Big Ten Power Rankings: Michigan State, Iowa vie for top spot after Ohio State loss
By Mark Rogers
-USA TODAY Sports
10. Illinois (5-6, 2-5)
Fading fast after a fast start. The Illini are playing the typical Indiana role by taking advantage of a weak non-conference slate before hoping to find a few wins vs the very bottom of the Big Ten to squeak into postseason play. Credit the Illini for at least scheduling what could be a national contender in 10-1 North Carolina. The Heels, of course, walloped the Illini 48-14. Following a few solid efforts early in the conference schedule, Illinois has hit a wall. Minnesota provided an opportunity, but the Illini couldn’t stop the Gophers ground game. Now Illinois needs an upset vs Northwestern to go bowling.
9. Minnesota (5-6, 2-5)
Freshman Shannon Brooks ripped Illinois for 174 yards rushing in the Gophers 32-23 win over Illinois and Minnesota maintained its bowl hopes. Outside of a 44-13 collapse at Northwestern, the Gophers have proven competitive against one of the Big Ten’s toughest schedules (TCU, Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa, Northwestern and Wisconsin). The Gophers have a serious shot to knock off a Badgers team that has no run game and go bowling for a third straight year.
Next: Nebraska-Penn State