Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 9
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Written by Evan McShane
There were some big time games in the Big Ten this weekend and will be next weekend as well that should clear up the divisional races.
1. Ohio State (7-1, 5-0) – Defeated Penn State 33-24
The Buckeyes are back atop the Big Ten Power Rankings after taking care of Penn State at home. Ohio State has won an unprecedented 23 straight conference games. OSU hits the road next week to play a reeling Nebraska team.
2. Michigan State (8-0, 5-0) – Defeated Michigan 37-33
Michigan State looked dead in the water at home against Michigan before rallying to victory. The Spartans are red hot to start the season, they are the league’s only undefeated team. Next week MSU heads to West Lafayette for a showdown against Purdue – a Boilermaker team who already has a top-10 upset win this season.
3. Michigan (7-1, 4-1) – Lost to Michigan State 37-33
Michigan choked in a rivalry game once again. The Wolverines blew a commanding 30-14 lead late in the third quarter, getting outscored by MSU 23-7 over the final 19 minutes of the game. Michigan will host a broken Indiana Hoosier team next week, in what should be a get-right game for Harbaugh and Co.
4. Minnesota (6-2, 4-1) – Defeated Northwestern 41-14
Minnesota is on a roll now after beating Northwestern handily at home. After an embarrassing loss to Bowling Green at home back in September, the Gophers have won four straight Big Ten games – all of them won by a touchdown or more. Minnesota plays Illinois at home next week where they’ll try to win their fifth straight.
5. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2) – Defeated Iowa 27-7
Wisconsin manhandled Iowa at home on Saturday for their fourth straight win. The Badgers season looked to be in serious trouble after a 1-3 start, but Wisconsin is hitting their stride into November. The Badgers will head to New Jersey to play Rutgers next week.
6. Purdue (5-3, 3-2) – Defeated Nebraska 28-23
Purdue’s up-and-down season continued with a close win over Nebraska on the road. The Boilermakers’ offense overpowered the Cornhuskers. The Boilers will host Michigan State next week where they’ll try to go for their second major upset win this season.
7. Maryland (5-3, 2-3) – Defeated Indiana 38-35
Maryland is back in the win column after taking care of business against Indiana at home on Saturday. The Terps offense got whatever they wanted against the Hoosiers defense. Maryland will host Penn State next week.
8. Iowa (6-2, 3-2) – Lost to Wisconsin 27-7
A 6-0 start and #2 national ranking seems like a distant memory for Iowa, who has now lost two straight. The Hawkeyes couldn’t hang with the Badgers on the road, managing just seven points in the game. Iowa will play Northwestern on the road next week.
9. Penn State (5-3, 2-3) – Lost to Ohio State 33-24
After a 5-0 start the Nittany Lions have lost three straight games. Penn State kept it close against Ohio State in The Shoe, but ultimately fell short. PSU will play Maryland on the road next week.
10. Rutgers (4-4, 1-4) – Defeated Illinois 20-14
Rutgers notched their first conference win on Saturday, edging Illinois by six points. The Scarlet Knights defense was stout against the Illini, and the offense made enough plays to win. Next week Rutgers will host Wisconsin.
11. Illinois (3-6, 2-4) – Lost to Rutgers 20-14
Illinois followed up their upset win over Penn State last week with a dud. The Illini took a lead over Rutgers into the fourth quarter before being outscored 10-0 in the final frame. Illinois will play Minnesota on the road net week.
12. Northwestern (3-5, 1-4) – Lost to Minnesota 41-14
Northwestern is averaging 12 points per game over their last four Big Ten contests. The Wildcats will try to get back on track at home next week against Iowa.
13. Nebraska (3-6, 1-5) – Lost to Purdue 28-23
Scott Frost continues to dig his own grave. Nebraska made countless mistakes on their way to another home loss to Purdue. Things won’t get any easier next week. The Cornhuskers will host the Buckeyes.
14. Indiana (2-6, 0-5) – Lost to Maryland 38-35
Indiana’s success last season feels like an illusion. Flash forward to 2021 and the Hoosiers back to being one of the Big Ten’s worst teams. As it stands today, Indiana is the only Big Ten team without a conference win. Next week could be ugly as the Hoosiers head to the Big House to play Michigan.