1. Michigan
Michigan and Ohio St both have a reasonable claim at the top spot of the power rankings, but with two very different styles, analysts must decide which style they believe to be more effective. Michigan has a strong run game and the number 1 defense in the country, while the Buckeyes are stacked with talent and have proven to be a potent offense. I’m giving the edge to Michigan because we saw a similar matchup last year that ultimately went Michigan’s way.
2. Ohio St
The Buckeyes face Maryland this week before hosting their arch-rival Michigan in what is shaping up to be the college football game of the year. CJ Stroud has all but assured himself another trip to NYC for the Heisman ceremony, but will need to stay focused if he wants to land Ohio St back in the College Football Playoff. The vulnerabilities against Northwestern are the reason they are coming in at number 2 in the Power Rankings, but it’s no secret that the Buckeyes are one of the best teams in the country when they’re firing on all cylinders.
3. Penn St
Penn St’s massive win against Maryland drastically helped the Big 10’s chances of getting 2 teams into the playoff. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, one of those teams will not be them. Having already lost to Michigan and Ohio St this season, they have turned their sights on a New Year’s 6 bowl game appearance. They will almost surely land inside the top 10 nationally if they manage to win out.
4. Iowa
Iowa appears to have found some offense and has reentered its name into the Big 10 West running. After stumbling significantly early in the season, they have now strung together 3 consecutive wins against Northwestern, Purdue, and Wisconsin to move to 6-4. The Hawkeyes hope to finish strong and repeat as the West’s representative in the Big 10 Championship game.
5. Purdue
Purdue’s roller-coaster season continued on Saturday, but this week they swung to the positive side with a hard-fought win against the Illini. With a 6-4 record and the easiest remaining schedule of any Big 10 team, Purdue may find themselves matched up against Michigan or Ohio St in Indianapolis this year. But that likely would not end well for them.
