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

You can blame the weather but the Buckeyes game against Northwestern was not great football. They got the victory but it was a far cry from what was expected against an overmatched opponent. C.J. Stroud’s Heisman hopes took a huge blow as the quarterback ran for more yards (79) than he passed for (76).

One should question Ryan Day and his game plan considering the weather. Especially in the first half, the Buckeyes were trying to throw the ball downfield in horrible conditions. Ohio State is still on a collision course with its main rival, but for this week they drop a spot in the power rankings.

Michigan struggled some in the first half against Rutgers, trailing for the first time this season after 30 minutes of play. Then the Wolverines turned it into a laugher. Running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards both had 109 yards on the ground, with Corum finding the end zone twice. The defense stymied and shut out Rutgers in the second half and really only gave up 10 points as one Rutgers touchdown occurred due to a punt block.

Both Ohio State and Michigan had points of a struggle this week. But Michigan found a way to wake up and run away with their game, whereas Ohio State did not. Michigan looks like the slightly better team at this point and that is why they flip into the top spot of the power rankings. The Wolverines are back home against Nebraska on Saturday.