College football Week 8: Iowa moves up in the rankings
“The Big Ten is the only conference with an undefeated team and a winless team. Thanks, Nebraska.”
Indiana linebacker Reakwon Jones runs toward Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley during Iowa’s game at Indiana at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. The Hawkeyes beat the Hoosiers 42-16.
October 19, 2018
Big Ten Power Rankings
1) Ohio State (7-0):
Even after letting Minnesota hang around, the Buckeyes are the team to beat.
2) Michigan (6-1):
Maybe Jim Harbaugh finally has the team to get past Urban Meyer.
3) Iowa (5-1):
Well, Iowa officially has a solid offense to go with its defense. The race for the West might still be on.
4) Wisconsin (4-2):
The Badgers may choke away the West after all.
5) Michigan State (4-2):
This is the week we will see if the Spartans are legit.
6) Penn State (4-2):
After two-straight big home losses, Trace McSorley really misses Saquon Barkley.
7) Maryland (4-2):
That win during Week 1 against Texas is looking darn good right now.
8) Minnesota (3-3):
Minnesota is gopher 3 (0-for-3) in the Big Ten so far. Luckily, Gophers have Nebraska next.
9) Northwestern (3-3):
Lose to Duke and Akron at home, beat Michigan State on the road, and almost lose to Nebraska at home. Who knows how good this team really is?
10) Indiana (4-3):
Not a good couple of weeks to be a Hoosier fan.
11) Purdue (3-3):
The Boilermakers’ offense made some noise last week. Too bad it was against Illinois — no one heard it.
12) Illinois (3-3):
Rough one in West Lafayette, and the next two weeks won’t be any easier.
13) Rutgers (1-6):
At least the Scarlet Knights aren’t in last place.
14) Nebraska (0-6):
They were just oh, so close to that first taste of victory. Instead, they’re 0-6 for the first time in program history.
Big Ten Schedule
No. 6 Michigan (-7.5) vs. No. 24 Michigan State
11 a.m. | ESPN2
This is the biggest game of the week in the Big Ten by far. It should turn out well for Michigan this time, though; hopefully, the Wolverines punt it cleanly this time.
Maryland vs. No. 19 Iowa (-10)
11 a.m. | ESPN2
This could very easily be a trap game for the Hawkeyes, especially coming off their big road trip. Iowa will pull it out, but it’ll be close.
Illinois vs. No. 23 Wisconsin (-24.5)
11 a.m. | FS1
That should make it two-straight blowout losses for Illinois. At least the Illini still have Nebraska to look forward to.
Northwestern (-20) vs. Rutgers
11 a.m. | BTN
The Wildcats should win this one, but this season, that means they’ll probably lose. So who knows?
No. 18 Penn State (-14.5) vs. Indiana
2:30 p.m. | ABC
If the Nittany Lions lose this one, the Hawkeyes might actually have a chance to beat them next weekend. Don’t get your hopes up, though.
Minnesota vs. Nebraska (-4)
2:30 p.m. | BTN
Huskers, can you say “oh-and-seven?” Minnesota quarterback Zack Annexstad will have Nebraska fans wishing they could be annexed back to the Big 12.
No. 2 Ohio State (-12.5) vs. Purdue
6:30 p.m. | ABC
Well, I don’t think the Boilermakers will put up 46 points this week. However, they may lose by that much.
