The 2016 edition of "The Game" between Ohio State and Michigan was an epic, including a good deal of controversy. Officiating played a significant role but, in order to put the game in peril, the Wolverines made enough mistakes to squander a healthy lead, and the Buckeyes kicked the door down when given the opportunity.
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As such, Urban Meyer's team is in phenomenal position with regard to the College Football Playoff, even as a non-conference champion. Ohio State also doubles as the top team in this week's Big Ten power rankings and, frankly, it shouldn't be controversial that Michigan lands directly behind them. The Wolverines essentially played their arch rival to a draw in a road venue, and Michigan assumes the mantle as the best 2-loss team in the country.
With all of that in mind, though, the Big Ten title game does not include either of the top two teams here, and that brings a completely different set of questions to the table. Who will win on the field between Wisconsin and Penn State in Indianapolis? Will the winner reach the title game? Is Michigan "done" with regard to the CFP race?
Those questions will be answered within the next seven days but, for now, here is our best stab at the penultimate Big Ten power rankings.
Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 13 (last week's rank in parentheses)
- Ohio State (?")
- Michigan (?")
- Wisconsin (?")
- Penn State (?")
- Iowa (?' 2)
- Nebraska (?")
- Minnesota (?" 2)
- Indiana (?")
- Northwestern (?")
- Michigan State (?")
- Maryland (?")
- Purdue (?")
- Illinois (?")
- Rutgers (?")
