Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings.
The road to the Big Ten West division crown got more clear after Week 12. It’s difficult to rank teams between spots four and eight, while the bottom four aren’t the easiest either, except Northwestern at spot 14.
Where do teams stand after Week 12?
1. Ohio State (11-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #2
Ohio State survives a scare at Maryland to stay undefeated. Now it’s time for the game we’ve all been waiting for: The Game.
Next Up: Michigan
2. Michigan (11-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #1
It wasn’t pretty, and there was some controversy, but the Wolverines defeated Chase Brown and the Illini to travel to Ohio State for the battle of the undefeated.
Next Up: @ Ohio State
3. Penn State (9-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #3
Penn State beats Rutgers for the 16th straight time. The Nittany Lions are easily the Big Ten’s third best team.
Next Up: @ Michigan State
4. Iowa (7-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #6
The Hawkeyes lost to the Gophers in almost every stat line, except the one that matters most: the turnover battle. Iowa forces two turnovers in the red-zone to take control of the crown for the Big Ten West division title.
Next Up: @ Nebraska.
5. Illinois (7-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #5
Despite their loss, Illinois remains in the same position. Chase Brown had himself a game against Michigan, rushing for 140 yards and two touchdowns.
Next Up: @ Northwestern
6. Minnesota (7-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
Another year where Minnesota looks in control against Iowa, and another year where they can’t get Floyd of Rosedale. A missed field goal, a fumble, and an interception in Iowa territory prove fatal.
Next Up: @ Wisconsin.
7. Purdue (7-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #7
It wasn’t pretty, but with the win over Northwestern, Purdue stays in the chase for the division title. A win over rival Indiana coupled with an Iowa loss sends the Boilermakers to Indianapolis.
Next Up: @ Indiana
8. Wisconsin (6-5)
Last Week’s Spot: #8
Down 14-3 entering the fourth quarter, the Badgers scored 12 unanswered points to overcome the Huskers. Now bowl eligible, the Badgers look to get Paul Bunyan’s Axe back from Minnesota.
Next Up: Wisconsin.
9. Maryland (6-5)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
Why does Maryland move up a spot after losing to Ohio State? Maryland plays the Buckeyes tough, and the teams below them don’t deserve the ninth spot.
Next Up: Rutgers
10. Rutgers (4-7)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
Rutgers has lost four straight, and their hopes for a second straight postseason game are over.
Next Up: @ Maryland.
11. Indiana (4-7)
Last Week’s Spot: #13
It took two overtimes, but the Hoosiers snapped a seven game losing streak with a come from behind victory over Michigan State
Next Up: Purdue
12. Michigan State (5-6)
Last Week’s Spot: #9
Michigan State had an excellent chance to extend their winning streak and get one game closer to bowl eligibility, but they fell to the Hoosiers at home.
Next Up: @ Penn State
13. Nebraska (3-8)
Last Week’s Spot: #12
Nebraska squanders another lead and loses by one score. You have to give it to the Huskers; they are consistent in at least one area.
Next Up: @ Iowa
14. Northwestern (1-10)
Last Week’s Spot: #14
Good news: Northwestern didn’t have their top two quarterbacks, but their defense kept them in the game. The bad news is that they have now lost nine consecutive games.
Next Up: Illinois.