Big Ten football power rankings, Week 11: A new top team?

Nebraska had a 10-0 lead over Minnesota at halftime however could not do much in the second half on its way to a 20-13 loss to the Gophers. Neither Husker quarterback, Chubba Purdy or Logan Smothers, looked great but running back tailback Anthony Grant did hit the century mark on the ground, averaging 5.5 yards per carry.

The Huskers are playing out the string mostly and AD Trev Alberts has a big decision to make. Make Mickey Joseph the full-time head coach or look elsewhere. The Huskers are 2-4 under Joseph but the players do seem to like him. Nebraska is also in danger of being the only FBS Power 5 team not to appear in a bowl game in the last five seasons. Next up is Michigan.

The Boilermakers were stuck in neutral in their game against Iowa, falling to the Hawkeyes 24-3. Should have known it would be a bad day for them when this happened.

Purdue could not capitalize on Illinois losing and now still is a long shot to win the Big Ten West. However, they will get their shot as they travel to Champagne this Saturday afternoon.

In the upset of the weekend in the Big Ten, Michigan State defeated Illinois 23-15. The Spartans were outgained in total yards by Illinois 441 to 294 and still managed to pull out the victory. After the end of the game fiasco in Ann Arbor, it looked like Michigan State’s program could be sinking. But this was a statement win for Sparty and a good bounceback.

The Spartans were written off by many pundits, including this humble writer, but now at least a bowl game is within their grasp. Especially since their next two opponents are struggling Rutgers and Indiana.