Big Ten Power Rankings: How high have Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan State climbed?

Last week's games shook up the pecking order, so there's a new No. 1 and several teams on the move.

November 5, 2021 at 2:32AM
Michigan State players celebrated with the Paul Bunyan trophy after defeating Michigan last Saturday in East Lansing. (Al Goldis, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1. Michigan State (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten)

After his 197-yard, five-TD game vs. Michigan, Kenneth Walker III might be practicing his stiff-arm stance. Last week: 3

2. Ohio State (7-1, 5-0)

Buckeyes were pushed by Penn State but prevailed late. Now they trek to Nebraska. Last week: 1

3. Michigan (7-1, 4-1)

Wolverines defense faces questions after Spartans rally from 16-point second-half deficit. Last week: 2

4. Gophers (6-2, 4-1)

Illini already have two Big Ten upset wins, so Gophers mustn't look ahead to Iowa. Last week: 6

5. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2)

With dismantling of Iowa in Madison, Badgers show they'll have a lot to say in Big Ten West race. Last week: 7

6. Iowa (6-2, 3-3)

Trip to Northwestern comes at right time for Hawkeyes, who've been outscored 51-14 by Purdue and Wisconsin. Last week: 4

7. Penn State (5-3, 2-3)

Sure, the Nittany Lions played Ohio State tough, but that's three consecutve losses. Last week: 5

8. Purdue (5-3, 3-2)

Do the Spoilermakers have another upset in them? Sparty visits on Saturday. Last week: 8

9. Maryland (5-3, 2-3)

Seeking one more win for bowl eligibility, Terps begin rough stretch of PSU, MSU, Michigan. Last week: 10

10. Nebraska (3-6, 1-5)

Huskers finish season with Buckeyes, Badgers and Hawkeyes, plus a bye next week. Last week: 9

11. Rutgers (4-4, 1-4)

Scarlet Knights escape basement by beating Illinois. Last week: 14

12. Illinois (3-6, 2-4)

Illini ground game held to 107 yards in loss to Rutgers. Last week: 11

13. Northwestern (3-5, 1-4)

Game vs. Gophers got away quickly from Wildcats, who gave up a scoop and score on their first play. Last week: 12

14. Indiana (2-6, 0-5)

Four consecutive losses for Hoosiers, who started the season ranked No. 17. Last week: 13

about the writer

about the writer

Randy Johnson

College football reporter

Randy Johnson covers University of Minnesota football and college football for the Star Tribune, along with Gophers hockey and the Wild.

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