Big Ten football power rankings, Week 9: Purdue stumbles
By Shane Lunnen
![Oct 22, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jake Chaney (36) sacks Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O'Connell (16) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK Oct 22, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Jake Chaney (36) sacks Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O'Connell (16) during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Hoffman/The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA TODAY NETWORK](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/31aeb293c54644981a0ee98f2af54c52bde563e3e50c563b4bd470829a7a6010.jpg)
As we get closer to the end of the season, the Big Ten football division races are becoming clearer. Purdue this week did itself no favors by taking a loss at Wisconsin. In the East division, while Michigan was on a bye week, Ohio State just kept rolling even when not playing its best football.
Because of the hiatus last week for the power rankings, last week’s rankings are based on two weeks ago. There has been some movement in the middle but the top and bottom of the conference remain the same.
The most likely scenario is either Illinois or Purdue winning the West division. However, I think we all can agree this would be a wild but awesome outcome.
Here’s the Big Ten West 7-Way tie scenario with 4-8 Northwestern winning the Big Ten West. It involves Northwestern going 1-8 then rattling off three straight wins. Enjoy!!!
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) October 24, 2022
Green = Win
Red = Loss. pic.twitter.com/3e87cgndhg
If this comes to fruition, one would think Pat Fitzgerald may be named king of Evanston and would be head coach for life. Let’s all hope it happens.