Big Ten Power Rankings week eight!! With all teams in action except for Illinois (bye week), it was a fun, fun week in the B1G. The top-five teams and bottom four teams of the power rankings are unchanged,
but in the middle, from teams six through 14 there was lots of chaos. Minnesota upset Nebraska Friday night, elevating its status in the rankings, while UCLA’s 20-17 comeback win on-the-road against Maryland, also induced lots of sliding. With close games in Iowa City and South Bend (USC vs. Notre Dame), it was a fun week around the conference.
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. 2 Indiana (+2)
Wins (7): Old Dominion, Kennesaw State, Indiana State, N0. 23 Illinois, Iowa, No. 6 Oregon, Michigan State
Losses (0): N/A
Scoring Margin: +25.5 (2nd in FBS)
Week after week, it continues to be incredibly difficult not to talk about Fernando Mendoza. Coming off of a fantastic game in Eugene, Mendoza continued to zip the pigskin in Week 8, completing 24-of-28 passes while throwing for 332 yards and four touchdowns. With another gem of a game, Mendoza remains, in my eyes, the Heisman frontrunner.
But, all around, it was more of the same this week for the Hoosiers. Back home in Bloomington, Indiana thrashed Michigan State 38-13, While the Spartans were able to gain 367 yards, the Hoosiers’ red zone defense stood strong, forcing two field goals, and a turnover on downs, on three of the Spartans’ four red zone possessions. Curt Cignetti’s squad kept rolling!
2. No. 1 Ohio State (-)
Wins (7): N0. 22 Texas, Grambling, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, N0. 23 Illinois, Wisconsin
Losses (0): N/A
Scoring Margin: +24.0 (4th in FBS)
The Buckeyes game this weekend was quite uninteresting, outside of quarterback Julian Sayin. Playing Wisconsin, ranked 18th for the second-straight week in these power rankings, Ohio State did exactly what was expected, shutting the Badgers out in a dominant 34-0 victory. There’s not much exciting about a 34-0 stomping of a bad team, unless you’re part of Ohio State Faithful. However, what was exciting was seeing Julian Sayin finally get the go ahead to be more aggressive as a passer. For just the second time this season, Sayin threw more than 30 passes, finishing a whopping 36-of-42 on the day. Right out the gate, on the Buckeyes’ first drive, Sayin was 8-of-8 passing for 95 yards. To end the drive, on a 3rd & 11 from the Badger 33-yard-line, Saying was flushed out to his left, and threw a dart across his body to Carnell Tate in the end zone, into tight double coverage, for the touchdown. Though this was his highlight throw of the game and possibly the season. Sayin continued to play at a high level throughout, finishing with 393 yards and four touchdowns; a statement game for Mr. Sayin.
3. N0. 6 Oregon (-)
Wins (6): Montana State, Oklahoma State, Northwestern, Oregon State, Penn State, Rutgers
Losses (1): No. 2 Indiana
Scoring Margin: +27.0 (1st in FBS)
After a tough loss to N0. 2 Indiana the week prior, Oregon had to travel across the country to face Rutgers, in a game that some thought could give the Ducks some trouble, as demonstrated by the fact that they were favored by 15.5 points. In reality, after fumbling on their first offensive possession and setting Rutgers up for an early field goal, the Ducks practically played a perfect game, winning 56-10 in Piscataway. It was the Ducks’ defense that really had the all-star performance. Led by sophomore linebacker Black Purchase, who had a sack and an interception, the Ducks held Rutgers to just 202 total yards of offense, sacking the quarterback three times, and forcing three turnovers. Both Rutgers’ scoring drives came off the back of short field position granted by Ducks turnovers, meaning the Oregon defense did not allow one substantial scoring drive the entire game. A big bounce back game for the Ducks!
4. USC (-)
Wins (5): Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, Michigan State, N0. 25 Michigan
Losses (2): N0. 23 Illinois, No. 12 Notre Dame
Scoring Margin: +19.3 (5th in FBS)
Last Saturday, USC fell to No. 12 Notre Dame on the road in a ranked, rivalry game. With both teams desperately in need of a statement victory to elevate themselves into the college football playoff, this game was hard fought. In fact, with just 0:53 remaining in the third quarter, Jayden Maiava connected with Ja’Kobi Lane for a 59-yard touchdown that put the Trojans up 24-21. However, just moments later, the Trojans allowed a kickoff return touchdown by Jadarian Price, falling back behind. Notre Dame shut out USC in the fourth quarter, ultimately taking a 34-24 victory.
