Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 13

Wisconsin Badgers (12-0, 9-0 Big Ten)

Ranking: 1

LW: 1

Move: —

The Badgers looked as good as advertised in their 31-0 win against Minnesota. This writer may finally be a believer in what the Badgers have accomplished this season.

Next Week: vs. Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship

Ohio State Buckeyes (10-2, 8-1 Big Ten)

Ranking: 2

LW: 2

Move: —

Ohio State won their annual rivalry game with their arch nemesis Michigan, thanks in large part to a ten point fourth quarter. With a little help, a win could vault them into the College Football Playoff.

Next Week: vs Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship

Penn State Nittany Lions (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 3

LW: 3

Move: —

Penn State took Maryland to task to the tune of 66-3 Saturday behind six total rushing touchdowns. The Nittany Lions should be in prime position for a top tier bowl game.

Michigan State Spartans (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 4

LW: 4

Move: —

Michigan State finished 2017 at 9-3 and look forward to bowl season as one of the surprise teams in the Big Ten. Is there a coach that went from hot seat to beloved faster than Dantonio?

Northwestern Wildcats (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 5

LW: 5

Move: —

Nothing helps a team pad their stats like a matchup with the Illini. With five offensive touchdowns and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, Northwestern won handily against an Illinois team that once again fell apart in the second half.

Michigan Wolverines (8-4, 5-4 Big Ten)

Ranking: 6

LW: 6

Move: —

Harbaugh lost again to Ohio State, and as annual tradition fans will call for his firing. Michigan fans, look around. You have it pretty good.

Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5, 4-5 Big Ten)

Ranking: 7

LW: 7

Move: —

The Hawkeyes essentially ended the career of Mike Riley on Friday with a 56-14 victory over Nebraska. Iowa now will wait to see what bowl they enter in December.

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

Ranking: 8

LW: 9

Move: UP 1

Purdue secured bowl eligibility with a win over Indiana, as the Hoosiers were not able to finish their comeback late in the fourth quarter. Brohm has turned this program around in short order.

Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten)

Ranking: 9

LW: 8

Move: DOWN 1

Minnesota got whooped by Wisconsin and were unable to find paydirt in their final game of the season. Now, the Gophers will hold on to hope as a five win team seeking bowl eligibility.

Indiana Hoosiers (5-7, 2-7 Big Ten)

Ranking: 10

LW: 10

Move: —

Indiana made the end of the game with Purdue interesting, scoring 14 points in the final five minutes, but fell just short of the win. Now the Hoosiers, like Minnesota, have to hope to gain bowl eligibility as a five win team.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-8, 3-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 11

LW: 11

Move: —

Rutgers was in full control of their own destiny over the past few weeks but were unable to gain bowl eligibility. However, the future looks good for this program looks bright with Chris Ash at the helm.

Maryland Terrapins (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten)

Ranking: 12

LW: 12

Move: —

Maryland got the misfortune of closing their season against Penn State, ending their campaign on a sour note following a 66-3 loss. The Terrapins will look to continue to improve in 2018 with Durkin.

Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-8, 3-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 13

LW: 13

Move: —

Two for one deal on Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator if ya’ll are interested? #CubitsTakeNebraska

Illinois Fighting Illini (2-10, 0-9 Big Ten)

Ranking: 14

LW: 14

Move: —

The Illini finished dead last in the Big Ten and near the bottom of all power five programs. Lovie Smith and Co. have their work cut out for them. If only there was a new rule that allowed for a tenth assistant and there was a prominent St Louis high school coach that would be a great fit on this staff....

Seriously....we have GOT TO GET CORY PATTERSON TO CHAMPAIGN.