Big Ten power rankings week 7!! Last weekend it was a full slate of nine games, with each team engaging in Big Ten conference play. Though mostly favorites won across the board, Indiana marched into Eugene
a 7.5 point underdog and took down N0. 3 Oregon 30-20. Meanwhile, in Happy Valley, the ‘Cats pulled off the upset of the week, taking down Penn State 22-21 after a late Caleb Komolafe touchdown. With the Nittany Lions dropping three straight games, Penn State chose to move on from head coach James Franklin, firing him on Monday.
In Big Ten Power Rankings, we take a close look at each team’s body of work up to this point in the season. When comparing teams head-to-head, I will first answer the question: “Who would be favored if these teams were to play head-to-head?” From there, if no obvious favorite exists, I will be specifically focused on comparing relative strength of victories and strength of losses to determine appropriate rank.
Note:
All AP Top 25 rankings listed the wins/loss tallies of each team represent the current rank of the team, not the rank at the time of the game.
Bold Wins/Losses: Represent the outcome of the game that team played in Week 7
1. No. 3 Indiana (+2)
Wins (6): Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State, Illinois, Iowa, No. 8 Oregon
Losses (0): N/A
Scoring Margin: +25.6 (2nd in FBS)
Primetime football, College Gameday, on the road in a raucous Autzen Stadium… and the Hoosiers came to play! In a physical, hard fought football game, Indiana outplayed Oregon in all stages: controlling time of possession; winning the turnover battle; accumulating less penalty yards; and gaining more total yards.
Though many still put Ohio State at the top of their B1G power rankings, when comparing these two teams resumés, Indiana has through and through been the better team to this point in the season. Indiana beat Illinois 63-10, limiting the Fighting Illini to less points than “the best defense in college football.” When playing Illinois last Saturday, the Buckeyes got outgained by the Fighting Illini and won just 34-16. Additionally, Indiana has the Heisman frontrunner, Fernando Mendoza, who is playing himself up to the top of draft boards with his elite 71.2% completion percentage and 9.5 TD/INT ratio. Cignetti’s squad is number 1!!
2. No. 1 Ohio State (-)
Wins (6): Texas, Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Illinois
Losses (0): N/A
Scoring Margin: +22.0 (6th in FBS)
This week Ryan Day coached his team to another blowout victory, while still managing to hide Julian Sayin from any pressure. While Sayin was once again an efficient pass-thrower, completing 19/27 of his passes and tossing 2 touchdowns, he played from a clean pocket and was not asked to throw the ball downfield. Sayin finished with just 166 yards and a long passing play of 22 yards, while not being sacked for the fourth time this season. Another week goes by, and Julian Sayin’s true talent remains a mystery to the football world.
On top of that, for the first time all season, the Buckeyes defense showed some bend, allowing almost 300-yards to a pass-heavy Illinois offense, which was likely the best the Buckeyes have faced so far this year. In fact, the Buckeyes got outgained against the Fighting Illini, who if not for their three turnovers, would’ve had a chance to be competitive in this football game.
At 6-0, Ohio State is obviously a premier contender for a national title, but there are signs of trouble brewing in paradise.
3. N0. 8 Oregon (-2)
Wins (5): Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Penn State
Losses (1): No. 3 Indiana
Scoring Margin: +24.2 (4th in FBS)
As a result of their 10-point loss at home to Indiana, Oregon slides down to No. 3 in these rankings. However, the Ducks are still legitimate contenders in college football this year. If anything, on Saturday, the Hoosiers looked like a championship team, rather than the Ducks looking particularly bad. Now, of course, there are things Dan Lanning will certainly look to address, most notably Oregon’s lackluster run game, which averaged just 2.7 yards on 30 carries, stalling offensive drives in early downs.
The Ducks need to regroup, win their next couple of games and get ready for a tough four-game finish to the regular season (@Iowa, Minnesota, USC, @Washington).
