Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings.
Where do the teams stand after week 8?
1. Ohio State (7-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #1
Ohio State looked human for the first four minutes of the game, as they were down to 7-3. Then they decided to outscore the Hawkeyes 51 to 3 to route Iowa in Columbus.
Next Up: @ Penn State
2. Michigan (7-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #2
Michigan was idle last week, they now host in state rival Michigan State.
Next Up: Michigan State
3. Illinois (6-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #3
Illinois was idle last week, they now travel to Nebraska as 7 point favorites.
Next Up: @ Nebraska
4. Penn State (6-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
In his 40th career start, Sean Clifford threw four touchdowns as Penn State beats Minnesota in their annual White Out game.
Next Up: Ohio State
5. Maryland (6-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #6
Maryland was without starting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa as they take down Northwestern to become bowl eligible.
Next Up: Idle
6. Wisconsin (4-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #11
The Badgers have now beaten Purdue an impressive 16 consecutive times. Graham Mertz threw for 203 yards and tosses two touchdowns.
Next Up: Bye
7. Purdue (5-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #5
The last time Purdue beat Wisconsin in football, the average cost of a gallon of gas was $1.72. They now gladly welcome a bye week.
Next Up: Bye
8. Minnesota (4-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #7
I wonder if Athan Kaliakmanis imagined his first start as a college quarterback in front of 100,000 people in a night game in Happy Valley. The Gophers have now lost three in a row.
Next Up: Rutgers
9. Nebraska (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #9
The Huskers had a bye week and will now try to cool down the red hot Illini at home.
Next Up: Illinois
10. Iowa (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #8
Iowa’s top defense could only handle the Buckeyes so long. The offense continues to scratch heads with Petras running things. Is it time for Padilla to start?
Next Up: Northwestern
11. Rutgers (4-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #12
Rutgers snapped a 21-game conference home losing streak as they beat Indiana by 24-17.
Next Up: @ Minnesota
12. Michigan State (3-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
The Spartans were on a bye week last week. Came at a good time as they now travel to Ann Arbor to take on their friendly rivals.
Next Up: @ Michigan
13. Indiana (3-5)
Last Week’s Spot: #13
After a 3-0 start, the Hoosiers have dropped five in a row. They head into a bye before they play Penn State and Ohio State.
Next Up: Bye
14. Northwestern (1-6)
Last Week’s Spot: #14
The Wildcats tied things up in the fourth quarter but gave up a 75 yard touchdown run to Roman Hemby on the next possession. Does Northwestern win another game this year?
Next Up: @ Maryland
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