The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
Donate
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan
The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Around the Big Ten | Matchups, power rankings for Week 7 of the college football season

Football reporter Cooper Worth previews this weekend’s matchups and updates the Big Ten’s conference power rankings.
Cooper Worth, Football Reporter
October 12, 2023
Grace Smith
Iowa defensive lineman Aaron Graves pressures Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz’ pass during a football game between Iowa and Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022. Mertz connected on just 45 percent of his passes. The Hawkeyes, defeated the Badgers, 24-10.

Power Rankings 

  1. Michigan — The Wolverines’ defense is so good.  
  2. Penn State —They could probably sit their starters this game.  
  3. Ohio State —  The O-line needs to bounce back after a shaky performance last week. 
  4. Wisconsin — Badgers have been improving each week since their loss against Washington State. 
  5. Iowa — The return of Kaleb Johnson was huge for the Hawkeye offense.
  6. Maryland — Playing Ohio State close is good for morale. 
  7. Rutgers — They had opportunities to win against Wisconsin
  8. Minnesota — A bye couldn’t come at a better time for this team, especially with Iowa next week. 
  9. Nebraska — Two touchdowns in 10 seconds is crazy. 
  10. Michigan State — It seems Spartan fans have seen enough of QB Noah Kim. 
  11. Purdue —  The offense showed flashes against a tough Iowa defense. 
  12. Illinois —Twenty-one total rushing yards isn’t winning any games. 
  13. Indiana — Hoosier fans can’t catch a break 
  14. Northwestern — Shoutout to No. 15 on the offense for the Wildcats. 

Matchups

Michigan Stadium: Indiana (2-3, 0-2) @ No. 2 Michigan (6-0, 3-0)

Where/when to watch: 11:00 a.m. Saturday on FOX | Line: Michigan -34 | O/U: 47.5

Maybe last week’s bye helps the Hoosiers against Michigan … I don’t think it will. Big Noon Saturday should avoid the Big Ten like the plague. 

Ross-Ade Stadium: No. 3 Ohio State (5-0, 2-0)  @ Purdue (2-4, 1-2)

Where/when to watch: 11:00 a.m. Saturday on Peacock | Line: Ohio State -19.5 | O/U: 50.5

I see the Buckeyes’ defensive line getting to Purdue quarterback Hudson Card ad nauseam in this game. He’s no ace and will be folded by halftime. Best of luck. 

Shi Stadium: Michigan State (2-3, 0-2) @ Rutgers (4-2, 1-2) 

Where/when to watch: 11:00 a.m. Saturday on BTN | Line: Rutgers -5.5 | O/U: 40.5

Bouncing back after a tough loss to Iowa would help the Spartans tremendously. Fun fact: The East Jersey Old Time Village has a higher rating on Google than SHI Stadium. 

Beaver Stadium: Massachusetts (1-6, 0-0) @ No. 6 Penn State (5-0, 3-0)

Where/when to watch: 2:30 p.m. Saturday on BTN | Line: Penn State -42.5 | O/U: 57.5

The last time the Minutemen were this much of an underdog was in 1776. 

SECU Stadium: Illinois (2-4, 0-3) @ Maryland (5-1, 2-1)

Where/when to watch: 2:30 p.m. Saturday on TBD | Line: Maryland -14.5 | O/U: 51.5

Maryland bounces back after a good showing last week with a decisive victory over Illinois, which will be shelled by at least 20 points. 

Camp Randall Stadium: Iowa (5-1, 2-1) @ Wisconsin (4-1, 2-0)

Where/when to watch: 3:00 p.m. Saturday on FOX | Line: Wisconsin -9.5 | O/U: 36.5

Wisconsin hasn’t played a defense quite like Iowa’s this season, but it won’t matter if the Hawkeyes QB misses as badly as he did last week. 

Print this Story