Big Ten power rankings after Week 7: Dan Lanning's Oregon on front seat after Ohio State face-off
The story of Big Ten Week 7 is clear. The first Ohio State vs Oregon Big Ten showdown was everything it should have been. But there was plenty more action around the league, with Penn State eking past USC and Wisconsin roaring back to life. Here are our Big Ten power rankings after Week 7.
Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 7
#18. Purdue (1-5)
The Boilermakers were oh-so-close to a massive upset against Illinois. Unfortunately, the Big Ten doesn't reward proximity to victories, and Purdue remains at the bottom of the league.
#17. UCLA (1-5)
Likewise, UCLA played a great first half and nearly pulled off an upset against Minnesota but couldn't grab the win. UCLA and Purdue are at the clear bottom of the Big Ten.
#16. Maryland (3-3)
It's hard to be too bullish on the outlook for the Terrapins when they got boat-raced by the No. 15 team in our power rankings, 37-10. There are probably not many more victories remaining on the UM schedule.
#15. Northwestern (3-3)
Getting a first league win is a step, and ESPN's FPI gives the Wildcats just better than a 1-in-4 shot at a six-win season. A bowl berth for this team would be a massive overachievement from everyone involved.
#14. Michigan State (3-3)
Off this week, the 3-3 Spartans have a legitimate shot at a bowl appearance but are pushing it. The good news is that the effort is still exceeding preseason expectations.
#13. Washington (4-3)
The Huskies' shot at a meaningful role in the Big Ten officially went kaput with a 24-point beatdown to Iowa. The Huskies better improve on offense because that defense isn't doing them any favors.
#12. Rutgers (4-2)
Much of the momentum from a surprising start was squandered in a drubbing by Wisconsin. The Knights are still given an 83% chance at six wins from FPI, but that's looking more like the upper limit of the season.
#11. Minnesota (4-3)
The Gophers were resourceful and lucky to avoid a massive loss to UCLA. Those who dwell on the first part see seven or eight wins on the table. Those who dwell on the second think six wins could be a stretch.
#10. Michigan (4-2)
Tenth in the league? It does stack up that way. The underachieving offense keeps the Wolverines in the back half of the league, while the tough defense makes sure it doesn't slip too far.
#9. Wisconsin (4-2)
The Badgers picked up a substantial victory over Rutgers and made sure that they have a spot in the Big Ten's bowl pecking order. It's an up-and-down league, but Wisconsin is a solid team.
#8. USC (3-3)
The Trojans could have picked up a season-defining upset over Penn State, which would have jumped them to fifth. Instead, they're stuck in the middle of the league picture.
#7. Nebraska (5-1)
The Huskers had the week off. While the back half of the schedule is more challenging than the front half, Nebraska looks bound for its first season with six or more wins since 2016.
#6. Illinois (5-1)
The Illini secured a survive-and-advance victory over Purdue but will have to shore things up moving forward. It's a positive season, and Illinois seems to belong in the top half of the league.
#5. Iowa (4-2)
It's a big leap from the Hawkeyes to the top four teams in the Big Ten. Still, they're a dangerous team, as they proved by blasting Washington comfortably. That defense should be respected, if not feared.
#4. Indiana (6-0)
The Hoosiers were off this week and had another week to enjoy being the darlings of the Big Ten. ESPN puts them at a 47.3% shot to reach the College Football Playoff. That would have been unimaginable heading into this season for even the most optimistic Hoosier fan.
#3. Penn State (6-0)
On a day that could have destroyed their playoff ambitions, the Nittany Lions rallied to survive over USC. There are still questions about exactly how high the ceiling can be for this team, but ESPN gives them a 75.2% shot at the playoff.
#2. Ohio State (5-1)
The game with Oregon needs to be a learning point for the Buckeyes. To be candid, they don't play many close games, so the chance to learn early might pay late dividends for OSU.
#1. Oregon (6-0)
It wasn't necessarily an aesthetically pleasing performance, but it was a win. The Ducks set the standard for the Big Ten and proved that they belong. ESPN's rating of the Ducks as having an 84.3% shot at a playoff berth seems low if anything.