Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 10

Wisconsin Badgers (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten)

Ranking: 1

LW: 3

Move: UP 2

Wisconsin may have been the only team in the Big Ten to not seriously struggle against lesser opponents this past weekend. The Badgers are now able to secure a spot in the Big Ten Championship with a win next weekend.

Next Week: vs Iowa

Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten)

Ranking: 2

LW: 1

Move: DOWN 1

The Buckeyes, who were in solid control of their own destiny after a win against Penn State, got destroyed by Iowa 55-24. Ohio State will need to regroup, as they can still win out to guarantee a spot in the Big Ten Championship.

Next Week: vs Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten)

Ranking: 3

LW: 5

Move: UP 2

The Spartans continue their surprising season with a win over Penn State, putting them atop the Big Ten East. A matchup with Ohio State this weekend may decide who plays for the Championship.

Next Week: at Ohio State

Penn State Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 4

LW: 2

Move: DOWN 2

Penn State was an unbeatable giant just a few weeks ago but have now lost two straight in Big Ten play. The Lions will need help from other teams in the Big Ten if they hope to make it to Indianapolis for the Big Ten Championship.

Next Week: vs Rutgers

Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 4-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 5

LW: 4

Move: DOWN 1

Minnesota may have been just what the Wolverines needed to get back to their winning ways in Big Ten play. A 23 point win and 371 rushing yards gave Michigan a great day on Saturday.

Next Week: @ Maryland

Northwestern Wildcats (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten)

Ranking: 6

LW: 6

Move: —

For the second straight week, Northwestern needed overtime to secure a win. The Wildcats are now bowl eligible for the third straight season.

Next Week: vs Purdue

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

Ranking: 7

LW: 8

Move: UP 1

Iowa took the Buckeyes to task Saturday behind Stanley’s five passing touchdowns. You have to wonder how a team that played as well as they did lost three Big Ten games so far.

Next Week: at Wisconsin

Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-5, 3-3 Big Ten)

Ranking: 8

LW: 11

Move: UP 3

The Scarlet Knights won against a decent Maryland team, and look to be a programs on the rise in the Big Ten East.

Next Week: at Penn State

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

Ranking: 9

LW: 7

Move: DOWN 2

Maryland was not able to secure a win against Rutgers, despite a solid passing and running game on Saturday. Maryland will look to inch closer to bowl eligibility next weekend as they host Michigan.

Next Week: vs Michigan

Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten)

Ranking: 10

LW: 9

Move: DOWN 1

Minnesota was held scoreless until the fourth against mediocre Iowa this past weekend. The Gophers will look to to improve next weekend as they visit Michigan.

Next Week: at Michigan

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

Ranking: 11

LW: 13

Move: UP 2

Another Illini opponent, another team playing lights out. After a slow start, Purdue pulled away and cruised to victory over the hapless Illini.

Next Week: at Northwestern

Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-5, 3-3 Big Ten)

Ranking: 12

LW: 10

Move: DOWN 2

Nebraska hosted Northwestern, and did all they could to secure the firing of Mike Riley. I have been a vocal advocate for the termination of his contract, and I assume at this point it is a foregone conclusion.

Next Week: at Minnesota

Indiana Hoosiers (3-6, 0-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 13

LW: 12

Move: DOWN 1

Indiana joins Illinois as the only other winless team in the Big Ten in 2017. a 28 point loss to West division leader Wisconsin will not help the Hoosiers psyche as the season nears completion.

Next Week: at Illinois

Illinois Fighting Illini (2-7, 0-6 Big Ten)

Ranking: 14

LW: 14

Move: —

Illinois continues to struggle on the field in every facet in 2017. Their last hope for a win and removal from the Big Ten cellar is a win against fellow winless Indiana next weekend.

Next Week: vs Indiana