Big Ten Power Rankings Week 10: Terps, Wolverines Rise, Wildcats, Nittany Lions Fall
Nov 1, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) rolls out of the pocket to pass during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
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Ohio State Buckeyes 7-1 (4-0)
Last week: Defeated Illinois Fighting Illini 55-14
Last rank: 3
Yes, after a dominant win against Illinois, we decided to bump the Ohio State Buckeyes back up to No. 1 in our Big Ten Power Rankings. These guys dominated a team coming off a really good win just a week ago. And we unfortunately kind of rewarded them because Michigan State didn’t play.
But that doesn’t matter because the true No. 1 team in the conference will show after this weekend when Ohio State and Michigan State play each other. And don’t look now, but Urban Meyer has some serious weapons on his team. J.T. Barrett has played himself right into the Heisman race, as the freshman quarterback has improved every week. Meanwhile, the defense is getting much better, and that started with the way the suspect secondary so successfully defended the Maryland skill players a month ago. This is a great team.
How great they are, we find out soon enough. Michigan State is the true test of the season, but it’s followed by a road game against Minnesota, which could be tough. Indiana and Michigan are should-be wins, so the season comes down to the next two weeks.