Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 11

Wisconsin Badgers (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten)

Ranking: 1

LW: 1

Move: —

Wisconsin secured its place in the Big Ten Championship with a win against hapless Iowa. Next up for the Badgers is a date with Michigan as they look to keep rolling as the only Big Ten team left with a shot at the College Football Playoff.

Next Week: vs Michigan

Ohio State Buckeyes (8-2, 6-1 Big Ten)

Ranking: 2

LW: 2

Move: —

Talk about a statement win, as the Buckeyes walked all over the Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. With a suffocating defense and a strong running game, Ohio State held MSU to a lone field goal on the day.

Next Week: vs Illinois

Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 3

LW: 4

Move: UP 1

Penn State got just want they needed in a home game against Rutgers. After trailing 6-0, Penn State ran off 35 straight, securing its fifth Big Ten win in 2017.

Next Week: vs Nebraska

Michigan State Spartans (7-3, 5-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 4

LW: 3

Move: DOWN 1

Michigan State was only able to muster three points against the Buckeyes on Saturday, and its once impressive record and resume is starting to look a bit tarnished. The Spartans will need a lions share of help if they hope to make it to Indianapolis.

Next Week: vs Maryland

Michigan Wolverines (8-2, 5-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 5

LW: 5

Move: —

The Wolverines defense continues to impress in 2017. While the record and wins may not be what the fanbase wanted (8 wins isn’e enough in Ann Arbor), the Wolverines will continue to build as they play in a high bowl this postseason.

Next Week: @ Wisconsin

Northwestern Wildcats (7-3, 5-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 6

LW: 6

Move: —

Northwestern continues to win games and the Fitzee train keeps on rolling. Fun fact: of all their Big Ten wins, only two have been by more than one possession.

Next Week: vs Minnesota

Iowa Hawkeyes (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten)

Ranking: 7

LW: 7

Move: —

Iowa just got a new, shiny ranking and immediately tossed it into a dumpster. A 24 point loss to Wisconsin will likely drop them from the rankings.

Next Week: vs Purdue

Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 8

LW: 10

Move: UP 2

409 yards on the ground and six touchdowns? That is how the Gophers dismantled Nebraska. That is more rushing yards in one game than some teams top running back have had in the entire season.

Next Week: at Northwestern

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten)

Ranking: 9

LW: 8

Move: DOWN 1

Well, Rutgers did have the lead in Happy Valley for a bit, but gave up 35 straight for a 35-6 loss. On the bright side, a lot of teams have lost to Penn State this season.

Next Week: at Indiana

Maryland Terrapins (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 10

LW: 9

Move: DOWN 1

Maryland continues to stumble late in Big Ten play, this time against Michigan. On the bight side, Taivon Jacobs looked like a star against one of the best defenses in college football.

Next Week: at Michigan State

Purdue Boilermakers (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 11

LW: 11

Move: —

Purdue was held scoreless in the first half against Northwestern and were held to 40 yards on the ground as a team. The Boilermakers are, however, still in control of their destiny regarding bowl eligibility.

Next Week: at Iowa

Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten)

Ranking: 12

LW: 12

Move: —

Huskers losing against an opponent they should beat by 10? Sounds like a broken record in 2017. To our friends in Lincoln, I know a lightly used head coach and ‘offensive coordinator’ that are still available for hire. #CubitsToNebraska

Next Week: at Penn State

Indiana Hoosiers (4-6, 1-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 13

LW: 13

Move: —

Indiana ended its season-long Big Ten winless streak against the only other team in the Big Ten in worst shape than them. The Hoosiers, now at 1-6 in the Big Ten, likely won’t be in the cellar at the close of the 2017 season.

Next Week: vs Rutgers

Illinois Fighting Illini (2-8, 0-7 Big Ten)

Ranking: 14

LW: 14

Move: —

That honor goes to the Illini. Still an improving, young team, the future may be bright for the Illni, but that does not do much for the fan base this season.

Next Week: at Ohio State...sigh