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sdasdadadas
As always, keep in mind that these are just my lists, and they are simply looking at where things sit as of this very moment. Things will be fluid, rankings will change, but that’s what’s fun about this crazy ass sport, isn’t it?
I am sure that more astute and discerning college football watchers might have different opinions, so if that’s you, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
My Current Big Ten Power Rankings
1.) No one. Everybody in the conference sucks to a certain degree, so no one deserves to be No. 1 this week.
2a.) Ohio State (8-1, 6-0) | 26-17 Win Over Nebraska | Previously No. 2
They are clearly the most talented team, but there’s a lot that’s just not right with them right now, from the quarterback to the offensive line to the defensive secondary to the offensive play-calling, it just feels like there is a disconnect on this team between what they are capable of and what they are doing.
2b.) Michigan State (8-1, 5-1) | 40-29 Loss to Purdue | Previously No. 1
Look, there’s no shame in being a highly ranked team and going to West Lafayette and getting housed thanks to an otherworldly effort by a diminutive wide receiver.
3.) Purdue (6-3, 4-2) | 40-29 Win Over Michigan State | Previously No. 7
The Boilermakers have been good all season, but they have the chance to become great this coming Saturday when they head to Columbus to face the Buckeyes. If they can pull off a third major upset of the season, this year’s Purdue squad will go down in history as one of college football’s most dominating Davids.
4.) Michigan (8-1, 5-1) | 29-7 Win Over Indiana | Previously No. 3
Meh, they’re fine.
5.) Wisconsin (6-3, 4-2) | 52-3 Win Over Rutgers | Previously No. 6
Don’t look now, but Wisconsin is starting to look like Wisconsin.
6.) Penn State (6-3, 3-3) | 31-14 Win Over Maryland | Previously No. 5
7.) Iowa (7-2, 4-2) | 17-12 Win Over Northwestern | Previously No. 8
I love me some Northwestern football, but if you are just a few weeks removed from being the No. 2 team in the country, you can’t only beat this Wildcat team 17-12.
8.) Minnesota (6-3, 4-2) | 14-6 Loss to Illinois | Previously No. 4
I know that the Gophers have been unfairly decimated by the injury bug, especially at the running back position, however, I did not expect this result.
9.) Nebraska (3-7, 1-6) | 26-17 Loss to Ohio state | Previously No. 10
I know that the Huskers are 3-7 and will not be heading to a bowl game this season, but I think we all know how good they are after watching that game today. Do they have tons of issues, yes, but who doesn’t?
10.) Illinois (4-6, 3-4) | 14-6 Win Over Minnesota | Previously No. 12
Bert is going to have this team turned around much sooner than anyone anticipated.
11.) Maryland (5-4, 2-4) | 31-14 Loss to Penn State | Previously No. 9
The Terps aren’t really good, but they aren’t really bad either. Maryland just is; the exist, whether we like it or not.
12.) Rutgers (4-5, 1-5) | 52-3 Loss to Wisconsin | Previously No. 11
Rutgers finish the season with Indiana, Penn State, and Maryland, and have every opportunity to become bowl eligible. I kind of hope that they make it happen.
13.) Northwestern (3-5, 1-4) | 17-12 Loss to Iowa | Previously No. 13
Everything about this game screamed Iowa vs. Northwestern... including who ended up losing.
14.) Indiana (2-6, 0-6) | 29-7 Loss to Michigan | Previously No. 14
IU just makes me sad this year. They were so much fun last season; they are not, this season.
My Current College Football Playoff
Since the College Football Playoff Committee will be releasing their official rankings on Tuesday night, I am going to attempt to predict who the committee will have in their top six.
1.) Georgia (9-0) | 43-6 Win Over Missouri
2.) Alabama (8-1) | 20-14 Win Over LSU
3.) Oregon (7-1) | 26-16 Win Over Washington
4.) Ohio State (8-1) | 26-17 Win over Nebraska
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5.) Michigan State (8-1) | 40-29 Loss to Purdue
C6.) 6.) Cincinnati (9-0) | 28-20 Win Over Tulsa
Heisman Trophy Finalist Predictions
Keep in mind that these players are listed in alphabetical order, and this is just who I think is putting together a resume to be invited to the Heisman Ceremony in New York. I will eventually pick a winner, but that will be a while.