1
Michigan State Spartans
Record: 7-1 overall, 4-0 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 1
The Spartans can sit back and assess their official position in the playoff race with the satisfaction that comes from thrashing rival Michigan — again — and a bye week to enjoy before the Nov. 8 Ohio State showdown.
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2
Ohio State Buckeyes
Record: 6-1 overall, 3-0 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 2
A close shave against Penn State won’t do anything for the Buckeyes’ playoff résumé. But they are still breathing after J.T. Barrett got it done in overtime and Joey Bosa went all-out beast in Happy Valley. While MSU sits, Ohio State gets something of a rest too against Illinois.
3
Nebraska Cornhuskers
Record: 7-1 overall, 3-1 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 3
The Huskers got unremarkable performances against Rutgers from nearly everyone but Ameer Abdullah, who was remarkable in setting the single-game school record for all-purpose yardage with 341.
4
Wisconsin Badgers
Record: 5-2 overall, 2-1 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 6
Well, hello, Badgers. This was the team we’ve been waiting to see since Wisconsin collapsed in the second half against LSU. Solid defense, an efficient performance from QB Joel Stave and Melvin Gordon, well, being Melvin Gordon.
5
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Record: 6-2 overall, 3-1 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 4
The Gophers were not going to run the table. They just weren’t. Now people can stop asking about it. But Illinois? Minnesota finally failed to make a play when it was needed. Troubling to think that the other three top teams in the West remain on the schedule
6
Northwestern Wildcats
Record: 3-4 overall, 2-2 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 7
There’s still plenty within reach for the Wildcats. We’ve seen that this is a streaky team, but if it’s to salvage many positives from this fall, the next streak needs to start this week at Iowa. The schedule in conference for the rest of the way is manageable.
7
Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 4-3 overall, 1-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 12
Lots of heart but little to show for it after an overtime loss to Ohio State. The Nittany Lions scratched back from a 17-0 halftime deficit. Again, though, they just didn’t have enough on offense, especially up front, to pair with that salty defense.
8
Maryland Terrapins
Record: 5-3 overall, 2-2 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 5
Not much good to say about the Terps, who got steamrolled by Wisconsin a week after a feel-good win over Iowa. This was the kind of defeat that can affect a team for weeks. Not a good sign considering the schedule ahead.
9
Iowa Hawkeyes
Record: 5-2 overall, 2-1 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 9
The Hawkeyes stand firmly amid a crowded middle of the pack. But in contrast to the others, the Hawkeyes still largely control their fate, even a week after a troubling loss at Maryland. Much must be fixed, especially on defense.
10
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Record: 5-3 overall, 1-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 8
QB Gary Nova went down with a leg injury late as Rutgers tried to drive the field in the final minute of the first half. It was high risk, low reward, and it cost the Scarlet Knights in their second straight deflating loss after a promising six-game start.
11
Purdue Boilermakers
Record: 3-5 overall, 1-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 10
The Boilermakers got a week off in their bid for continued improvement after decent showings the past two weeks following the breakthrough win over Illinois. Here come the big boys, with a trip to Nebraska up next followed by Wisconsin at home.
12T
Illinois Fighting Illini
Record: 4-4 overall, 1-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 14
A quality performance from the Illini and a good day for coach Tim Beckman. It’s a start, thanks to a solid defensive performance and a lack of mistakes by Reilly O’Toole. Illinois still has a long way to go.
12T
Michigan Wolverines
Record: 3-5 overall, 1-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 11
What is there to say anymore? The Wolverines need to win out to finish the regular season above .500. Another hapless showing against Michigan State confirmed, at least, that Michigan’s mighty struggles could not be fixed by an off week.
14
Indiana Hoosiers
Record: 3-4 overall, 0-3 Big Ten
Previous ranking: 13
Hard to fathom that the team in this league with arguably the best nonconference win sits in this bottom-feeding spot. But the Hoosiers, without injured QB Nate Sudfeld, are a one-man show. We’ll see this week if Tevin Coleman can win at Michigan.
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