Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 12: Dan Lanning's Oregon stands undefeated while Nebraska drops
The Big Ten's four-team power quartet remained undisturbed in Week 12.
Oregon took a tough fight from Wisconsin but won 16-13. Everybody wasn't as fortunate, as Nebraska's season continued to shift from dream to nightmare. Here's the rundown of where the Big Ten stands after Week 12.
Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 12
18. Purdue (1-9)
Another week, another ugly loss. Purdue has had a brutal season, placing last in the Big Ten by a mile.
17. Northwestern (4-6)
Losing to Ohio State wasn't surprising, but the Wildcats didn't put up much of a fight. Per ESPN's FPI ratings, they have just a seven percent shot at six wins.
16. Maryland (4-6)
This was Maryland's best shot at bowl eligibility, but a two-score loss to Rutgers probably ends that hope. Their 2.1% shot at six wins is undoubtedly not a bet many will be taking.
15. Michigan State (4-6)
After a road loss at Illinois, the Spartans must now win their last two games against Purdue and Rudgers to salvage something this season. Victories might still keep the faint hopes of bowl eligibility alive.
14. UCLA (4-6)
The Bruins suffered a tough 19-31 Washington loss and now have less than a 1-in-5 shot at bowl eligibility. It's been an up-and-down season, but now they look more likely to finish down than up.
13. Nebraska (5-5)
After a 5-1 start, Nebraska looked to have turned over a new leaf. After losing four in a row, the fear of finishing 5-7 is real. FPI gives Nebraska a 60% shot at finding a sixth win, but that represents a massive downward move of that likelihood since the days of 5-1.
12. Michigan (5-5)
The defending champs were off this week. Northwestern next week at home should still get Michigan to six wins, but Ohio State in Week 14 doesn't look very likely.
11. Wisconsin (5-5)
The Badgers gave Oregon a tough battle but couldn't hold a fourth-quarter lead in a game that could have been a season-defining upset. Nebraska will battle USC for the sixth win in their upcoming game, and the Badgers aim to look sharper in Week 14.
10. USC (5-5)
It's been an ugly season, but a win against Nebraska with a new quarterback suggests a run to finish on a positive note, which is still plausible. FPI gives the Trojans an 82% shot at a sixth win.
9. Washington (6-5)
The Huskies earned bowl eligibility by outlasting UCLA 31-19. Many are noticing Michigan's struggles, but Washington's were much more expected in light of the program overhaul. Still, a bowl is a start.
8. Rutgers (6-4)
Rutgers also claimed its bowl availability with a nice win over Maryland. An 8-4 finish could still be in the cards, which would be an impressive season.
7. Minnesota (6-4)
The Gophers were off and now have a tough two-game stretch to finish. Playing against Penn State and Wisconsin means Minnesota may finish 6-6 and down a few spots on this list.
6. Iowa (6-4)
The Hawkeyes were off and stayed toward the top of the Big Ten's second tier. They've got a good shot to finish 8-4 with Maryland and Nebraska ahead.
5. Illinois (7-3)
The Illini got the better of Michigan State 38-16, and with Rutgers and Northwestern ahead, they are likely to lock down the "Best of the Rest" spot as the best non-CFP teams in the Big Ten.
4. Penn State (9-1)
PSU is locked in for the playoff, with an 88.2% shot per FPI. The Nittany Lions don't have much to fear from Minnesota or Maryland and have the best odds of winning in the Big Ten (partly because they can't make the Big Ten title game). Still, 11-1 and in the playoff will certainly work.
3. Ohio State (9-1)
Northwestern was no challenge, and now OSU faces the season's most unexpected battle. It would have been unthinkable for Ohio State and Indiana to be a battle between two certain CFP teams, but here we are.
2. Indiana (10-0)
IU is about to play its biggest game in the program's history, in all likelihood. The good news is that even if they lose to OSU, they're going to the playoff. But in a season where nobody gave Indiana much chance, the chip will be back on the shoulder against the Buckeyes this week.
1. Oregon (11-0)
The Ducks posted a survive-and-advance win over Wisconsin and now have only a meeting with Washington in the regular season. Their path to an undefeated season would look easier if Indiana took down OSU, but either way, it's the Big Ten title game and then the CFP.
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