4. No. 20 USC (+3)
Wins (5): Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Michigan State, Michigan
Losses (1): Illinois
Scoring Margin: +24.2 (3rd in FBS)
The Trojans are very much in the college football playoff picture after a statement 31-13 win against Michigan. In Week 5 against Illinois, the USC defense gave up over 500 yards of total offense, allowing an egregious amount of big-yardage chunk plays. Last week, USC’s defense was much improved, allowing just 316 yards of total offense and only one play over 20 yards long. As Jordan Maiava, Makai Lemon, and the Lincoln Riley Trojan offense continued to put in work, it was this newfound defensive effort that was the difference maker.
This week, USC travels to No. 13 Notre Dame with the hopes of adding another victory to the win column and continuing to climb the ranks.
5. Michigan (-1)
Wins (5): New Mexico, Central Michigan, No. 25 Nebraska, Wisconsin
Losses (1): No. 14 Oklahoma, No. 20 USC
Scoring Margin: +10.8 (27th in FBS)
This year’s Wolverine team is struggling from an identity crisis. Bryce Underwood is still trying to find himself, struggling to be an efficient passer, and showing a tendency to give up on plays too early. And, the defense has had similar struggles, lacking the typical Wolverine physicality which we’ve come to expect out of Wolverine defenses. Sometimes, Michigan can stop the run, as they did against No. 25 Nebraska, but other times teams run on them at will, like the Trojans, who averaged 6.2 yards per carry and rushed for 224 yards. If these struggles persist, Michigan will likely find themselves on the fringe of the AP Top 25, well outside of the playoff picture, as they are currently.
6. No. 25 Nebraska (+2)
Wins (5): No. 24 Cincinnati, Akron, Houston Christian, Michigan State, Maryland
Losses (1): Michigan
Scoring Margin: +16.4 (15th in FBS)
Down 31-24 entering the fourth quarter, on the road against an explosive Maryland offense, the Cornhuskers dug their heels in and scored 10 unanswered points, winning 34-31 after Dane Key’s game winning touchdown reception with 1:08 to go. While the defense gave up 379 yards of offense, it showed up when things mattered most, allowing just 70 yards in the fourth quarter. The defense gave Dylan Raiola a chance to work his magic, and with 3:27 left in the game, Raiola marched his team right down the field on a beautiful seven play, 81-yard game winning drive that left the Terrapin faithful in shambles at SECU Stadium. The Cornhuskers are ranked and hungry for more!
7. Washington (+2)
Wins (5): Colorado State, UC Davis, Washington State, Maryland, Rutgers
Losses (1): No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: +11.4 (25th in FBS)
In the second half against Rutgers, Washington outscored Rutgers 28-6, pulling away to a dominant 38-19 victory after trailing 13-10 at halftime. The story of the game was sophomore quarterback Demond Williams, who was 21/27 for 402 passing yards and 2 passing touchdowns, while ALSO adding 136 yards on the ground and scoring 2 rushing touchdowns. Though this was Williams’ best game of the season, he’s been great all year, with a 74.1% season completion percentage, and per game averages of 271.3 passing yards and 63.3 rushing yards. With Williams rolling, the Huskies are 5-1 and bound to make some noise in the coming weeks.
8. No. 17 Illinois (-2)
Wins (4): Western Illinois, Duke, No. 20 USC, Purdue
Losses (2): No. 3 Indiana, No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: +1.8 (59th in FBS)
After hosting Big Noon Kickoff for the second time this season, it was another rough Saturday in Champaign, Illinois. Facing its second top 10 opponent of the season, Illinois was blown out for a second time, falling 34-16 in front of a home crowd. Though it was another discouraging loss, the Fighting Illini were better than they were in their 63-10 loss to Indiana. In fact, Illinois outgained the Buckeyes, suffering from three costly turnovers which the Buckeyes turned in for 3 sub-thirty-yard touchdown drives. On top of that, Luke Altmeyer and his offense failed to convert twice on fourth down in Ohio State territory, coming away scoreless on two substantial drives.
