Penn State football jumps in final Big Ten rankings before conference title game

Penn State football dispatched Maryland easily last Saturday to earn a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. An unexpected outcome by many, the Nittany Lions can become the class of the conference with a win over top-ranked Oregon this week.

Does Penn State have what it takes to claim the No. 1 spot in the conference for 2024?

Penn State football climbs conference power rankings ahead of Big Ten title game

The 2024 regular season has come to a close, setting the stage for conference championship weekend. What a wild ride this year has been. It played out similarly to the crazy 2007 season. Every weekend seemed to be full of upsets and close matchups. This past Saturday was no different. It speaks to the parity in college football.

With the Big Ten season ending and our participants in the Big Ten Championship Game selected, this will be the final power rankings of the season. Let’s look at where everyone ranks in the conference before playoff and bowl bids are handed out.

18. Purdue, 1-11 (Last week 18)

The Boilermakers have spent most of the season in the Big Ten basement, and that will not change after they were pasted by rival Indiana 66-0. Purdue has relieved head coach Ryan Walters of his duties after going 5-19 in two seasons, which ultimately helped Penn State football land a last-minute flip before Wednesday’s Signing Day.

Not sure who the Boilermakers will tap next, but Purdue has a long uphill climb ahead of them.

17. Maryland, 4-8 (Last week 17)

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

The Terps started off hot against Penn State football. Recovering a Nicholas Singleton fumble on the first play from scrimmage before backup quarterback MJ Morris found Kaden Prather in the end zone on the next. But after that, it was all downhill for Maryland, falling 44-7.

Maryland took a big step back this year, failing to make the postseason after three consecutive seasons with bowl victories. Coach Mike Locksley will need to make some changes to get back on track next season.

16. Northwestern, 4-8 (Last week 16)

The Wildcats outgained Illinois and doubled their first down total (28 to 14). However, four turnovers were costly, as the Wildcats fell to their rival 38-28.

It was a challenging second season for head coach David Braun, as the Wildcats halved their win total from a season ago. We’ll see how many things change, if any, in Evanston this spring.

15. Michigan State, 5-7 (Last week 13)

With a bowl bid on the line, the Spartans laid an egg to bring coach Jonathan Smith’s first season in East Lansing to a close. It is the third straight year with no bowl trip for Michigan State. There will have to be some improvements made in the offseason to restore what was a conference power under Mark Dantonio.

14. Wisconsin, 5-7 (Last week 12)

Wisconsin was never really in this game against rival Minnesota, losing 24-7 to the Gophers. The Badgers have lost the battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe three out of the last four seasons. The program’s 22-season streak of bowl games is now over.

It will be a long offseason for Luke Fickell and company. Offensive coordinator Phil Longo has already been fired, and there could be even more changes.

13. UCLA, 5-7 (Last week 15)

UCLA finished its season with a 20-13 win over non-conference foe Fresno State. The back half of the season was better for the Bruins, winning four out of their last six games and narrowly missing a bowl game. The finish will be a building block for the offseason.

12. Nebraska, 6-6 (Last week 11)

Nebraska had a 10-0 lead and more than doubled Iowa’s total yards. None of it mattered as the Cornhuskers fell to the Hawkeyes 13-10. Maybe they should have shook the team captains’ hands.

The Huskers have lost nine out of their last 10 against Iowa. But at least Nebraska will head to the postseason for the first time since the end of the 2016 season.

11. USC, 6-6 (Last week 10)

The Trojans kept up with Notre Dame for most of the game. They were driving for a game-tying touchdown late when Jayden Maiava threw a pick-six. He would throw another on the Trojans next drive, and they fell 49-35.

It was a rough third season for Lincoln Riley. The Trojans will head to a bowl game, but it’s a far cry from the program’s expectations.

10. Rutgers, 7-5 (Last week 14)

Rutgers blew out Michigan State 41-14 in East Lansing. It is the first time since their inaugural season in the conference the Scarlet Knights recorded seven wins and the first time they notched four conference victories.

Greg Schiano has the program moving in the right direction. The Scarlet Knights have now earned a second consecutive bowl trip.