For USC, it was a combination of turnovers and a generally poor defensive performance, which led to the loss on Saturday. USC’s two best offensive players, quarterback Jordan Maiava and receiver Makai Lemon, combined for three turnovers which really hurt the Trojans. On defense, USC gave up 442 yards, 306 of which came on the ground. In its two losses this season, the Trojan defense has allowed an average of 472 yards and 34 points.
5. N0. 25 Michigan (-)
Wins (5): New Mexico, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Washington
Losses (2): No. 13 Oklahoma, USC
Scoring Margin: +11.7 (27th in FBS)
How can a Michigan team that is ranked in the AP Top 25 be behind a USC team that isn’t ranked and just lost by double digits?? Though USC isn’t ranked, they received the most votes out of the teams not in the AP Top 25, essentially placing them at N0. 26 in the country, one slot behind Michigan. USC and Michigan have the same 5-2 record, and USC holds a dominant head-to-head 31-13 victory over the Wolverines from just two weeks ago. These teams are neck and neck, but the Trojans still deserve to be ahead.
Nevertheless, Michigan had a bounce back 24-7 win against Washington. Really, Michigan was dominant, against a good Husky football team that was 5-1 entering the matchup. The Wolverines held standout quarterback Desmond Williams Jr. to just 209 passing yards, and -19 rushing yards, an unbelievable performance considering the numbers Williams has been putting up on the ground in recent weeks. On top of that, the Wolverines had three interceptions, winning the turnover battle 3-0 and wreaking havoc all afternoon.
6. No. 23 Illinois (+2)
Wins (5): Western Illinois, Duke, Western Michigan, USC, Purdue
Losses (2): No. 2 Indiana, No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: +1.8 (63rd in FBS)
Despite not playing this past week, Illinois was elevated into the Top 25 off the losses of USC, Memphis, Utah and Nebraska. Additionally, in these power rankings, Illinois jumps two spots this week due to Nebraska and Washington’s losses, settling in behind USC and No. 25 Michigan. Many Illini fans would argue that this team should be 4 or 5 in the B1G, but their blowout losses to N0. 2 Indiana (63-10) and N0. 1 Ohio State (34-16), size up poorly to the competitive ranked losses of USC and Michigan.
7. Iowa (+2)
Wins (5): Albany, UMass, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Penn State
Losses (2): Iowa State, No. 2 Indiana
Scoring Margin: +13.3 (20th in FBS)
245 yards on the ground, to just 67 passing yards in the air and orchestrated by a strong, physical run-first quarterback. That is, and has always been, Iowa football ladies and gentlemen! In a hard-fought B1G conference matchup between Iowa and Penn State, that saw both teams throw for less than 100 yards, the Hawkeyes came out on top, using a 67-yard Mark Gronowski run to set up the go-ahead Kaden Wetjen touchdown. Though it wasn’t their best game of the year, Iowa gritted out a victory in a physical football game, doing enough on the ground to overcome what is still a very tough, and talented Penn State defense. Gronowski’s 67-yard was the punctuation to a 130-yard rushing game, his first 100+ yard rushing game since his first season in 2020.
The 5-2 Hawkeyes will welcome 5-2 Minnesota this Saturday, hoping to advance to 6-2 and make their case for the AP Top 25.
8. Nebraska (-2)
Wins (5): No. 21 Cincinnati, Akron, Houston Christian, Michigan State, Maryland
Losses (2): N0. 25 Michigan, Minnesota
Scoring Margin: +10.7 (28th in FBS)
It all came crashing down for the Cornhuskers last Friday. After starting the season 5-1 and entering the AP Top 25, Nebraska’s B1G championship dreams were shattered by the Golden Gophers, who beat Nebraska wire-to-wire, 24-6. For Nebraska, it was the offensive line which had a long day in the office. Junior running back Emmett Johnson has run for an efficient 6.0 yards per carry on the year, but against Minnesota he carried the ball 14 times for 63 yards. Outside of one 12-yard carry, Johnson averaged 3.92 yards per carry, over 2 yards less than his average. On top of that, the offensive line also struggled to protect Raiola, as Minnesota racked up a mind-boggling nine sacks Friday night. As a result of the sacks, and a poor rushing performance, Nebraska finished with just 36 rushing yards on 29 attempts. After the 18-point loss, Nebraska fell out of the AP Top 25 and are in desperate need of a rebound win this Saturday against Northwestern.
