Big Ten Football Power Rankings after Week 8
![]Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, Donovan Edwards (7) J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrate after a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during first-half action at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Ffcf7b803c500b82f792600138849f3125101f68c59e995bc68296ce0db7bdb32.jpg "]Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, Donovan Edwards (7) J.J. McCarthy (9) celebrate after a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during first-half action at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.")
11. Illinois (3-5, 1-4)
The Fighting Illini were about to notch their second straight impressive win and Bret Bielema’s team led his former Wisconsin team 21-7 heading to the fourth quarter. Then, the Badgers scored 18 unanswered points, wiping away all the good vibes about Illinois. Illinois will need to play good football down the stretch to go bowling — there isn’t much margin for error.
10. Purdue (2-5, 1-3)
The Boilermakers still probably wish they could have that first game against Fresno State back. Ohio State pounded the Boilermakers two weeks ago. Purdue had a bye last week and travel to Nebraska on Saturday. If a bowl game is going to happen, it feels like a must-win for first-year head coach Ryan Walters.
9. Nebraska (4-3, 2-2)
The Huskers gutted out a win over Northwestern. It wasn’t pretty and there were some rough moments from Heinrich Haarberg. But the Huskers outran Northwestern 163-81, which proved to be a huge difference in the outcome. Top-100 freshman Malachi Coleman also caught a touchdown pass and the defense has held two Big Ten football teams to less than 10 points in consecutive games — something the Huskers haven’t done since joining the league.
8. Minnesota (4-3, 2-2)
The Gophers have been mediocre so far this season but don’t look now as Minnesota has wins over two of the top four teams in the Big Ten West standings. The loss to Northwestern still bites, because Minnesota would be in first, however, they do control their own destiny. Win out and Minnesota is the Big Ten West champion. Minnesota might have benefited from a controversial call, but a win is a win and Minnesota is in the thick of the Big Ten West division race.