Where are Penn State & Ohio State in the latest power rankings?

At this point in the season, the Big Ten power rankings are really divided into two groups. The top group of three teams is where the Penn State football team finds themselves ahead of the Ohio State matchup. Then, everyone else is ranked in the second group. There is a country mile between the two groups and it is hard to see how any of the teams ranked fourth through eighth can even make a climb high enough to get into the top three.

This week though one of the undefeated teams will be sure to lose as Penn State travels to Columbus to take on Ohio State. A clash among the top teams in the power rankings. This will provide some clarity at the top we have been looking for all season. Absolutely cannot wait until Saturday.

No. 14 Indiana 2-4 (Last week 14)

Kudos to the Hoosiers for the trick play touchdown and leading the Wolverines 7-0 after the first quarter. It was all downhill from there for the Hoosiers as they were crushed 52-7.

This is a bad Indiana team. Turnovers, very little offensive consistency, and bad defense. Think it has been said before in this space, but Tom Allen may not survive for another season in Bloomington.

No. 13 Northwestern 3-3 (Last week 13)

Northwestern was on a bye week after their close-call win over Howard the week before. Not buying the Wildcats as a contender in the Big Ten West but who knows in that division. They will get their shot to move up at Nebraska.

No. 12 Michigan State 2-4 (Last week 12)

Michigan State had Rutgers on the ropes, up 24-6 at the end of the third quarter. But special teams blunders saw Rutgers score two touchdowns within nine seconds and what looked like would be a Sparty victory turned into a demoralizing defeat.

Interim coach Harlon Barnett is still looking for his first win since taking over the team. It likely will not come this week against rival Michigan.

No. 11 Nebraska 3-3 (Last week 10)

The Cornhuskers are coming off a bye week heading into their home game against Northwestern. A West division title is likely out of the question but bowl eligibility is still in play.

No. 10 Illinois 3-4 (Last week 11)

Just when we think Illinois is down and out they pull off a small upset of Maryland on the road. It was the Illini’s first conference win of the season.

With three conference losses, it will be tough to get back into the division race but this is the Big Ten West where anything is possible. The Illini head back home to host Wisconsin.

No. 9 Purdue 2-5 (Last week 9)

Purdue was no match for Ohio State as the Boilermakers were routed 41-7 at home. It would not have made much difference in the end but the Boilermakers missed three field goals on the day including one on the opening drive of the game. Nothing went right for them and they are now 1-4 at home this season.

Purdue will probably not be heading back to Indianapolis as the Big Ten West champ this season and they are also in danger of missing a bowl game. A bye week is much needed.

No. 8 Minnesota 3-3 (Last week 7)

Minnesota had a week off to get ready for their rivalry matchup with Iowa in Kinnick. The Floyd of Rosedale is one of the best rivalry trophies in college football, but the Gophers have not won in this series since 2014. The last time the Gophers won at Kinnick was 1999.

No. 7 Rutgers 5-2 (Last week 8)

One of the best comebacks in Rutgers history and not too many fans were there to witness it on a rain-soaked afternoon in Piscataway. Running back Kyle Monangai had a fantastic afternoon with 148 yards and the game-winning touchdown.

This Rutgers team looks better than recent editions and they are now one win away from being bowl eligible. There is a good chance they lock that up at Indiana this Saturday.

No. 6 Maryland 5-2 (Last week 5)

After taking their first loss of the season at Ohio State, the Terps were primed for a bounce-back win against struggling Illinois. Oops. After a 5-0 start to the season, Maryland is tumbling and now looking for answers.

This is what the Terps seem to do every season. Start hot and then take a midseason slide back to mediocrity. They played Ohio State well for much of that game but this was a bad loss to take against Illinois at home. The bye week comes at the right time for a reset.

No. 5 Wisconsin 4-2 (Last week 4)

The Badgers could only muster two field goals in their 15-6 loss to Iowa, effectively losing control of the Big Ten West chase. They also lost Tanner Mordecai with a broken hand and now will turn to Braedyn Locke to lead the offense.

Wisconsin looks like they do not have much of an identity on offense. They will need to find one quickly if they want to get back to winning. Or they will continue to fall in the power rankings.

No. 4 Iowa 6-1 (Last week 4)

It was ugly as usual but the Hawkeyes did get an explosive 82-yard touchdown run by Leshon Williams and then rode their defense and special teams to victory. The offense is putrid but this Hawkeyes team has six wins and is in the Big Ten West driver’s seat.

Iowa has a legit shot at 11 wins this season. So hard to believe when their offense is so hard to watch.

No. 3 Penn State 6-0 (Last week 3)

Penn State got exactly what they wanted out of a rain-soaked game against UMass. A big victory and no injuries. The highlights of the day were Daequan Hardy’s two punt returns for touchdowns, the first time a Nittany Lion had done so in one game. The defense continued to wreak havoc and notched its second shutout of the season.

Now comes a true test against Ohio State. This is the Nittany Lions moment. Are they ready to take the next step? The eye test says they are but it is all about results on the field Saturday. With a win over Ohio State, the Nittany Lions could soar in the power rankings.

No. 2 Ohio State 6-0 (Last week 2)

The Ohio State Buckeyes got off to a fast start against Purdue and never looked back. Kyle McCord tossed three touchdowns and Marvin Harrison Jr. topped the century mark, hauling in one of those touchdown throws. The defense was its usual solid self.

Up next is a visit from Penn State, a game most folks have had circled for a while. Should be a good one.

No. 1 Michigan 7-0 (Last week 1)

Another slow start for Michigan did not matter as they scored 52 unanswered points against Indiana. As they continue to sit at the top of the power rankings. J.J. McCarthy continued his pinpoint accuracy with another solid performance. He has completed over 78 percent of his passes on the year.

Now comes a trip to East Lansing. This rivalry has been fairly even in recent years but this year’s meeting will likely not be close.

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