9. Iowa (+1)
Wins (4): Albany, UMass, Rutgers, Wisconsin
Losses (2): Iowa State, No. 3 Indiana
Scoring Margin: +15.8 (17th in FBS)
Iowa won 37-0 on the road in a Big 10 game this weekend. Context: it was Wisconsin, who has been the worst team in the conference through seven weeks. But, despite their opponent, the Hawkeyes looked objectively good, dominating in the run game with 210 yards, the squad’s third time this season rushing for over 200 yards.
There isn’t anything flashy about this Iowa team. But, they play classic B1G football, with a run-first offense and a physical defense that finds a way to force turnovers. And thus far, the Hawkeyes have been quite underrated, coming a touchdown away from upsetting Indiana in a game that was tied 10-10 entering the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Iowa has been dominant in their wins, racking up victories of 37-0, 47-7 and 34-7 en route to the 17th best point differential in the nation. Kirk Ferentz may have something brewing in Iowa City this year.
10. Maryland (-)
Wins (4): Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Wisconsin
Losses (2): Washington, No. 25 Nebraska
Scoring Margin: +10.6 (28th in FBS)
This week, Maryland entered the fourth quarter against a quality opponent, at home, with a touchdown lead. Nebraska scored 10-straight points, mounting a comeback and winning 34-31. This is the second week in a row that the Terrapins have blown a lead at home in the fourth quarter. Last week, they led Washington 20-3 entering the final period, before getting outscored 21-0 and falling 24-21. If Maryland held on to these games, it would be 6-0, ranked and touted as a top team in the B1G. Instead, it’s clear that their defense can’t be trusted to make stops late in the game, and though Malik Washington Jr. still may be the country’s best true first-year quarterback, he too has not risen to the occasion late in games.
11. Northwestern (+3)
Wins (4): Western Illinois, UCLA, Louisiana Monroe, Penn State
Losses (2): Tulane, No. 8 Oregon
Scoring Margin: -0.2 (69th in FBS)
Huge win for the Northwestern Wildcats, who marched into University Park as 21.5-point underdogs and wrestled away a 22-21 victory. Though the Wildcats’ defense has played quite well all season, it’s their offense which has found itself the past two weeks, hanging 42 points on Louisiana Monroe, and scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter on the road against a Nittany Lion defense crowded with NFL talent. Caleb Komolafe and Joseph Himon II led the way on the ground, combining for 137 yards on 32 carries. But it was Preston Stone who made the big plays on the final drive, connecting with Griffin Wilde on 3rd-and-8 early in their go-ahead touchdown drive, and later on 2nd-and-10, for two big double-digit yardage passing plays. Stone threw for 163 yards and protected the football, avoiding a turnover for the third straight week.
At 4-2, the Wildcats are rolling towards a bowl game and will look to stay HOT against Purdue during family weekend.
12. Penn State (-7)
Wins (3): Nevada, Florida International, Villanova
Losses (3): N0. 8 Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern
Scoring Margin: +11.4 (25th in FBS)
Oh, Happy Valley… how one weeps for you. With national championship expectations entering the season, the empire has come crashing down. Under James Franklin, the Nittany Lions were always known as a team that could not be upset. But, for two straight weeks, as three touchdown favorites, Penn State was not ready to play B1G football, falling 42-37 on the road against UCLA and then losing again 22-21 at home against Northwestern. This past Saturday’s loss was the final straw for Franklin, who had truly lost a fractured clubhouse. On top of that, Drew Allar, who has played his way off of first round mock drafts, suffered an ankle dislocation which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. One would say Penn State has reached rock bottom, but they’ll have to fight to avoid a fourth straight loss this week on the road against a tough, hungry Iowa football team.
