The Ohio State Buckeyes have been the class of the Big Ten for quite some time but, in the aftermath of a collapse in Happy Valley, Urban Meyer's team occupies a new position within the conference. To be fair, Ohio State has everything in front of them based on a manageable schedule and a home date with the Michigan Wolverines in late November, but for now, we have a new number one squad in this week's power rankings.
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While Michigan is not the only undefeated team (hello, Nebraska), Jim Harbaugh's group has been easily the most impressive this season. Their ascent is not controversial, but after that, we get into interesting territory. I've been stubborn in placing Wisconsin, despite two losses, ahead of Nebraska and will stick with that again, but Penn State's strong finish over Ohio State vaults them up the list a bit this week.
Elsewhere, the wheels have completely come off for Michigan State, as Mark Dantonio's team can no longer claim even top-10 status in the 14-team league. For the rest of the conference, see below and be sure to spread your hate in pleasant fashion.
Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 8 (last week's rank in parentheses)
- Michigan (?' 1)
- Ohio State (?" 1)
- Wisconsin (?")
- Nebraska (?")
- Penn State (?' 1)
- Iowa (?" 1)
- Northwestern (?' 2)
- Minnesota (?")
- Maryland (?' 1)
- Indiana (?" 3)
- Purdue (?' 1)
- Michigan State (?" 1)
- Illinois (?")
- Rutgers (?")
