Big Ten Power Rankings Week 13: Nebraska Slips, Northwestern Rises

Nov 22, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini players Dawuane Smoot (91), Earnest Thomas III (9), and Davontay Kwaaning (37) celebrate their victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Penn State 16 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern on the road will be a game between two 5-6 teams fighting for one of those final bowl eligible spots in the conference. Illinois could save its season with that, and it makes it a game worth watching despite involving two 5-6 teams.

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11

Illinois Fighting Illini 5-6 (2-5)

Last week: Lost to Iowa Hawkeyes 30-14
Last rank: 12

Just when it looked like Tim Beckman was dead in the water and about to oversee another lost season for the Illinois Fighting Illini, he might keep his job after all. Despite a terrible loss to Purdue earlier in the year, this team has pulled off incredible wins against Minnesota and now Penn State.

And the inconsistencies of this team show that there is certainly potential for the future, and Illinois could be a step away from turning it around.

Tim Beckman’s team had no defense all year, and it showed up when needed. The inconsistent play at quarterback is still an issue with no running game, but it might be enough to overcome. Wes Lunt’s injury that he has been battling all year has caused the odd season, but this team is still in bowl game contention with one final shot to get there. And it is an epic setup.

Northwestern on the road will be a game between two 5-6 teams fighting for one of those final bowl eligible spots in the conference. Illinois could save its season with that, and it makes it a game worth watching despite involving two 5-6 teams.