B1G Power Rankings – Week of 11/10

We’re back for another B1G season!  Throughout the 2014 season, I’ll be ranking the Big Ten schools 1-14.  To see where your team was ranked last week, click here.  As always, if you think I’m right, wrong, or clinically insane, let me know in the comments.

Prepare to disagree…

1. Ohio State.  After an impressive victory at Michigan State, the Buckeyes need two wins in their final three games (against Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan) to return to Indy.  In other words, start making those hotel reservations now.
2. Michigan State.  Even after giving up 49 points at home, the Spartans are still the second best team in this league.
3. Nebraska.  If the Huskers want to maintain their #3 ranking, they had better get it done at Wisconsin.  Hopefully Ameer Abdullah got a lot better over the bye week.
4. Wisconsin.  Were the Badgers looking ahead when Purdue started to make a second half comeback?  Regardless, they regained focus and took care of business.
5. Minnesota.  Minnesota went Floyd of Routsdale over Iowa.  The Gophers have a prime chance to make another statement if they can catch the Buckeyes in a Spartan hangover.
6. Maryland.  Speaking of Spartan hangovers, if Maryland can catch Michigan State reeling, the Terps could take over second place in the East.
7. Penn State.  An out of conference game in mid-November?  Who do you think you are, an SEC team?  Oh wait, Temple isn’tan FCS school.
   

   Indiana, when you wear those helmets, you deserve to lose.

8. Michigan.  Give Michigan credit for winning – even if it was a one point win over a bad Northwestern team in one of the ugliest games in years.  The Wolverines are one win away from a bowl game.
9. Iowa.  A 37 point loss to Minnesota won’t necessarily get Kirk Ferentz fired.  But the Hawkeyes must beat Illinois to avoid the risk of losing out.
10. Rutgers.  The good news is Rutgers did not lose this weekend (they were idle).  The bad news is they still gave up 35 points.
11. Northwestern.  I have no issue with Pat Fitzgerald going for two and the win, instead of playing for overtime.  But his team should be stung by the lack of confidence he showed in his team to beat Michigan in OT.
12. Purdue.  The Boilers have lost four straight, all to teams in the top half of the conference.  After a bye week, they close out with two very winnable games (Northwestern and Indiana).
13. Illinois.  Don’t look now, but Illinois could realistically make a bowl game by winning two of their final three games (Iowa, Penn State, Northwestern).
14. Indiana.  The Hoosiers’ offensive performance was, well, offensive.  I doubt they can beat a really bad Rutgers team.  They may not win again in 2014.  And yet, they beat the SEC East leaders on the road.