Week 12 Big Ten Power Rankings

Week 12 of the college football season had some key Big Ten matchups. Now that there is just one more week left of the regular season, the rankings are starting to solidify. For a look at last week’s Big Ten power rankings, read here. Now, it’s time to take a look at where each team in the Big Ten stands after week 12 of the season.

Big Ten Power Rankings

1: Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0)

Next Opponent: Michigan Wolverines

After another dominant win, the Ohio State Buckeyes are still ranked as number one in the Big Ten. The true test is the game next weekend though. The undefeated Buckeyes will face the undefeated Michigan Wolverines. This is the game that will impact the College Football Playoff rankings.

2: Michigan Wolverines (11-0)

Next Opponent: Ohio State Buckeyes

The Michigan Wolverines are still undefeated, and still ranked at second in the Big Ten. This was a closer game, but in the end, Michigan still defeated Maryland. As known, the biggest test for Michigan will be next weekend when they face the Ohio State Buckeyes.

3: Penn State Nittany Lions (9-2)

Next Opponent: Michigan State Spartans

The Penn State Nittany Lions pulled off a big win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. They were predicted to win, but in the third quarter, quarterback Drew Allaw exited the game. Even without their starting quarterback, against a solid defense, Penn State pulled off the win and is ranked third in the Big Ten in the power rankings.

4: Iowa Hawkeyes (9-2)

Next Opponent: Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Iowa Hawkeyes have officially clinched the first spot in the Big Ten West after a crucial win over the weekend. Standing at a 9-2 record, they are staying at fourth in the conference. This team has overcome injuries, still winning despite the odds. They have a strong defense, a big reason that they have found success this season.

5: Maryland Terrapins (6-5)

Next Opponent: Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The Maryland Terrapins may have lost over the weekend, but they did not look bad. They went through a slump, but they only lost 31-24 against Michigan. They have struggled a bit this season, but slowly the offense is improving. Next week when they face Rutgers, the results will solidify their position in the Big Ten.

6: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (6-5)

Next Opponent: Maryland Terrapins

After another loss, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are dropping to sixth in the Big Ten. Maryland kept it close against Ohio State and Michigan this year, which gives them the edge over Rutgers. Next week Maryland and Rutgers will face each other, which will be the deciding factor on where Rutgers lands compared to the rest of the Big Ten.

7: Illinois Fighting Illini (5-6)

Next Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats

The Illinois Fighting Illini have been a tad surprising this season. They did just lose to Iowa but still managed to put up 13 points against the Hawkeyes defense. It seems odd to put Illinois ahead of Wisconsin, but looking at the overall season, the Illini have been fighting in almost every game this season.

8: Wisconsin Badgers (6-5)

Next Opponent: Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Wisconsin Badgers faced a close game against Nebraska over the weekend, but came out with the win, getting their sixth victory of the season. Eight may seem low for the Badgers, but after a couple of upsets and only now reaching six wins, this is where they land for now.

9: Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-6)

Next Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes

The Nebraska Cornhuskers lost over the weekend, but they put up an impressive fight with Chubba Purdy at quarterback. They still sit ninth in the Big Ten rankings. Sitting at five weekends, they may not reach a bowl game, facing Iowa next week, but with this team, anything can happen. Playing the Hawkeyes’ defense will be a challenge.

10: Northwestern Wildcats (6-5)

Next Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini

The Northwestern Wildcats have defied the odds and reached six wins. They are now in tenth in the Big Ten power rankings. The Wildcats continue to fight each week and have done much better than what was expected from them. They have a chance to reach seven wins next week, and if they do it, it will be a big moment for the program.

11: Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-6)

Next Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were blown out over the weekend, but it was against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The loss against Purdue the week prior pushes Minnesota to 11th in the Big Ten. It has not been a terrible season for the Gophers, but there were definitely games they should have won.

13: Michigan State Spartans (4-7)

Next Opponent: Penn State Nittany Lions

The Michigan State Spartans had a crucial win over the weekend. Sure the season may be over for them, but beating the Hoosiers does put them at four wins. They have a tough opponent next weekend, but at least they have been in games.

12: Indiana Hoosiers (3-8)

Next Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers

The Indiana Hoosiers have fought the past few weeks but fell to eight losses after being defeated by the Michigan State Spartans. This loss does knock them to 13th in the Big Ten. This team has had their moments, but two losses in a row knocks them down.

14: Purdue Boilermakers (3-8)

Next Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers

The Purdue Boilermakers are still at the bottom of the Big Ten. They once again lost, this time against the Northwestern Wildcats. It has not been a great season for Purdue. Next week the bottom two teams in these rankings will be facing off, and maybe the Boilermakers could get the win to end their season on a high note.