Big Ten Football: Week 10 Power Rankings

11. Illinois

Week 10 result – 31-27 win over Michigan State

Illinois may have pulled off their final victory of their 2016 season. A win over Michigan State means nothing this season. That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t a moral victory for Illinois.

Each time the Fighting Illini can climb further up the rankings is a win. As we all know, this team’s future is much brighter than their present. It’s going to take years before they are a competitor in the Big Ten, but when they get there, they’re going to be dangerous.

If Illinois gives Lovie Smith time to build, they won’t regret it. They’re going to struggle, but as time goes on this team is going to grow. It’s just a matter of patience for the entire Illinois nation.