9. Washington (-2)
Wins (5): Colorado State, UC Davis, Washington State, Maryland, Rutgers
Losses (2): No. 1 Ohio State, No. 25 Michigan
Scoring Margin: +6.7 (41st in FBS)
It was surprising to see Washington lose 24-7 against Michigan after the Wolverines’ 18-point loss to USC the week prior. Despite the game being deadlocked at 7-7 entering the half, turnovers got the best of the Huskies in the second half, as Demond Williams Jr. threw three interceptions, setting up Michigan for 14 points off turnovers. Despite Williams’ standout season, he has struggled in the second half of the Huskies’ two losses. Against No. 1 Ohio State, Washington entered the half down just 7-3. In the second half, the Huskies were held to three points and 99 yards, setting up the Buckeyes for one of their second half touchdowns after a turnover on downs at the Ohio State 44-yard line. Though the Huskies defense has been strong throughout the year, yet to surrender more than 25 points in a single game, OC Jimmie Dougherty is still looking to solve the offensive puzzle in big games.
10. Minnesota (+3)
Wins (5): Buffalo, Northwestern State, Rutgers, Purdue, Nebraska
Losses (2): California, No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: -1.8 (81st in FBS)
A GOLDEN MOMENT FOR THE GOPHERS! Minnesota kicked off the week by stunning 6.5 point favorite Nebraska, in a statement 24-6 victory. The standout player was Darius Taylor, who ran for 148 yards on 24 carries, with a second quarter touchdown. The junior could not be stopped, and was the key to victory in Minneapolis, running hard behind a strong offensive line.
Despite previously being 4-2, Minnesota entered the game in desperate need of a statement victory, with B1G wins over just Rutgers and Purdue, ranked N0s. 15 and 17, respectively, in these power rankings. With their win over Nebraska, Minnesota got just what they needed, leapfrogging Northwestern, Maryland, and Penn State and sliding in just behind Washington at No. 10.
11. Northwestern (-)
Wins (5): Western Illinois, UCLA, Louisiana Monroe, Penn State, Purdue
Losses (2): Tulane, No. 6 Oregon
Scoring Margin: +3.0 (58th in FBS)
Considering that Penn State is not that good of a football team this year, Northwestern’s 19-0 shutout win against Purdue was one of its better wins of the season. It was without a doubt the defense’s best performance, holding Purdue to just 42 yards in the first half, and then nabbing three takeaways in the second half. For the ‘Cats, it was junior defensive back Robert Fitzgerald who was all over the field, totalling 13 total tackles and a fumble recovery. After Fitzgerald’s big game, he is now 4th in the B1G in tackles, at 60 on the season.
Though Minnesota’s dominant win over Nebraska leapfrogs them over the ‘Cats, Northwestern is a ways ahead of UCLA at N0. 12. Northwestern could be in for a big rankings boost if they can squeak out a win in Lincoln against Nebraska.
12. UCLA (+2)
Wins (3): Penn State, Michigan State, Maryland
Losses (4): Utah, UNLV, New Mexico, Northwestern
Scoring Margin: -5.0 (91st in FBS)
UCLA extended their win streak to three games with a comeback, road victory against Maryland. With just 0:18 seconds to go, tied 17-17, it was Anthony Frias II who broke free for a clutch 35-yard run, setting up Mateen Bhaghani’s game winning 23-yard field goal. Frias II carried the ball just four times on Saturday, but averaged 24.3 yards per carry, racking up 97 yards and a touchdown.
Since firing DeShaun Foster, UCLA is 3-1, with their only loss coming on the road to a 5-2 Northwestern. The team’s played with a different type of fire under interim head coach Tim Skipper, as exemplified by the Bruins’ gritty win over the Terrapins. Though UCLA is yet to face a B1G opponent in the top half of these power rankings, it will get the opportunity to do so this weekend against Nebraska, at home in front of a re-energized Bruin fanbase.
13. Maryland (-3)
Wins (4): Florida Atlantic, Northern Illinois, Towson, Wisconsin
Losses (3): Washington, Nebraska, UCLA
Scoring Margin: +8.3 (36th in FBS)
Another week, another 4th quarter Maryland loss. This week, Maryland led 10-7 going into the fourth, with possession of the football. The Terrapins proceeded to allow almost twice as many points as they had during the other three quarters (13), squandering their narrow lead and losing 20-17. Maryland tied the game with just 0:33 to go, before allowing a five play, 68-yard drive that set the Bruins up for a game winning field goal as time expired.
Over their last three games, Maryland has lost a lead three times in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 44-7 in the final period. If Maryland had held onto their leads entering the fourth quarter, the Terrapins would be 7-0, atop the B1G, and peaking into the college football playoff. Instead, Maryland sits in the middle of the B1G, as a team that just can’t finish.
