Welcome to week 9’s iteration of the Big Ten Power rankings! Let’s dive in!

1. OSU
   1. The Buckeyes were on a bye this weekend. They travel to LA to face off with USC this weekend. The entire country will be monitoring that one to see how the Buckeyes look without quarterback Julian Sayin under center.  
2. UCLA
   1. The Bruins shook off a slow first quarter to beat Michigan State 28-10. This is their first 7-0 start since 2005, and they look to take over the top spot if Ohio State struggles without Julian Sayin . While Ty Diffenback isn’t setting records, he’s taking care of the football and letting the supporting cast do what is needed around him. 
3. Indiana
   1. Indiana needed overtime to beat Michigan on the road. While that result alone isn’t bad, things on the offensive side of the ball are just too weak. However, this Hoosier defense is elite, and they got their first win in almost 60 years at the Big House. They stay third while they keep finding ways to win. 
4. Wisconsin
   1. Head coach Luke Fickell has turned things around with their extremely weak schedule this year. They’ve lost to Notre Dame and UCLA, both of whom are trending towards the College Football Playoff. This weekend was their best win of the season, and they get a chance to make a statement at Kinnick Stadium this weekend vs. Iowa. 
5. Northwestern
   1. Last week’s iteration of the power rankings had Iowa, USC and Oregon, ahead of the Wildcats. All three lost and now face significant challenges ahead. The Wildcats are sitting at 6-1 and just throttled Rutgers. The Wildcats now have to travel to face a reeling Oregon squad who officially are without Moore for the year. 
6. Iowa
   1. Minnesota is a tough team, especially in Minnesota. However, this was a bad loss. The Hawkeyes should not have lost Saturday. They’ve now lost running back Kamari Moulton for the rest of the season. The Gopher defense stymied the rushing attack for the Hawkeyes; Allowing just 90 yards on the ground. The Hawkeyes will now look to get back on their feet against Wisconsin at home. 
7. USC
   1. The Trojans offense no-showed against the Badgers this weekend, and Bryan Jackson got revenge against his former team. The Wisconsin team put up just 58 passing years while the rushing attack went for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. Two Jayden Maiava interceptions led the way for Wisconsin to capitalize on it. USC hosts an injury plagued Ohio State squad Saturday night. 
8. Minnesota
   1. A win over Iowa at home gives Fleck and the team a signature win this season. In a defensive grind, the Gophers won 13-10 on a field goal at the buzzer. The Gopher defense grabbed 3 interceptions that helped grab a victory. They’ll look to use that defense on the road against Indiana this weekend. 
9. Nebraska
   1. The Huskers were on a bye this weekend, but moved up a spot due to the backsliding from other teams.
10. Oregon
    1. The Ducks fell 21-10 to Illinois this weekend. Quarterback Dylan Raiola threw the ball 41 times, completing just 27 of them for 246 yards. He didn’t throw an interception, but had no touchdowns. He also coughed up a fumble. Oregon has officially lost quarterback Dante Moore for the season, but things don’t get easier for the Ducks as they have to host Northwestern this weekend. Ohio State looms large the following week. The Ducks close the season with Michigan, Michigan State,and Washington. They’ll need two wins out of those five games to get bowl eligible. 
11. Purdue
    1. The Boilers were on a bye this weekend and stayed steady in the rankings.  
12. Illinois
    1. A win over Oregon holds weight, even if this year’s Oregon squad isn’t as good as normal. The Illini jumped up three spots behind 225 rushing yards, spearheaded by Aidan Laughery’s 13 carries for 123 yards. They now look to carry that momentum into a Halloween matchup with Maryland. 
13. Washington
    1. The Huskies were on a bye this weekend. 
14. Michigan
    1. The Wolverines are now down to 1-3 on the year in the Big Ten, but 4-3 overall. They jump ahead of the Huskies who were idle this weekend. Tommy Carr, while not mindblowing, was more efficient than what Michigan has had at QB this year. He’ll continue as the QB1 this weekend and they’ll look to gain some momentum against a struggling Rutgers squad. 
15. Rutgers
    1. The Scarlet Knights are 1-3 in the Big Ten and their lone win is against Maryland. Rutgers’ defense continues to let them down, and they’ve allowed a total 161 points this season while scoring just 101. Star wide receiver KJ Duff is doubtful for Saturday, and starting QB Dylan Lonergan has already been ruled out. 
16. Penn State
    1. This season has been nothing short of a disaster. The Nittany Lions are coming off a bye looking to get their first Big Ten win this year. 
17. Michigan State
    1. The Spartans are the only 0-5 team in the Big Ten. They’ve been a basement dweller this year. The only reason they move up is the fact that Maryland has fallen further because of their lack of a coach. The Spartans lost 28-10, and will look to notch their first Big Ten win this weekend. 
18. Maryland
    1. The Terrapins were on a bye this weekend but have spiraled down to last place as they are now searching for a new head coach and are at 2-5. They’ve scored just 72 points this year while surrendering a conference high 184.