upset in Madison against Wisconsin if they want to become bowl eligible. A win against the Badgers next week would be a major statement for PJ Fleck and the Gophers.
Next Week: Minnesota plays at Wisconsin at 3:30PM ET
13. Illinois (4-7, 2-6 lost to Iowa 63-0)
Last Week Ranking: 13
Illinois got flat out embarrassed against Iowa. The Fighting Illini didn’t put up much fight, giving up nine touchdowns while score none in the process. An up and down season has gone about as expected for Illinois. How long will they let Lovie Smith coach before pulling the plug? Some weeks Illinois looks competent, but other times they barely look like a Big Ten team. Will the Illini find consistency next year after another season without making a bowl game?
Next Week: Illinois plays at Northwestern
14. Rutgers (1-10, 0-8 lost to Penn state 20-7)
Last Week Ranking: 14
Rutgers covered the spread!
Next Week: Rutgers plays at Michigan State