The first installment of the College Football Playoff rankings took place earlier in the week and there was a clear message. The Big Ten has plenty of respect. Michigan holds a #3 ranking but Ohio State (6) Wisconsin (8) Nebraska (10) and Penn State (12) have all shown the current depth of the conference in the committee's eyes. Maybe the bigger surprise is there are, count them, two teams from the Big Ten (Wisconsin and Penn State) that have two losses showing up in the Top 15. It's definitely a good look for a conference that doesn't always get that kind of respect. Now about the rest of the group, let's run them down.
1- Michigan (8-0, 5-0)
Last week: Defeated Michigan State 32-23
This week: vs. Maryland
- Michigan had some resistance from Sparty early but Jabrill Peppers and the crew showed that they are too good. Michigan now enters judgment month with some challenges ahead.
2- Ohio State (7-1, 4-1)
Last week: Defeated Northwestern 24-20
This week: vs. Nebraska
- The Buckeyes have had to grind in the recent games. So much talent with not as much experience could make for some interesting moments in November but it's still an Urban Meyer led team that can always turn things on just like that.
3- Wisconsin (6-2, 3-2)
Last week: Defeated Nebraska 23-17 (OT)
This week: @ Northwestern
- The Badgers are simply impressive. Not flashy, not dynamic but sound with their identity. Northwestern provides a real challenge this weekend but that's nothing new for the Badgers anymore.
4- Nebraska (7-1, 4-1)
Last week: Lost to Wisconsin 23-17 (OT)
This week: @ Ohio State
- The Huskers experienced some validation this past weekend in Madison. Injuries pile up yet Nebraska battles back and is right there at the end against a solid Wisconsin team. Another opportunity this weekend for the Big Red to stay in the lead of the West division and perhaps gain even more support.
5- Penn State (6-2, 4-1)
Last week: Defeated Purdue 62-24
This week: vs. Iowa
- Penn State is hot. Saquon Barkley is a force in the backfield and the Nittany Lions are all of a sudden very much in the East division race. A rested Iowa team will be out to slow down the ground attack but Penn State always feels confident under the lights at Beaver Stadium.
6- Northwestern (4-4, 3-2)
Last week: Lost to Ohio State 24-20
This week: vs. Wisconsin
- The Wildcats had a chance to upset Ohio State on the road but fell short. This team has clearly demonstrated their "buy in" on Pat Fitzgerald's ways. A big home date this Saturday against Wisconsin could really come down to the wire. The Badgers have recently struggled in Evanston.
7- Iowa (5-3, 3-2)
Last week: Bye
This week: @ Penn State
- The Hawkeyes enter the meat grinder portion of their schedule after their bye week. 3 of the remaining 4 games are against Top 15 opponents. An improved Iowa defense will have it's hands full with Penn State in Happy Valley.
8- Minnesota (6-2, 3-2)
Last week: Defeated Illinois 40-17
This week: vs. Purdue
- Minnesota shouldn't apologize for teeing off on weaker opponents and now becoming bowl eligible. The Gophers also have a path to the West division title with key games against Nebraska and Wisconsin remaining.
9- Indiana (4-4, 3-2)
Last week: Defeated Maryland 42-36
This week: @ Rutgers
- Big bounce back win for Indiana as they outlasted Maryland and now have a great chance of reaching the six win mark with Rutgers and Purdue on the schedule.
10- Maryland (5-3, 2-3)
Last week: Lost to Indiana 42-36
This week: @ Michigan
- Maryland just couldn't quite catch the Hoosiers this past weekend or that sixth win. Good news Terp fans, Rutgers is on the schedule.
11- Michigan State (2-6, 0-5)
Last week: Lost to Michigan 32-23
This week: @ Illinois
- Michigan State came out strong against their rival only to get beat up in the 2nd and 3rd quarter. This weekend is a must-win for a successful program looking for something to feel good about in 2016.
12- Purdue (3-5, 1-4)
Last week: Lost to Penn State 62-24
This week: @ Minnesota
- Penn State is playing some good football but 62 points? Not good. Not good at all even for Purdue standards.
13- Illinois (2-6, 1-4)
Last week: Lost to Minnesota 40-17
This week: vs. Michigan State
- If there is one great opportunity for a "feel good" moment in 2016, it will be this weekend when a struggling Michigan State comes to town. Illinois can win this game. I said "can", not "will."
14- Rutgers (2-6, 0-5)
Last week: Bye
This week: vs. Indiana
- Hi Rutgers. You are still bad despite not losing in week 9 (bye week)
