Big Ten Power Rankings: Final Rankings

Written By Dan Mogollon (@sportsmasterdan)

Here are this week’s power rankings:

(1) Ohio State Buckeyes (Previous Rank: 1); Record: 12-0 (8-0)

Last Week: Won @ Michigan 42-41

The defense gave up 603 yards but the Buckeyes dominated the running game, 393 yards to 152, as Braxton Miller went for 153 yards (3 TDs) and Carlos Hyde added 226 yards (TD) on the ground.

Coming Up: Big Ten Championship Game vs. Michigan State

(2) Michigan State Spartans (Previous Rank: 3); Record: 11-1 (8-0)

Last Week: Won vs. Minnesota 14-3

Sparty has won every Big Ten game by double digits this season and the defense has pitched a shutout in the second half in six of eight conference games.

Coming Up: 12/7: Big Ten Championship Game vs. Ohio State

(3) Wisconsin Badgers (Previous Rank: 2); Record: 9-3 (6-2)

Last Week: Lost vs. Penn State 31-24

The Badgers averaged 37.1 PPG through 10 games but over the last two weeks they were only able to muster up 44 points combined, as PSU blew up their BCS Bowl hopes.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(4) Iowa Hawkeyes (Previous Rank: 4); Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Last Week: Won vs. Nebraska 38-17

With wins over Minnesota, Michigan and now Nebraska the Hawkeyes prove they’re the best of the rest in the Big Ten. QB Jake Rudock and RB Mark Weisman accounted for 2 TDs each.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(5) Minnesota Golden Gophers (Previous Rank: 5); Record: 8-4 (4-4)

Last Week: Lost @ Michigan State 14-3

For the second straight week the Minnesota defense held the opposition to well below their season average, but for the second straight week the offense couldn’t crack the goal line.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(6) Nebraska Cornhuskers (Previous Rank: 6); Record: 8-4 (5-3)

Last Week: Lost vs. Iowa 38-17

It’s the same old story for the Huskers. Lose the turnover battle followed by statements released by school officials to cover up for coach Bo Pelini’s mouth.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(7) Michigan Wolverines (Previous Rank: 7); Record: 7-5 (3-5)

Last Week: Lost vs. Ohio State 42-41

Where has this Michigan offense been over the past two months? Without his kicker, HC Brady Hoke was right to go for two, but was that really their best play? Really?

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(8) Penn State Nittany Lions (Previous Rank: 9); Record: 7-5 (4-4)

Last Week: Won @ Wisconsin 31-24

Did not see that coming. Christian Hackenberg lit up Wisky’s pass D (3rd nationally in pass efficiency) for 339 yards and four TDs, while the defense didn’t allow a run longer than 14 yards.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(9) Northwestern Wildcats (Previous Rank: 8); Record: 5-7 (1-7)

Last Week: Won @ Illinois 37-34

QB Trevor Siemian had a career day, throwing for 414 yards and four TDs (no INTs) against the Illini’s porous pass D, as the ‘Cats were able to avoid a winless season in Big Ten play.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(10) Indiana Hoosiers (Previous Rank: 10); Record: 5-7 (3-5)

Last Week: Won vs. Purdue 56-36

Even without Tevin Coleman, three Hoosiers ran for 100 yards, however the defense allowed 516 yards and 36 points to one of the nation’s worst offenses.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(11) Illinois Fighting Illini (Previous Rank: 11); Record: 4-8 (1-7)

Last Week: Lost vs. Northwestern 37-34

There were some positives on offense this season, however QB Nate Scheelhaase and WR Steve Hull are seniors. At least RB Josh Ferguson (2 straight 100-yard games) will be back.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

(12) Purdue Boilermakers (Previous Rank: 12); Record: 1-11 (0-8)

Last Week: Lost @ Indiana 56-36

On a positive note, the season is over! OK, that was mean. True freshman QB Danny Etling threw for 485 yards and four TDs (no INTs) giving Purdue some hope for tomorrow.

Coming Up: Regular Season Complete

College Football Links:

Florida State & Ohio State Occupy the Top Two Spots in the BCS Rankings

Daniel Mogollon is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America. He is also a voter for the Thorpe and the Rotary Lombardi Award, as well as the Latino Sports MVP Awards.