Big Ten power rankings: How far did Iowa tumble after big upset by Purdue?

Ohio State moves to No. 1, with a showdown against Penn State coming on Oct. 30.

October 21, 2021 at 11:49PM
Purdue linebacker Jalen Graham (6) tackled Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras (7) during the second half of the Hawkeyes’ 24-7 loss last Saturday. (Charlie Neibergall, Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

1. Ohio State (5-1, 3-0 Big Ten)

Buckeyes offense is humming along with Big Ten-best 562.7 yards, 48.5 points per game. Last week: 3

2. Penn State (5-1, 2-1)

Nittany Lions warm up for huge trip to Ohio State on Oct. 30 with visit from Illinois. Last week: 2

3. Michigan (6-0, 3-0)

Wolverines face Northwestern, which they have defeated in 11 of the past 12 meetings and 14 of the past 16. Last week: 4

4. Michigan State (7-0, 4-0)

Spartans have bye week, then play host to Michigan in massive East showdown on Oct. 30. Last week: 5

5. Iowa (6-1, 3-1)

Hawkeyes lived by a plus-15 turnover margin in 6-0 start. In loss to Purdue, they were minus-3. Last week: 1

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

Saturday would be a good time to solve Maryland, which is 3-1 vs. the Fleck-coached Gophers. Last week: 7

7. Purdue (4-2, 2-1)

"Spoilermakers'' outgained Iowa 464-271 and shook up the Big Ten West race. They get Wisconsin next. Last week: 9

8. Wisconsin (3-3, 1-2)

Suddenly, Badgers can get back in West race with a victory at Purdue. Last week: 8

9. Maryland (4-2, 1-2)

Bye week came at good time for Terps after blowout losses to Iowa, Ohio State. Last week: 10

10. Nebraska (3-5, 1-4)

To gain bowl eligibility, Huskers must win three of Purdue, Ohio State, Wisconsin and Iowa. Last week: 6

11. Northwestern (3-3, 1-2)

Rutgers was the right elixir for Wildcats to post Big Ten breakthrough. Last week: 14

12. Indiana (2-4, 0-3)

Hoosiers are averaging 7 points in Big Ten games. Last year, they scored 30.1 per game in league play. Last week: 11

13. Illinois (2-5, 1-3)

Illini are on a three-game Big Ten losing streak and now travel to Penn State. Last week: 13

14. Rutgers (3-4, 0-4)

Scarlet Knights have bye week before trip to Illinois for a game they can win. Last week: 12

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.

See More