Big Ten Football Power Rankings: The Surprising Rise of Northwestern

1. Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Wolverines secured a major statement win over Washington, 24-7, dominating the Huskies in the trenches. This victory corrects their record, puts them back in the top tier, and proves they can handle physical teams. Next Week: vs. Michigan State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
2. Oregon Ducks (6-1, 3-1 B1G) The Ducks rebounded from their first loss with a massive 56-10 blowout win over Rutgers. This team is too talented to stay down for long, and they now have a crucial win in the Big Ten East column. Next Week: vs. Wisconsin (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET)
3. USC Trojans (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Trojans suffered a tough loss to rival Notre Dame, falling 34-24. Their offense struggled with turnovers against a fierce Irish run game, resulting in their second loss of the season. They need a strong showing after their bye to remain a clear Big Ten Championship contender. Next Week: BYE

Tier 3: The Big Ten West Mess

1. Washington Huskies (5-2, 2-2 B1G) Washington suffered a tough 24-7 loss on the road to Michigan, a game where their offense was completely neutralized. They drop in the rankings but still have a respectable overall record and the talent to rebound quickly. Next Week: vs. Illinois (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
2. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Hawkeyes pull off a dramatic 25-24 win over Penn State, proving they thrive on chaos. They have the best defense in the West and are right in the thick of the division race. Next Week: vs. Minnesota (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
3. Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Gophers delivered one of the most impressive wins of the week, suffocating Nebraska 24-6. This gutsy performance vaults them into a tie for the conference’s best record in the West division. Next Week: at Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
4. Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Wildcats are the ultimate spoiler. Their 19-0 shutout win over Purdue puts them at a stunning 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. They are tied with Iowa and Minnesota for the lead in the West. Next Week: at Nebraska (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
5. Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3, 2-2 B1G) Nebraska suffered a tough 24-6 loss on the road to Minnesota. The offense completely stalled, putting a major dent in their West division aspirations. They drop further in the rankings but still have a chance to rebound. Next Week: vs. Northwestern (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)

Tier 4: The Rest of the Field

1. Illinois Fighting Illini (5-3, 2-3 B1G) The Illini were on a bye after losing to Ohio State a week ago. Next Week: at Washington (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
2. UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-2 B1G) The Bruins are officially playing their best football, surviving Maryland in double overtime 20-17. At 3-2 in conference play, they have exceeded all expectations and are fighting for a bowl bid. Next Week: at Indiana (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
3. Maryland Terrapins (4-3, 1-3 B1G) A gut-wrenching double-overtime loss to UCLA 20-17 is a tough blow for the Terrapins. They have now lost three straight in conference play and need a winning streak fast. Next Week: BYE
4. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-4, 0-4 B1G) The freefall is now a crisis. A last-second loss to Iowa, 25-24, drops the Nittany Lions to 0-4 in conference play and guarantees a losing record in the Big Ten this year. Next Week: BYE
5. Michigan State Spartans (3-4, 0-4 B1G) A brutal 38-13 home loss to undefeated Indiana drops the Spartans to 0-4 in league play. The rebuild is going to be long and painful. Next Week: at Michigan (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
6. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-4, 0-4 B1G) Rutgers suffered a 56-10 blowout loss to Oregon. The defense simply couldn’t handle the Ducks’ offense. They desperately need to find a way to get their first Big Ten win. Next Week: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
7. Purdue Boilermakers (2-5, 0-4 B1G) Purdue’s season is over after a 19-0 shutout loss to Northwestern. They are firmly at the bottom of the league and still looking for their first conference win. Next Week: at Rutgers (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
8. Wisconsin Badgers (2-5, 0-4 B1G) The Badgers suffered a demoralizing 34-0 shutout loss to Ohio State. The offense is non-existent, and they are struggling to compete every week. Next Week: vs. Oregon (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET)

Week 9 Preview: Showdowns and Rivalry

Week 9 features a pivotal rivalry game and matchups that will determine the leader of the Big Ten West:

• Michigan at Michigan State: The battle for the Great Lakes. The Wolverines are favored to win on the road.
• Minnesota at Iowa: A colossal West division clash with both teams tied at 3-1 in conference play.
• Nebraska at Northwestern: Another huge West game with the winner separating from the pack.
• UCLA at Indiana: The surging Bruins take on the undefeated Hoosiers.