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
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
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