Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings: Regular Season Finale
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Written by Evan McShane
The Big Ten closed out its regular season last Saturday and will have Michigan and Iowa face off this weekend in the Big Ten Championship in Indianapolis. Here are our final regular season power rankings.
1. Michigan (11-1, 8-1) – Defeated Ohio State 42-27
The Wolverines finally did it. Michigan beat Ohio State at home on Saturday, running all over the Buckeyes in a snowy affair. Michigan will play Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game.
2. Iowa (10-2, 7-2) – Defeated Nebraska 28-21
Iowa came from behind 20-6 to overtake Nebraska on the road on Friday. Iowa earned a trip to Indianapolis where they will play Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.
3. Ohio State (10-2, 8-1) – Lost to Michigan 42-27
The Buckeyes had a rare disappointing end to their season, losing to Michigan for just the second time in nearly twenty years. Ohio State awaits selection Sunday to find out which bowl game they’ll play in.
4. Michigan State (10-2, 7-2) – Defeated Penn State 30-27
Michigan State had a remarkable season given how things went in 2020. The Spartans capped off an impressive 2021 season with a narrow win over Penn State.
5. Minnesota (8-4, 6-3) – Defeated Wisconsin 23-13
Minnesota spoiled the Big Ten West hopes for Wisconsin on Saturday, beating the Badgers thanks to a dominant defensive effort.
6. Wisconsin (8-4, 6-3) – Lost to Minnesota 23-13
With a chance to earn a trip to the Big Ten Championship Game, Wisconsin dropped the ball. The Badgers ended their season with a disappointing loss to Minnesota.
7. Purdue (8-4, 6-3) – Defeated Indiana 44-7
Purdue destroyed Indiana at home to cap off their first eight-win season since 2006.
8. Penn State (7-5, 4-5) – Lost to Michigan State 30-27
Penn State lost a close game to Michigan State, ending what was a highly disappointing year for the Nittany Lions. It’s not often Penn State finishes the year below .500 in conference play.
9. Maryland (6-6, 3-6) – Defeated Rutgers 40-16
Maryland blew Rutgers out at home on Saturday to earn a bowl berth.
10. Illinois (5-7, 4-5) – Defeated Northwestern 47-14
Illinois manhandled Northwestern on Saturday, earning their fifth win on the year.
11. Rutgers (5-7, 2-7) – Lost to Maryland 40-16
Rutgers couldn’t win the final game and earn a bowl berth. The Scarlet Knights were blown out by the Terps.
12. Northwestern (3-9, 1-8) – Lost to Illinois 47-14
Northwestern’s disappointing season came to an end with a blowout loss to Illinois.
13. Nebraska (3-9, 1-8) – Lost to Iowa 28-21
Nebraska nearly pulled off the upset, but ultimately collapsed in the fourth quarter.
14. Indiana (2-10, 0-9) – Lost to Purdue 44-7
Indiana’s embarrassing 2021 season ended with an embarrassing loss against Purdue. An important offseason awaits the Hoosiers.