Big Ten Football Power Rankings 10/21/24

This has been an interesting season, to say the least. The Indiana Hoosiers look like a serious title contender. The Oregon Ducks look like the best team, while USC and UCLA struggle in their first Big Ten season. A lot of questions still exist going forward, and it should be fun finding out the answers.

18. Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers were beaten 35-0 by Oregon, ranked number one in the Big Ten. The Boilers are the worst team in the Big Ten.

17. UCLA Bruins

UCLA eked out a close road win at Rutgers; that was their first win since week one when they beat Hawaii.

16. Northwestern Wildcats

The defence is good, but the offense struggles. The Wildcats have played better lately, but the offense did not play well in a loss to Wisconsin.

15. USC Trojans

USC is probably better than this ranking; they have lost three tight games at the end, but much more was expected by fans in the Trojan’s inaugural Big Ten season.

14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Remember when Rutgers looked like it could be a dark horse in the Big Ten? Well, those hopes have since vanished after three consecutive losses to Nebraska, Wisconsin, and UCLA. Greg Schiano’s team may be banged up, but they haven’t lived up to expectations either – now Rutgers appears likely to battle for bowl eligibility at season’s end.

13. Maryland Terrapins

Mike Locksley finally managed to end Maryland’s Big Ten losing streak and secure its inaugural conference win this season , pulling off its first victory beating USC. Billy Edwards Jr. made an impressionful performance, throwing for 373 yards and two touchdowns while completing 39 of 50 passes, while Kaden Prather, Octavian Smith Jr. and Tai Felton each contributed with at least 84 yards receiving passes, respectively – can the Maryland offense keep building momentum throughout its remaining conference games this year?

12. Washington Huskies

Washington’s defense will be tested by Indiana, which boasts one of the most potent offenses in the Big Ten. Washington has done a decent job of slowing opponents this season; however, slowing an Indiana team that has scored 40 or more in each of its past six games may prove challenging despite having had an extra week to prepare.

11. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa struggled to contain Michigan State; they seemed never to have the ball and when they did, they could not sustain much in the way of offense. This was a disappointing game for Iowa and they must bounce back quickly.

10. Minnesota Golden Gophers

After winning two consecutive games against USC and UCLA, Minnesota rested and took some time off. Can they extend their win streak into this month’s tough schedule?

9. Nebraska Cornhuskers

There was nothing good to come of Saturday’s trip to Bloomington for Nebraska, as coach Matt Rhule was taken aback at how poorly his team played in a blowout loss that came off of an extended bye week. To overcome their misstep, it will be essential for them to forget Saturday’s contest quickly, as life won’t get any easier with an away trip to Columbus this weekend.

8. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State has shot up this week’s power rankings after an emphatic home victory against Iowa. The Spartans appeared to figure out Iowa’s defense, amassing 468 total yards and finding ways to put points on the board. Receivers Nick Marsh and Montorie Foster Jr each had over 100 receiving yards, while Jonathan Kim kicked six of seven field goal attempts, including an incredible 55-yarder! It remains difficult to know if Michigan State really warrants its current ranking as the eight-best Big Ten team; its only two Big Ten losses came at Ohio State and Oregon — perhaps they are better than anticipated?

7. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan had some success throwing the football with Jack Tuttle. Unfortunately, nothing else worked for Sherrone Moore’s squad on Saturday in Champaign. Now, Michigan hosts in-state rival Michigan State in what feels like an essential matchup that could save its season from going entirely sideways.

6. Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin appears to have found its footing. After an uneven start to the 2024 season, Wisconsin has reeled off three consecutive wins against Purdue, Rutgers and Northwestern by outscoring them 117-16. Tawee Walker helped lead this surge by running for 100-yard yards in each of the three games. Luke Fickell will soon face his toughest test yet when Penn State comes calling. Will Walker find success against an intimidating Nittany Lion defense?

5. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois defense was impressive on Saturday, holding Michigan to only 114 rushing yards and forcing three turnovers for an important win, pushing Illinois’ record to 6-1. Three Illini defensive players finished with double-digit tackles – led by Gabe Jacas’ 13 tackles,so Bret Bielema has his team riding high right now; we shall see what their performance looks like against top-ranked Oregon on Saturday!

4. Indiana Hoosiers

Can the Indiana offense be stopped? On Homecoming weekend, Indiana pummeled Nebraska with running back Justice Ellison rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns; receiver Miles Cross caught seven passes for 65 yards; Elijah Sarratt caught another seven for 65 yards with another touchdown caught by receiver Miles Cross; in total there are weapons all over the field for Indiana’s 7-0 start which earned ESPN College GameDay to visit Bloomington this Saturday against Washington; unfortunately star Quarterback Kurtis Rourke will miss this contest; therefore backup Tayven Jackson will get his chance.

Curt Cignetti has completely turned around Indiana Football

3. Penn State Nittany Lions

James Franklin will take his Penn State team back on the road this weekend, traveling to Madison to face a Wisconsin team that appears to have found its groove. Penn State must play disciplined football on both sides to avoid an upset at Camp Randall Stadium this time around.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes have shown some severe flaws this season, and everyone will be anxiously watching how Ryan Day’s squad responds after taking a bye-week break.

1. Oregon Ducks

Oregon responded well after its massive win against Ohio State, recording ten tackles for loss against Purdue on Friday night. The offense was also efficient, with Dillon Gabriel throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns while completing 21 of 25 passes en route to moving up in the AP poll and welcoming Illinois to Autzen Stadium this weekend for another chance at unseating another ranked opponent.