Big Ten Football Power Rankings after Week 7

Following Week 7 of the Big Ten football season, we updated our power rankings ahead of some massive games this week. 

Things are about to get interesting this week as one of the Big Ten football games of the year will take place in Columbus between Ohio State and Penn State.

We saw a key matchup in the Big Ten Football West Division between Wisconsin and Iowa. Frankly, outside of being a good defensive game, it was downright ugly to watch.

If you like quarterback play, be glad if you didn’t watch it. Nebraska and Northwestern had bye weeks, while Michigan throttled Indiana. Ohio State did the same thing to Purdue and here are our updated Big Ten football power rankings after Week 7.

14. Indiana (2-5, 0-3)

The Hoosiers were competitive for about a half against Michigan before the Wolverines just totally overwhelmed them in the second half. Indiana is one of two Big Ten football teams without a win and you wonder if Tom Allen will survive this season.

13. Michigan State (2-4, 0-3)

The Spartans have really fallen off dramatically from two seasons ago when they handed Mel Tucker nearly $100 million. Things looked better last week as Katin Houser got the start at quarterback. Michigan State led 24-6, before a blocked punt led to a touchdown to Rutgers and sparked an 18-point come-from-behind win for the Scarlet Knights. Up next: Michigan. A win would save the season of the Spartans.

13. Northwestern (3-3, 1-2)

The Wildcats have been battling. They play at Nebraska this week after a bye week. It’s a winnable game for Northwestern and could be the key to making a run at a bowl game. Matt Rhule’s team will view it in the same light. Getting Ben Bryant back at quarterack will be essential after he suffered a back injury against Penn State last month. Northwestern struggled to a 23-20 win over Howard in his absence.