Big Ten Power Rankings: 11/18
1) Ohio State: The Buckeyes passed a tough test in a freezing environment. With their 31-24 win over Minnesota they took care of their last tough test for the regular season and they should close out the year on top of the Big Ten. J.T. Barrett rushed for a school record 189 yards, the most by an Ohio State quarterback. He also had an 86-yard rushing touchdown to cap off his big day. The Buckeyes finish their season with home games against Indiana and Michigan.
Last Week: 1
2) Michigan State: Maryland played them tough for the better part of the first half, but Sparty eventually overpowered the Terrapins to secure the victory. They are a very strong team, but having their two losses on the season to the only two ranked opponents on their schedule really puts any playoff hopes to rest. They should, like the Buckeyes, be able to close out the season with wins and finish a respectable 10-2.
Last Week: 2
3) Wisconsin: Two Words. Melvin Gordon. With a 408-yard performance, Gordon broke the FBS record for yards in a single game and also had four touchdowns on the side. He firmly cemented himself into the top of the Heisman race and Wisconsin firmly cemented themselves as the third best team in the Big Ten. If Wisconsin wins out they will win the Big Ten West and secure a spot in the Big Ten championship.
Last Week: 4
4) Minnesota: Sure the Golden Gophers lost, but they played the Buckeyes very close and in the process, proved that they are a legit team this year and that the 7-3 record is no fluke. If they hadn’t lost to Illinois, 8-2 would sound even better. They still have two tough games to finish the season as they play Nebraska and Wisconsin. However, Nebraska was picked apart on the ground by Wisconsin and Minnesota has David Cobb who can also do damage on the ground.
Last Week: 5
5) Nebraska: Wow, that was an embarrassing loss. Not only did Ameer Abdullah lose the running back battle, but Nebraska also lost the battle for third best team in the Big Ten and handedly at that. Abdullah did not look 100% and if he isn’t for the rest of the season that could be very problematic for the Cornhuskers who close out the season with games against Minnesota and Iowa. With the loss to Wisconsin, their fate is no longer in their hands in terms of winning the division and they will need help the rest of the way.
Last Week: 3
6) Iowa: After getting destroyed by Minnesota the week prior, Iowa took care of business against a struggling Illinois team. Iowa didn’t do much to prove that they are a much better team than anyone else previously thought, but they didn’t lose to a team they were supposed to beat so that raises their stock just slightly. The Hawkeyes face Wisconsin and Nebraska to end the season and like Minnesota, these two games will test Iowa and measure how much they have improved this season.
Last Week: 7
7) Penn State: Nittany Lions fans rejoice. Penn State is going bowling for the first time since 2011. They dispatched Temple 30-13 behind a season high 254 yards on the ground. Once again the defense was exceptional. They forced five turnovers, including one that was returned for a touchdown. Penn State ranks third in the nation in total defense and are still the best run defense in the country. With another winnable game next weekend against Illinois, Penn State could move to a very respectable 7-4 on the season.
Last Week: 8
8) Maryland: Maryland is right where they should be. They have beaten the lesser Big Ten teams and have gotten beaten down by the better Big Ten teams. In other words, middle of the pack is a perfect spot for the Terrapins. With Stefon Diggs out the rest of the season, the offense takes a big hit. C.J. Brown will have to step up and so will the defense if Maryland wants to win some more games.
Last Week: 7
9) Rutgers: Much like Maryland, Rutgers has taken care of business against their lesser Big Ten opponents. They dispatched Indiana 45-23 in what was a blowout from the beginning. However, the Scarlet Knights are thrown right back into the gauntlet next week as they once again have to face a Big Ten power house in Michigan State.
Last Week: 10
10) Northwestern: I just don’t know; I just don’t know anymore. After losing four games in a row to opponents that weren’t that strong, the Wildcats go into Notre Dame and beat the Fighting Irish in overtime. They are good one week, they are terrible the next. With games against Illinois and Purdue to close out the season, Northwestern could salvage a 6-6 season if they play the way they did against Notre Dame. However, knowing this team they probably won’t. We will have to wait and see.
Last Week: 13
11) Michigan: Michigan didn’t play this weekend, but they move down a couple spots because of impressive wins by several teams in front of them. At 5-5 on the season, the Wolverines need just one more win to secure a .500 season on the year, which seems like what many Big Ten teams are searching for. With a game against Ohio State to end the season, next week’s game against Maryland will be their best chance at a win.
Last Week: 9
12) Illinois: Wes Lunt came back, but he didn’t make much of a difference as Illinois still lost by a big margin. As we’ve said before, their season has been over now it will just be about playing for respect the rest of the way.
Last Week: 11
13) Purdue: Much like Michigan, they simply move down because of the teams above them performing well. Much like Illinois their season is over. And much like everyone in the bottom half of the Big Ten, they just haven’t played great this year. They will get better with Austin Appleby, however.
Last Week: 12
14) Indiana: Not much left to say. They get destroyed by a decent Rutgers team at best. They are last for a reason. Sorry, Tevin Coleman.
Last Week: 14
Jack Milewski is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him please email jbm250@psu.edu.
