Big Ten Football Power Rankings 2017: Badgers remain steady in Week 11

Here is something you have all heard before. Illinois loses a Big Ten game. Their conference losing streak now stands at ten as the Illini fell to Indiana 24-14.

Quarterback Jeff George Jr. provided the overwhelming majority of the Illini’s offense with 261 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions and the rushing woes continued as Illinois managed just 33 yards on the ground. The Illini have no offensive identity and it is certainly too late in the season to actually find one.

With eight straight losses now, Illinois is looking towards the 2018 season. With Ohio State and Northwestern left on the schedule, it will sure to be twelve straight conference losses heading into next year.

Nebraska was annihilated by Minnesota to the tune of 54-21. The end of the Mike Riley era is fast approaching.

It started off bad for the Huskers as they gave up a 100 yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. Although they did answer with a touchdown of their own, Minnesota controlled the game the rest of the way. The Huskers have very little running game and their defense is like swiss cheese. They gave up over 500 yards of total offense with the majority of it coming on the ground. No one would mistake this defense for the “Blackshirts” of old Husker teams.

Nebraska has not missed a bowl game since 2007, but it is certainly looking like they will miss one this year. They have must-win games against Penn State and Iowa.  Good luck winning both, Huskers.

Maryland was no match for Michigan. The Wolverines jumped out to a 28-0 lead over the Terps and never looked back.

The Terps started their fourth quarterback this season, Ryan Brand. The expectations were obviously low for the sophomore. He went 16 for 35 for 136 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. The Terps defense did the offense no favors, giving up 28 points through a quarter and a half of play. It was rough to begin with starting Brand, but the big hole was insurmountable. Surprisingly though, Maryland out gained Michigan 340 yards to 305 yards.

Maryland has a trip to East Lansing next to take on what is sure to be a ticked off Michigan State team. It will not be easy to win against the Spartans to keep their slim bowl hopes alive.