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.")
7. Iowa (6-2, 3-2)
The Hawkeyes have one of the best defenses in college football (again) and also quite possibly the worst offense. Of course, if Cade McNamara and Erick All were healthy, it would be slightly better, but let’s not kid ourselves. That being said, Deacon Hill has to be the worst Power-5 quarterback currently starting games. Iowa had 127 yards last week and right now, every game seems like a toss-up. However, they are still 6-2 and not out of the Big Ten West race by a longshot.
6. Maryland (5-2, 2-2)
The Terrapins were playing great and looked poised to beat Ohio State. Yet, Maryland fell apart in the second half and allowed that hangover to lead to another loss against Illinois. A road game against Northwestern looms this week, which is a great chance to reach bowl eligibility. Taulia Tagovailoa has been stellar at times and he’ll need to play like one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks if Maryland is going to reach 8-9 wins this season.
5. Rutgers (6-2, 3-2)
Gavin Wimsatt only threw for 39 yards last week but he ran for 143 yards and three touchdowns. The young Rutgers quarterback and his team are going bowling. It’s been an impressive season and it should be pointed out that Rutgers is the only team that’s hung around with Michigan so far. It was 17-7 before a pick-six when Greg Schiano went it on a fourth down instead of kicking a field goal. You could tell Rutgers was a solid team that day and the Scarlet Knights have looked it.
4. Wisconsin (5-3, 2-1)
The Badgers still have to be wondering how they lost to Iowa, especially with Deacon Hill at quarterback. Although, Wisconsin’s offense has scored a total of 12 points in seven quarters going into the fourth quarter last Saturday against Illinois. The Badgers erupted for 18 points. They feel like the favorite in the Big Ten West but if they lose to Ohio State, the could be four teams with two losses after this Saturday.