1. Michigan
The Michigan Wolverines look to repeat their Big 10 championship from a year ago and know that all roads lead to Columbus. After a slow start, they completely dominated Rutgers this past weekend and now look ahead to a home battle against Nebraska. With the Huskers and Illini sitting between them and the Buckeyes, Michigan must be careful not to look ahead. Their status as reigning conference champions and Ohio St’s struggles with Northwestern is enough for me to give Michigan the slight edge in this week’s Big 10 Football Power Rankings.
2. Ohio St
Ohio St unexpectedly took four full quarters to put Northwestern away in a wild and windy matchup this past Saturday. CJ Stroud was forced to use his legs, an element of his game that we haven’t seen much of, but was effective at crucial times of the game. The Buckeyes will host the Wolverines on November 26th, which is sure to be one of the biggest college football matchups this decade. They shouldn’t have any issues with Indiana this week but must be careful traveling to Maryland the following week.
3. Penn St
Penn St sits firmly in the third position of the Big 10 Football Power Rankings with little room to move up or down. After dropping games to Michigan and Ohio St, number 3 is probably as high as they can climb this season. However, with widespread weakness in the rest of the conference and Penn St’s recent impressive performances, it is highly unlikely that anyone could unseat them from their current position. With their Big 10 destiny decided, all they can do is hope for a potential spot in a New Year’s 6 bowl game.
4. Illinois
Illinois dropped an unexpected game to a reeling Michigan State Spartan team, which normally would’ve resulted in a drop in the Power Rankings. However, with Maryland and Purdue losing, there really wasn’t anyone to move up. Bret Beliema and the Fighting Illini control their destiny in the Big 10 West and will likely find themselves in Indy playing the Buckeyes or the Wolverines for a championship.
5. Iowa
In a surprising turn of events, the Iowa Hawkeyes appear to have found some offense. After putting up some embarrassingly bad offensive numbers in the first 7 weeks, Iowa has now scored 33 and 24 points in consecutive Big 10 wins. With Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Nebraska remaining on the schedule the Hawkeyes have a chance to save their season. Although unlikely, pulling off 3 wins to end the year could result in Iowa returning to Indianapolis for the Big 10 Championship game.
