Big Ten Power Rankings

As I watch my Yankees choke this series away, I'll try something new for a college football post. After getting embarrassed with my picks last week, I think I'll settle for just ranking the Big Ten. Here we go...

1-Ohio State

Easily the most dominant team in the Big Ten this year. Their defense eats running backs alive and has only gic up 4 TDs all year (two of those in garbage time). With Wells providing a solid ground game and the passing game continuing to develop, OSU is currently the team to beat in the conference

2-Illinois

Where do you begin with these guys. Their offense has been very impressive en route to a 5-1 record. Their one loss was a very close game at a neutral site against a still undefeated Missouri club. Juice Williams leads this attack with Benn and a formidable defense. Only Ohio State should pose a major threat to them as they've already knocked off PSU and Wisconsin.

3-Penn State

Is this ranking a little high? Maybe. Will they beat Wisconsin on Saturday? They should. Currently, they sit as 6.5 point favorites over the Badgers. This team is close to being something special. Their defense is led by an insanely good pair of linebackers in Dan Connor and Sean Lee while their offense is filled with playmakers. While Morelli still needs to pull his head out of the sand, Rodney Kinlaw could do some special things for this team now that Austin Scott is off the team.

4-Wisconsin

4th might even be too high for these guys. Last week, they were #5 and still dogs @Illinois. They had a chance to prove people wrong, but didn't. This week, they're still road dogs and things won't get any easier in the unfriendly confines of Beaver Stadium. If the Lions can shut down P.J. Hill, watch out, things could get ugly.

5-Purdue

Chris Painter is a solid quarterback and their defense has been respectable throughout the year. They lost handily to Ohio State but should still have a solid year in the Big Ten.

6-Michigan State

How do you lose at home to Northwestern?? Especially after almost coming out of Camp Randall with a W.

7-Mike Hart

Wait, there are more people on this team? Without Hart, Michigan could have a Notre Dame like record at this point.

8-Indiana

Haven't really beaten anyone of note yet. Their next two games against MSU and PSU will be very telling.

9-Northwestern

I honestly don't even know what to think of these guys. One week they look pretty damn good, the next they look like FIU.

10-Iowa

They sit 0-3 in the Big Ten and lost to Iowa State earlier in the season. To me, they seem like the Notre Dame of the Big Ten. Plenty of hype, a good defense, solid young quarterback...but no offensive line.

11-Minnesota

These guys are just bad. They only have one win, and that came against Miami...of Ohio. Losses to Bowling Green and FAU solidify this spot.