Big Ten Power Rankings: Michigan State, Iowa vie for top spot after Ohio State loss
By Mark Rogers
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
6. Wisconsin (8-3, 5-2)
In previous years, the Badgers owned Camp Randall Stadium and, therefore, owned the Western Division. This year Wisconsin doesn’t push around the better teams and, therefore, couldn’t complement a strong defense with enough points to win key games. The Badgers’ rushing attack ranks 13th in the Big Ten and 104th in the nation at 138.6 yards per game. Wisconsin could only must 13 points in home losses to Iowa and Northwestern. So it won’t be a banner year in Madison, but the Badgers can still make it to 10 wins win a win against Minnesota and their bowl.
5. Northwestern (9-2, 5-2)
While Northwestern has shown itself unworthy of the very upper tier of the Big Ten, the Wildcats have made quite a comeback after two down years under Pat Fitzgerald. Northwestern’s goal line stand at Wisconsin preserved a rare win in Camp Randall 13-7; the Wildcats first win in Madison since 2000. The Wildcats are winning with Justin Jackson (1,172 yards rushing) and a stingy defense. A win against Illinois would mark Northwestern’s first 10 win regular season since 1995.
Next: Ohio State-Michigan