Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings.
The race to Indianapolis is starting to become clear as we are starting to see some separation in both divisions.
Where do the teams stand after week 7?
1. Michigan (7-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #1
The Wolverines rushed for over 400 yards against Penn State, with Donovan Edwards and Blake Forum combining for 239 yards. The schedule gets lighter till they play Illinois in the middle of November.
Next Up: Bye
2.Ohio State (6-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #2
The Buckeyes were idle last week. But it’s clear that the Buckeyes and Wolverines are in their own tier in the conference. To me, Michigan is 1A and Ohio State is 1B.
Next Up: Iowa
3. Illinois (6-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
Tommy DeVito returned to lead the Illini over Minnesota on homecoming. Chase Brown continued to shine, running for 180 yards and catching 3 passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Illinois is in the driving seat to win the Big Ten West.
Next Up: Bye
4. Penn State (5-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
In a top 10 matchup against the Wolverines, Penn State was down two points as they entered halftime in Ann Arbor. The second half was a different story. They gave up 25 points and only scored three. Sean Clifford left the game with an undisclosed injury.
Next Up: Minnesota.
5. Purdue (5-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #5
Aidan O’Connell tosses four touchdowns and throws for 391 yards as Purdue outlasts Nebraska at home. They will now head to Camp Randall to face Wisconsin, who has beaten Purdue 15 consecutive times.
Next Up: @Wisconsin.
6. Maryland (5-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #7
Quarterback Billy Edwards stepped in and led a game-winning drive to lift Maryland past Indiana. Taulia Tagovailoa was carted off the field in the fourth quarter. Maryland looks to become bowl eligible as it hosts Nebraska on Saturday.
Next Up: Northwestern
7. Minnesota (4-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #6
Good news: Mo Ibrahim returned and did Mo Ibrahim things, running for 100 yards for the 14th consecutive game. Bad News: The passing game didn’t exist, as the Gophers finished the day with 21 yards.
Next Up: @ Penn State
8. Iowa (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #9
The good news: Iowa had a week off to prepare for their next opponent. Bad News: Their next opponent is Ohio State.
Next Up: @ Ohio State
9. Nebraska (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
Remember the name Trey Palmer, because the Huskers have a playmaker in the junior wide receiver. Palmer caught seven passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns. He even added a 60-yard run to his stat sheet. Nebraska loses to Purdue by one score.
Next Up: Bye
10. Michigan State (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #13
The Spartans snapped their three-game losing streak with a much-needed double overtime victory over Wisconsin. Payton Thorne threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns. Michigan now waits for the Spartans after their bye.
Next Up: Bye
11. Wisconsin (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #8
After thumping Northwestern the week before, the Badgers go to East Lansing and give the Spartans their first conference win. Graham Mertz finished the day with a QBR of 36.1.
Next Up: Purdue.
12. Rutgers (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #12
The Scarlet Knights were idle last week. They will host Indiana to snap a two-game losing streak.
Next Up: Indiana
13. Indiana (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #11
Indiana turns the ball over three times in a winnable game against the Terrapins. To get to bowl eligibility, this week’s game against Rutgers is a must win.
Next Up: @ Rutgers
14. Northwestern (1-5)
Last Week’s Spot: #14
After an idle week, Northwestern looks to win their first game on US soil as they travel to Maryland.
Next Up: @ Maryland
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