13. Minnesota (-)
Wins (4): Buffalo, Northwestern State, Rutgers, Purdue
Losses (2): California, No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: -5.8 (91st in FBS)
Coming off a brutal 42-3 defeat to Ohio State, Minnesota righted the ship, taking care of business as home favorites against Purdue. At this point in the season, the Golden Gophers haven’t really beaten anybody, with their top win coming at home, by three points, against a Rutgers team that I have at N0. 15 in these power rankings. However, at the same time, their losses aren’t too bad either, coming on the road against a good 4-2 California and No. 1 Ohio State. At home against 5-1 Nebraska this coming Saturday, the Golden Gophers will get a crack at a statement win.
14. UCLA (+3)
Wins (2): Penn State, Michigan State
Losses (4): N0. 23 Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern
Scoring Margin: -6.3 (94th in FBS)
In just two weeks, UCLA has quickly become the team that nobody wants to face in the B1G. While much of the media seems to have completely forgotten about the Bruins’ first four abysmal weeks, it is true that UCLA, under new leadership, has looked like a completely different squad the past two weeks. Following their upset victory over Penn State, UCLA went on the road and ran Michigan State off the field, winning 38-13 and out-gaining the Spartans 418-253. It was Jalen Berger who was the star, totaling 113 all-purpose yards and three all-purpose touchdowns, a career day for the senior transfer against his former team. With the way the Bruins have played the last two weeks, it’s definitely a possibility that they could stay hot and sneak into a bowl game at 6-6.
15. Rutgers (+1)
Wins (3): Ohio, Miami OH, Norfolk State
Losses (3): Iowa, Minnesota, Washington
Scoring Margin: -0.2 (69th in FBS)
Though it was a rough week for Rutgers, who lost 38-19 to the Washington Huskies, they actually slid up a spot in the power rankings because of how bad Michigan State was against UCLA. And, though the Scarlet Knights’ 19-point loss looks bad on paper, Rutgers was actually quite competitive, letting the game slip away in the second half as a result of turnovers and unfinished drives. Playing far away from their home in New Jersey, Rutgers jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and was still ahead 13-10 entering the locker room at halftime. Though the defense could not stop Demond Williams in the second half, Rutgers’ offense left points on the board, turning the ball over twice in the red zone on two long 70+ yard drives. It’s on to Oregon for the Knights.
16. Michigan State (-3)
Wins (3): Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State
Losses (3): N0. 20 USC, N0. 25 Nebraska, UCLA
Scoring Margin: -6.2 (93rd in FBS)
Suffering one of the worst losses of the week, the Michigan State football program finds themselves in a complete state of disarray. The Spartans’ defense has been absolutely lost this season, giving up an average of 40.3 points per game against power 4 opponents. On offense, things have been similarly rough, as quarterback Aidan Chiles was benched against the Bruins after starting the game 8-for-17 and passing for just 66 yards. Tough times for the Spartans in East Lansing.
17. Purdue (+1)
Wins (2): Ball State, Southern Illinois
Losses (4): No. 20 USC, No. 13 Notre Dame, Illinois, Minnesota
Scoring Margin: -6.8 (96th in FBS)
At 2-4, Purdue fans find themselves waiting for basketball season, as the Boilermakers have struggled tremendously this season on the gridiron. This past weekend, it seemed that Purdue might’ve found a patch of success, leading Minnesota 20-13 entering the fourth quarter. However, the Boilermakers crumbled late, missing a field goal, throwing an interception, turning the ball over on downs, and losing a fumble on their four drives in the final period. Though it feels like Purdue lost themselves the game, this team has been mistake-prone all season, turning the ball over 16 times through six games.
18. Wisconsin (-3)
Wins (2): Miami OH, Middle Tennessee
Losses (4): N0. 6 Alabama, Maryland, Michigan, Iowa
Scoring Margin: -7.2 (98th in FBS)
After losing 37-0 at home against Iowa, it became quite clear that this is the worst team in the B1G. It appears that this may be Luke Fickell’s last year wearing Badger red, as Wisconsin has been far from where they expect to be as a program through six games this season. With double digit losses in four straight weeks, Wisconsin is just hoping that winter will come soon and stop the bleeding.
