Big Ten Power Rankings: Michigan takes advantage of Ohio State bogey to move into top spot
Ohio State coach Ryan Day compared trying to throw the ball during last week’s 50 mph gusts in Evanston, Illinois, to a golfer trying to play in similar wind. We’ll continue the golf theme by pointing out how the Buckeyes bogeyed against Northwestern 21-7, which opened the door for Michigan to move atop the rankings.
It could have been worse for Ohio State – at least it wasn’t a quadruple bogey – but struggling against a 38-point underdog that was 1-7 is no way to impress the BTPR.
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Illinois, meanwhile, fell back to earth in the West, which is a sea of mediocrity. Having suddenly found some offense, Iowa may be the best of the bunch.
1. Michigan (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten)
Last week: 2
This week: Nebraska
What to know: Smooth sailing this week for the Wolverines, who need only to avoid getting tripped up by Illinois next week to enter The Game atop the rankings. Then hope it blows like crazy Nov. 26 in Columbus.
2. Ohio State (9-0, 6-0)
Last week: 1
This week: Indiana
What to know: No truth to the rumor that Ryan Day is adding a meteorologist to his staff. Regardless, windy weather won’t be a factor against the Hoosiers.
3. Penn State (7-2, 4-2)
Last week: 4
This week: Maryland
What to know: Penn State is confused, and rightfully so. People talk about Maryland’s passing offense as if it is special, but the Nittany Lions are ranked higher in passing yards per game (38th) than the Terps (44th).
4. Illinois (7-2, 4-2)
Last week: 3
This week: Purdue
What to know: How do the Illini respond to losing to dysfunctional Michigan State? By rebounding nicely against a Purdue squad that has lost two in a row.
5. Minnesota (6-3, 3-3)
Last week: 7
This week: Northwestern
What to know: Gophers tailback Mohamed Ibrahim should have no trouble extending his FBS-leading string of 100-yard games to 18.
6. Iowa (5-4, 3-3)
Last week: 9
This week: Wisconsin
What to know: It took only half the season, but the Hawkeyes finally got their offensive GPS working well enough to locate the end zone. Their 57 points over the past two games matches how many they scored against the previous four opponents combined.
7. Wisconsin (5-4, 3-3)
Last week: 8
This week: at Iowa
What to know: If the Badgers were playing the Hawkeyes at home, the outcome might be different, but Iowa City is no place to take a team that is still learning how to win.
8. Maryland (6-3, 3-3)
Last week: 5
This week: at Penn State
What to know: Talk about seasonal free fall. The Terps are like the house painter who quits halfway through the job, leaving ugliness for all to see. Since 2012 they are 8-33 (.195) in November.
9. Michigan State (4-5, 2-4)
Last week: 10
This week: Rutgers
What to know: MSU made clear in knocking off Illinois last week that it did not want to be known as an out-of-control program. But more proof is needed, by stacking uneventful wins like this one against the Scarlet Knights.
10. Purdue (5-4, 3-3)
Last week: 6
This week: at Illinois
What to know: The Boilermakers face a separator game against the surprising Illini. Are they West division contenders or pretenders? We lean toward the latter.
11. Nebraska (3-6, 2-4)
Last week: 11
This week: at Michigan
What to know: The once-admired Nebraska Black Shirt defense has become a heap of rags. The Cornhuskers rank 108th against the run. Michigan’s run offense is No. 4. This could get ugly fast.
12. Rutgers (4-5 1-5)
Last week: 12
This week: at Michigan State
What to know: The Scarlet Knights keep claiming they aren’t the same old Rutgers that struggled to walk and chew gum at the same time. But clearly coordination issues remain.
13. Northwestern (1-8, 1-5)
Last week: 14
This week: at Minnesota
What to know: You hold Ohio State to 21 points, you escape the basement. Yes, the Chicago wind tunnel helped hold the Buckeyes down, but Fitz’s guys showed spunk in the loss.
14. Indiana (3-6, 1-5)
Last week: 13
This week: at Ohio State
What to know: Looking … looking … looking for something the Hoosiers do as well or better than the Buckeyes. Ah, found it. Both teams have recovered six fumbles. That’s all we got. IU more resembles the ICU.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State football falls behind Michigan in Big Ten Power Rankings