14. Penn State (-2)
Wins (3): Nevada, Florida International, Villanova
Losses (4): N0. 6 Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, Iowa
Scoring Margin: +9.3 (30th in FBS)
Playing in its first game without star quarterback Drew Allar, Penn State extended its losing streak to four games, falling to Iowa 25-24. Penn State turned to the run game as backup quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer struggled, completing 15 of his 28 pass attempts and throwing for just 93 yards with two interceptions. Despite an up and down offensive day, the Nittany Lions had a chance to win the game with 3:35 remaining down just one point. However, the drive stalled at midfield, as Grunkemeyer was unable to connect with Trebor Pena on 4th & 4.
Penn State showed resilience this week, playing Iowa tough on the road. The defense showed that it was still a force to be reckoned with, forcing a turnover and completely eliminating Iowa’s passing game. After the results this week, it seems possible Penn State could beat Michigan State, Nebraska (at home) and Rutgers in their final three games, and still make a bowl at 6-6. However, first, they have to play the country’s two best teams in back-to-back weeks: No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Indiana.
15. Rutgers (-)
Wins (3): Ohio, Miami OH, Norfolk State
Losses (4): Iowa, Minnesota, Washington, No. 6 Oregon
Scoring Margin: -7.8 (98th in FBS)
N0w, starting the series of blowouts at the bottom of the power rankings, Rutgers got embarrassed 56-10 at home, solidifying their standing this season as a B1G bottom feeder. Though some Rutgers fans had been holding out hope after competitive losses against Iowa and Minnesota, it’s hard to stay optimistic after scoring just 10 points at home against the Ducks. Though, as explained earlier, with no scoring drives starting in their own half of the field, Rutgers’ offense was essentially shutout by Oregon. Athan Kaliakmanis was 8-for-25 for 79 yards and two interceptions, creating questions about the senior quarterback’s job security moving forward.
16. Michigan State (-)
Wins (3): Western Michigan, Boston College, Youngstown State
Losses (4): USC, Nebraska, UCLA, N0. 2 Indiana
Scoring Margin: -9.3 (103rd in FBS)
For the second-straight week, Michigan State lost 38-13… yup, that exact score. Considering last week’s loss came against 3-4 UCLA at home, and this week’s loss came against N0. 2 Indiana at home, it’s true the Spartans did play better this week. In fact, Michigan State gained 367 yards, and did not turn the ball over. Aidan Chiles had one of his better games of the year, finishing 27-of-33 for 243 yards, and leading the Spartans in rushing, with 43 yards. However, poor red zone offense and a lackluster defense, which surrendered 464 yards, put Michigan State in a big hole. 0-4 in conference play, Sparty is down.
17. Purdue (-)
Wins (2): Ball State, Southern Illinois
Losses (5): USC, No. 12 Notre Dame, No. 23 Illinois, Minnesota, Northwestern
Scoring Margin: -8.8 (102nd in FBS)
Entering last Saturday’s game, excitement was high for Purdue fans. In Week 7, Purdue almost beat Minnesota, outgaining the Golden Gophers 456-262 yards. In fact, if not for the Boilermakers’ four turnovers and nine penalties, Purdue likely would’ve knocked off Minnesota on the road. On Friday night, that same Minnesota team Purdue should’ve beaten, went and beat Nebraska (who at the time was ranked N0. 25) in dominant fashion 24-6. By transitive property, Purdue fans had reason to think that this team was better than their record and due for an upset in Evanston.
That was not the case. Purdue’s offense went silent. The Boilermakers were shutout in a 19-0 loss and not much of anything went right. In the first half, the Boilermakers gained just 42 yards, and had the ball for just 7:38 of the 30 first-half minutes. Though Purdue gained more yardage in the second half, the team turned the ball over three times, squandering any scoring opportunities they had. Additionally, its starting quarterback, Ryan Browne got injured after throwing just 10 passes and is doubtful to play against Rutgers this coming weekend. Trouble for Purdue!
18. Wisconsin (-)
Wins (2): Miami OH, Middle Tennessee
Losses (5): N0. 4 Alabama, Maryland, No. 25 Michigan, Iowa, No. 1 Ohio State
Scoring Margin: -11.0 (109th in FBS)
Hosting N0. 1 Ohio State, Wisconsin got shutout for the second straight week, falling 34-0 in an empty Camp Randall Stadium. After their loss to the Buckeyes, the Badgers have still scored just 20 points in B1G conference games, now averaging five points per B1G game. Wisconsin is 2-5, and 0-4 in the B1G, hoping to not go 0-9.
