Another change at the top

Top spot in Big Ten power rankings remains up for grabs as my rankings have shifted slightly this week. This change is especially evident at the top spot in the Big Ten. With a clear separation at the top between my top two teams, the rankings could potentially be flip-flopped depending on your perspective. The upcoming games this weekend will create a clear winner for this top spot in the Big Ten power rankings.

The current Big Ten structure sees Penn State set apart from the rest and in the second tier. However, concerns about the team’s offense are increasing, potentially bringing them closer to Iowa than to Michigan and Ohio State following another underwhelming offensive performance.

The outcome of this coming week’s games will not just determine the top-ranked team in the Big Ten but also the lowest-ranked team. On the opposite end of the Big Ten spectrum, the Indiana-Purdue game will potentially decide the worst record for the 2023 season.

Take a look at my updated power rankings for the Big Ten as we head into the final week of the regular season:

Purdue (3-8, 2-6 Big Ten)

Indiana (3-8, 1-7 Big Ten)

Michigan State (4-7, 2-6 Big Ten)

Minnesota (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten)

Illinois (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten)

Nebraska (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten)

Northwestern (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten)

Rutgers (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten)

Wisconsin (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten)

Maryland (6-5, 3-5 Big Ten)

Iowa (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten)

Penn State (9-2, 6-2 Big Ten)

Michigan (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten)

Ohio State (11-0, 8-0 Big Ten)

Reference