9. Washington, 6-6 (Last week 8)

Washington did not have the horses to keep up with Oregon, losing 49-21. Not an unexpected result, but it was a disappointing end to coach Jedd Fisch’s first season in Seattle. The Huskies will have a chance to play in a bowl game, though.

8. Michigan, 7-5 (Last week 9)

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan stunned the college football world Saturday by defeating bitter rival Ohio State 13-10 in Columbus. Like previous years, it came down to which team had the most rushing yards. The Wolverines pounded the rock for 173 yards on the ground while holding Ohio State to 77 yards.

The Wolverines won without two of their best players, tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. There was a postgame fight after Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield, adding more fuel to one of the most storied rivalries in college football.

7. Minnesota, 7-5 (Last week 7)

Minnesota beat its bitter rival Wisconsin to take back Paul Bunyan’s Axe. The Gopher defense was stout, holding the Badgers to only 167 total yards and one touchdown.

The Gophers lost four one score games this season. There is a lot more talent on this team than they get credit for by the national pundits. They will be going bowling for the fourth straight year. The Gophers are a perfect 5-0 in postseason games under P.J. Fleck.

6. Iowa, 8-4 (Last week 6)

The Hawkeyes had a total of 164 yards, five first downs, and went 0-10 on third downs against Nebraska. Yet, Iowa still won 13-10. Just how they drew it up.

The Hawkeyes now await a bowl game. With four Big Ten teams likely in the playoff, Iowa should get a decent bowl and matchup.

5. Illinois, 9-3 (Last week 5)

Illinois took back the Land of Lincoln Trophy from rival Northwestern. The Illini put together a nice nine-win season, their first since 2007. If they win their bowl game, which should be someplace warm, the Illini will notch 10 wins for the first time since the 2001 season.

4. Indiana, 11-1 (Last week 4)

Indiana bounced back from its loss against Ohio State to defeat rival Purdue in the most lopsided result in the history of the series. The Hoosiers scored 9 touchdowns and racked up 586 total yards.

Now, the Hoosiers await their postseason fate. They will most likely be in the College Football Playoff but seeded in the 9 to 11 range with an away game in the first round.

3. Ohio State, 10-2 (Last week 2)

Everything was set up for Ohio State to advance to a rematch with Oregon in the Big Ten Championship Game. But an epic failure for Ryan Day and his Buckeyes will have them watching that game from home next Saturday. This game was more lost by Ohio State than won by Michigan.

One of the biggest head-scratchers of the game was the Buckeyes’ play-calling. They ran up the middle constantly against the best part of Michigan’s defense. Will Howard was not good enough, throwing two costly interceptions. The Buckeyes also missed two field goals, both from inside 40 yards.

This was just a blown opportunity of epic proportions for Ohio State. While they will still make the playoffs and have a chance to redeem themselves, this loss will eat at them all offseason.

2. Penn State, 11-1 (Last week 3)

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

Because of the Ohio State loss, all Penn State football needed to do was beat Maryland to advance to its first Big Ten Championship Game since the 2016 season. While it was another slow start like Penn State fans are accustomed to seeing this season, the Nittany Lions scored 44 unanswered points on the overmatched Terps.

Drew Allar was efficient, and Tyler Warren continued his great season. With his 17th career touchdown catch, he is now the Penn State record holder for most touchdowns for a tight end.

The defense was stout and seemed to play angry all afternoon. The unit ended with six sacks and three interceptions, which created havoc for most of the game.

This is the first 11-win regular season for the Nittany Lions since 2008. They have a chance to win their second conference championship under James Franklin and make a statement against the top team in the land. It will be a tough contest for sure, but this season has proven that anything can happen. It was unlikely at the beginning of the weekend that the Nittany Lions would make their way to Indianapolis. But now they will get their shot.

1. Oregon, 12-0 (Last week 1)

Congratulations to Oregon for being the only FBS team left undefeated after a grueling season. Next up is a date with Penn State in Indianapolis. Win, and the Ducks will be the top seed in the College Football Playoff.

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