BuckeyeGrove.com - Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 7

October 19, 2009

Ari Wasserman
Staff Writer

It is a true challenge to make the weekly Power Rankings mean a whole lot before the Big Ten Conference schedule kicks off, but after almost half of the conference action has gone by we learned even more about the Big Ten.

In the case of Ohio State, we learned quite a bit about the squad. Some of the things discovered, obviously, weren't too favorable for Buckeye fans as it resulted in a loss to Purdue. But that's football.

As usual, the conference as a whole had its highs and lows in this last week and we take you through those before we think about next Saturday. BuckeyeGrove.com breaks down which teams are on pace for seasons to remember and what other squads may be in for a long year. Check out the following Power Rankings for all the answers.

1. Iowa - Despite being undefeated overall, Iowa still had an Ohio State squad that was unbeaten in Big Ten play standing in front of them. The Hawkeyes, however, withstood the Buckeyes in the rankings after a big win over Wisconsin in Madison and Ohio State's big loss at Purdue. Now, not only does Iowa look like the front-runner to run away with the Big Ten, they are in the national title hunt as well. No. 6 in the BCS' first week is all they need to prove it.
Last week ranking: 2

2. Penn State - The Nittany Lions got off to a bad start in Big Ten play with a loss to Iowa, but now it looks like Penn State's only loss isn't a bad one, particularly because it has come against a Hawkeyes squad that looks to be for real this year. Penn State is coming off another impressive win, this time shutting out Minnesota en route to the team's third consecutive win since tripping up. It looks like the race for the Big Ten crown is going to be quite the battle yet again this year at the top.
Last week ranking: 3

3. Michigan State - It is funny that a team that suffered three consecutive losses could end up this high in the Power Rankings, but you have to hand it to the Spartans for battling through adversity and reeling off three straight conference wins. Michigan State beat Northwestern this weekend, but a real test is waiting in the wings when the team faces Iowa on Saturday. Good news is it is in East Lansing.
Last week ranking: 4

4. Ohio State - The Buckeyes had to endure something this weekend that it hasn't felt in quite some time under Jim Tressel: a loss to a clearly inferior opponent. The Buckeyes offense has turned from an inconvenience to a major liability, and a team that was considered to be getting back into the title picture last week now has now margin for error if it plans on being in a BCS bowl. Ohio State played extremely poorly this week, and it paid the painful consequences. It will be interesting to see how a team like this will bounce back in the weeks to come.
Last week ranking: 1

5. Wisconsin - Just three short weeks ago Wisconsin was undefeated. Now, it has suffered through two straight losses. Thought that isn't anything that will help Wisconsin when it comes to competing for a Big Ten title, the losses did come to two of its tougher opponents on their schedule in Iowa and Ohio State. The Badgers looked as if they were going to give Iowa a run for their money, but they couldn't hold onto their early lead. The good news is they get the Indiana schools next on their schedule, so they should bounce back.
Last week ranking: 4

6. Michigan - After dropping two consecutive games in Big Ten action, ruining an unexpected dream season for Wolverine fans, Michigan got back to their winning ways on Saturday. However, it didn't mean much since it was a blowout over Deleware State. Even so, sometimes all a team needs is to taste winning again to get back on track and Michigan didn't struggle at any portion of this win. This week the Wolverines invite Penn State into the Big House, a situation they have had great success with in the past. Should be interesting to see how that one plays out, as it could potentially be a season-defining game for both teams.
Last week ranking: 6

7. Purdue - You have to hand it to Purdue. They played for their seasons on Saturday against Ohio State and they won. Though they weren't overly impressive, Ohio State played poorly enough to give the Boilermakers their best win of the season. Unfortunately for them, it won't do anything in terms of bigger picture except provide the team with some great memories. Purdue deserves to make it out of the basement for this week's Power Rankings, even if it is short-lived.
Last week ranking: 9

8. Minnesota - The Gophers just cant seem to put any type of streak together this season, and have won every other game in the Big Ten. Most recently, Minnesota got shut out by Penn State and has to travel to Columbus for another tough match up. The Gophers can't be in a good place right now, but they do have an opportunity on Saturday to rebound big with a game against the reeling Buckeyes.
Last week ranking: 7

9. Indiana - Lets put our hands together for the Hoosiers. They just got their first Big Ten win over Illinois. Unfortunately for Indiana, beating Illinois isn't much of an accomplishment anymore. The Hoosiers, however, have played some tough games in the Big Ten and probably are doing better than a lot of people would have previously thought. So here's to Indiana for getting onto the win column in the Big Ten with another winnable game against Northwestern next up on their schedule.
Last week ranking: 10

10. Northwestern - The Wildcats desperately wanted to make a name for themselves this season, but some tough losses have had that goal heading into an unfavorable situation. Northwestern is still near the middle of the pack in the Big Ten and have a game against the Hoosiers on Saturday. This is as close to a must win for Northwestern as possible, especially because they play Penn State and Iowa the following two weeks.
Last week ranking: 8

11. Illinois - I am just going to keep this short and sweet. There is nothing left to say about Illinois, who is now 0-4 in the conference after a loss to Indiana. Their only win is against Illinois State. Saying they can't get any worse every week seems to no longer be true. There is no basement for Illinois.
Last week ranking: 11

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