Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings

Where do things stand after week 9? 

 

1. Ohio State (8-0) 

Last Week’s Spot: #1

After Penn State took the lead early in the fourth quarter, Ohio State would go on to outscore the Nittany Lions  28-10 to leave Happy Valley with a win. J.T. Tuimoloaui returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown. 

Next Up: @ Northwestern

 

2. Michigan (8-0)

Last Week’s Spot: #2

Michigan stays undefeated and snaps a two-game losing streak to its in-state rival. But once again, there is another altercation in the Big House tunnel. It might be time to create a new tunnel. 

Next Up: @ Rutgers 

 

3. Illinois (7-1) 

Last Week’s Spot: #3

With a win over the Huskers, Illinois has a six-game win streak for the first time since 2011. They will finish with a first winning regular-season record since 2007. 

Next Up: Michigan State 

 

4. Penn State (6-2) 

Last Week’s Spot: #4

Even with a Big Ten title out of reach, a 10-win season is still in reach for the Nittany Lions. 

Next Up: @ Indiana

 

5. Maryland (6-2) 

Last Week’s Spot: #5

Maryland was idle last week but now head to Madison for a key matchup for both teams. 

Next Up: @ Wisconsin

 

6. Minnesota (5-3) 

Last Week’s Spot: #8

Minnesota snaps a three-game losing streak as it shuts out Rutgers 31-0. Mo Ibrahim scored three times and now owns the all-time program record for most overall touchdowns in Minnesota history. 

Next Up: @ Nebraska

 

7. Wisconsin (4-4) 

Last Week’s Spot: #6

Wisconsin was idle last week and will now host Maryland. 

Next Up: Maryland

 

8. Purdue (5-3) 

Last Week’s Spot: #7

The Boilermakers were idle last week. They host Iowa as four point favorites. 

Next Up: Iowa

 

9. Iowa (4-4) 

Last Week’s Spot: #10

The Hawkeyes snapped a three-game losing streak by beating Northwestern 33-13. It was their highest point total of the season. 

Next Up: @ Purdue

 

10. Nebraska (3-5) 

Last Week’s Spot: #9

The Huskers took the lead over Illinois in the second quarter with a Casey Thompson pass to Travis Vokolet. Thompson would get injured in the same quarter, and Nebraska couldn’t get anything going after that. 

Next Up: Minnesota 

 

11. Rutgers (4-4) 

Last Week’s Spot: #11

Rutgers was without their leading rusher, Samuel Brown V and Gavin Wimsatt started his second career game at quarterback. Not the best recipe to go against a tough Minnesota defense. Rutgers falls to 4-4

Next Up: Michigan

 

12. Michigan State (3-5) 

Last Week’s Spot: #10

Going into halftime, the Spartans were down 13-7 to their in-state rival. They would get shut out in the second half as Michigan was too much to handle. 

Next Up: @ Illinois. 

 

13. Indiana (3-5) 

Last Week’s Spot: #13

Indiana was idle last week. They now have a tough task with Penn State coming into town. 

Next Up: Penn State 

 

14. Northwestern (1-6) 

Last Week’s Spot: #14

Northwestern suffers its seventh consecutive defeat.I have to wonder if Pat Fitzgerald’s seat is getting a little warm? 

Next Up: @ Ohio State 

 

Follow Noel on Twitter: @N0etthompson

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