Big Ten Power Rankings: 11/11

posted November 11, 2014 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Milewski

1) Ohio State: Ohio State looked very impressive in their upset win in East Lansing, and J.T. Barrett cemented himself as a legitimate college quarterback. The Buckeyes should be able to skate by as the rest of their schedule doesn’t yield any strong competition. But more about their game against Michigan State. The team put up 49 points against a Spartan defense that was giving up just over 20 per game before. Ohio State proved all the doubters wrong as they won their biggest game of the year to give them an outside shot at the College Football Playoff.

Last Week: 2

2) Michigan State: This is Sparta! Or, was, until Ohio State came into East Lansing and thoroughly dismantled the vaunted Michigan State defense. The team who many saw making a run at the playoff is surely out of contention now, having lost their two biggest games on their schedule. Although they sit at two losses, they are still considered the cream of the crop in the Big Ten. Michigan State will likely win out, like the Buckeyes, and that will put them in good position for a nice bowl game bid.

Last Week: 1

3) Nebraska: Speaking of big games in the Big Ten, how about the matchup between the Cornhuskers and the Wisconsin Badgers this coming weekend? The good news for the Cornhuskers is that after their bye week, Ameer Abdullah is probable for their showdown. In a game where both teams rely heavily on the run, he will need to be a central part of their offense, as he has been all season.

Last Week: 3

4) Wisconsin: We mentioned the good news for Nebraska in the fact that Abdullah can play. The bad news is that they have to face Melvin Gordon, who, along with Abdullah, has been one of the best backs in the nation. Wisconsin didn’t break much of a sweat in their 34-16 win over Purdue, although Gordon still had over 200 yards rushing and a touchdown, while also recording his first receiving touchdown since week two. The afternoon running showdown should be a fun one to watch.

Last Week: 4

5) Minnesota: When they needed a big performance, the Golden Gophers came through. Propelled by a 28 point second quarter, Minnesota passed their toughest test of the season so far, defeating Iowa 51-14. Mitch Leidner was efficient through the air as he completed 10-13 passes for 138 yards and four touchdowns. The Golden Gophers played their most complete game of the season and now sit at 7-2 on the year alongside Wisconsin and Michigan State.

Last Week: 7

6) Maryland: They can’t savor their first ever victory in Happy Valley much longer as now the Terrapins have to face off against Michigan State. Maryland will have its hands full with a team who is fresh off a tough loss and looking for redemption. They will need a big game out of inconsistent quarterback C.J. Brown if they want any hope of competing with Michigan State. Star receiver Stefon Diggs is suspended, and may be lost for the season now with an injury sustained against the Nittany Lions.

Last Week: 6

7) Iowa: Ouch. Losing your biggest game of the year by such a large margin never feels good. Especially when it’s against a team who was coming off a loss to Illinois. The Hawkeyes are not as bad as the score indicated; however they did prove that Minnesota is a better team than they are. They have what should be a fairly easy contest against the Fighting Illini next week, before facing Nebraska and Wisconsin to end the season.

Last Week: 5

8) Penn State: No one needed a win worse than Penn State. The team avoided a complete catastrophe by picking up their first win in five games, albeit against a terrible Indiana team. The Nittany Lions won in less than convincing fashion, but a W on the board may be enough to propel them to a win this week against Temple, and consequently, a bowl bid.

Last Week: 8

9) Michigan: It’s two in a row for the Wolverines for the first time all season. Michigan squeaked out a win against Northwestern 10-9 after almost blowing the lead multiple times in the fourth quarter. Much like Penn State, this is a team that is mediocre at best when it comes to offensive performance, but they found a way to win this week. Up next is a bye before taking on Maryland.

Last Week: 9

10) Rutgers: The Scarlet Knights are coming off a much needed bye week and they are also taking on Indiana. This is a game situated perfectly for Rutgers, especially after the caliber of opponent they have faced the past three weeks. No disrespect to Indiana, but Rutgers is probably licking their chops in anticipation of this game.

Last Week: 10

11) Illinois: Wes Lunt may be back, and Illinois’ season may not be lost yet. The quarterback, who suffered a leg fracture earlier in the season, had 13 touchdowns and three interceptions in the five games he played this season. If he gets back and is healthy, the Fighting Illini could be dangerous.

Last Week: 12

12) Purdue: The Boilermakers are making tremendous progress, it’s just not translating in the win column. They played another competitive game against a tough Wisconsin opponent, but at some point competitive just isn’t enough. They get a week off and then they may finally be able to crack the win column when they take on Northwestern the following weekend.

Last Week: 11

13) Northwestern: Like I said, dead wrong about this team. The way Michigan is playing this year, Northwestern should have beaten them by two touchdowns. Instead, they managed a measly nine points en route to their fourth straight loss. The season doesn’t mean anything for the Wildcats now as they will simply look to salvage some pride in their last three games.

Last Week: 13

14)  Indiana: Oh so close to making a jump in the rankings. The Hoosiers hung in there against Penn State, losing by only six points. Still, ever since a win against Missouri, this team has played very poor football, and losing to an offense like Penn State’s is an indication of where they are at now.

Last Week: 14

Jack Milewski is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email jbm250@psu.edu.