Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
10/27/2021

Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 9: Big Ten East awaits East Lansing showdown

This upcoming week is easily the biggest week in the Big Ten so far. The in-state rivalry in East Lansing is shaping up to be the most important game in the Big Ten East race so far.

The first College Football Playoff rankings also come out next week. So we’re about to get a really good feeling of where everyone is at the top. 

1. Ohio State


Last week: 54-7 win at Indiana 

The Buckeyes proved they were the best team in the Big Ten last week and lit up a solid Indiana defense. Ohio State scored a touchdown on each of its first six possessions.

Next up: Vs No. 20 Penn State 

2. Iowa


Last week: Bye week

Now that the annual Purdue upset game is out of the way, it’s only a matter of time before Iowa somehow finds a way to end up in Indianapolis. 

Next up: At Wisconsin  

 3. Michigan


Last week: 33-7 win vs Northwestern

It’s been seven wins versus seven unranked teams for the Wolverines but the gauntlet is approaching as they head to East Lansing this weekend.

Next up: At No. 8 Michigan State 

4. Michigan State


Last week: Bye week 

LSU coaching rumors are swirling around Mel Tucker and Sparty right now. Let’s see if they can stay focused as they host an in-state rival from about an hour southeast. 

Next up: Vs No. 6 Michigan 

5. Penn State


Last week: 20-18 loss vs Illinois 

The Nittany Lions hosted the longest game in college football history last weekend and  only mustered 18 points. How is that even possible? Well, Penn State was just inefficient in all facets of the game. 

Next up: At No. 5 Ohio State

6. Wisconsin 


Last week: 30-13 win at No. 25 Purdue 

Wisconsin and Graham Mertz only threw the ball eight times. Fifty-one rushes absolutely flattened the Boilermakers. 

Next up: Vs No. 9 Iowa 

7. Minnesota


Last week: 34-16 win vs Maryland 

Minnesota has sneakily climbed the past few weeks and if you take away the Bowling Green loss in week four, the Gophers have a top-25 resumé. 

Next up: At Northwestern 

mail-8-300x300
(Max Wood/HN)

8. Purdue 


Last week: 30-13 loss vs Wisconsin 

Purdue didn’t stay ranked for long as the turnovers were just too much to overcome against the Badgers. 

Next up: At Nebraska 

9. Maryland


Last week: 34-16 win vs Minnesota

After an easy 4-0 start, the Terps have lost three in a row. And all three of those losses were not even close. Things don’t bode well for them going down the stretch in November. 

Next up: Vs Indiana 

10. Nebraska 


Last week: Bye week 

I don’t think anyone expected the Huskers to be good this year but they have the end of the season to prove a lot of people wrong. Two of their next four include top-10 teams. 

Next up: Vs Purdue 

11. Indiana 


Last week: 54-7 loss vs No. 5 Ohio State 

It’s been three top-10 opponents in a row for the Hoosiers and they finally will get a breather to end the season. Indiana was in no way prepared to go step-by-step with the Buckeyes and the offense remains a huge question mark. 

Next up: At Maryland 

12. Northwestern


Last week: 33-7 loss at No. 6 Michigan 

The Wildcats have this thing where every two years they’re really bad. Weird. 

Next up: Vs Minnesota 

13. Illinois 


Last week: 20-18 win at No. 7 Penn State

The Illini are out of the 14th spot. Illinois rushed the ball 67 times last week. Yes, 67. That’s pretty crazy and then you realize that same game went into nine overtimes. If you didn’t watch it, you really missed out. 

Next up: Vs Rutgers 

14. Rutgers  


Last week: Bye week

Coming off the bye I really didn’t have anything to do or say about the Scarlet Knights so they’re in the 14 hole. The fight for the worst team in the conference is next week. 

Next up: At Illinois

More
Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 Hoosier Network