Big Ten Power Rankings after week 7

14) Rutgers Scarlet Knights

After a 3-0 start, the Scarlet Knights seemed to be trending up big time, but the wheels have fallen off since a close loss at Michigan. A loss to Northwestern, the consensus worst team in the Big Ten, solidifies this ranking.

13) Illinois Fighting Illini

The Illini had a bye week.

12) Northwestern Wildcats

When you think the Wildcats have packed it in for the season, they jump up and smack Rutgers. Now sitting at 3-3, the Wildcats could conceivably work their way into bowl contention.

11) Maryland Terrapins

The terps sit at 4-2. The only problem is they are getting blown out by good teams and beating bad teams. The Terps come off the bye week with a must-win game against Minnesota, which if they want to make a bowl game, they need to win.

10) Indiana Hoosiers

The Hoosiers have faced a brutally tough schedule with all four losses coming to teams ranked in the top 10; it will not get any easier as following up for the Hoosiers will be the Ohio State Buckeyes.

9) Nebraska Cornhuskers

It looked like Nebraska was getting ready to turn a corner, but it was not to be as they lost to the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

8) Wisconsin Badgers

The Badgers struggled to beat Army 20-14. The offense was an issue yet again, and it’s getting later in the season, and I don’t hold out much hope for more offensive production.

7) Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Gophers are right in the mix for a bowl game after a win over Nebraska. If quarterback Tanner Morgan can find his groove, the Gophers could be dangerous for anybody.

6) Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers surprised everyone with a win at Iowa last Saturday. The most surprising thing was how easy a win it was for the Boilermakers on the road.

5) Iowa Hawkeyes

Great defense. No offense has been the story for the hawkeyes this season. Quarterback play has ruined this team’s shot at a Big Ten title.

4) Penn State Nittany Lions

Injury issues are why the Nittany Lions are ranked fourth. When completely healthy, I believe Penn State is the second-best team in the Big Ten.

3) Michigan Wolverines

I am not sold on the Wolverines just yet, but upcoming battles with Michigan State and Ohio State will tell us all we need to know about the Wolverines.

2) Michigan State Spartans

The Spartans squeaked by the Hoosiers, and let’s face it, that’s how they usually win, by squeaking by. The Spartans always seem to find a way to win.

1) Ohio State Buckeyes

The Buckeyes are the most talented team in the Big Ten, and they are starting to flex their muscles. If the defense continues to play well, they should end up in the College Football Playoffs.