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Congratulations everyone, we’ve made it! No, not to seasons end, thank goodness, but to the beginning of November and the true stretch run of college football!
Before we officially flip the calendar, Week 9 brought a little bit of everything to the fans. Rivalry matchups, unfortunate fights and more clutch performances around the B1G.
This week, fans will also get their first look at the College Football Playoff Rankings with the first rankings show set for Tuesday evening. Ohio State and Michigan will likely be featured near the top of that list but finding out where Illinois and others check in might be more noteworthy at this point.
As we gear up for Week 10 of the season, here is how Tradition’s B1G Power Rankings shape up:
14. Northwestern (1-7)
Last week: at Iowa, L 33-13
Pat Fitzgerald has never finished worse than 3-9 during his tenure at Northwestern, but the Wildcats appear destined to break that streak this season. The Wildcats gave up 33 points to Iowa and finished with 177 total yards of offense. It’s time to consider the very real possibility Northwestern finishes the season 1-11.
Up next: vs. Ohio State
13. Indiana (3-5)
Last Week: BYE
Up next: vs. Penn State
12. Rutgers (4-4)
Last week: at Minnesota, L 31-0
Well, the second game with an interim OC failed considerably worse than Week 8 did for the Scarlet Knights. Gavin Wimsatt also showed he has a lot of growth to make before he can be a serviceable starting QB in this league. Rutgers’ shot at a bowl game this season is likely over with a tough November slate ahead, but that’s discouraging for a team looking to maximize its development in 2022.
Up next: vs. Michigan
11. Nebraska (3-5)
Last week: vs. Illinois, L 26-9
Make no mistake about it, the Huskers had a legitimate shot at an upset against No. 17 Illinois. Unfortunately, that shot went out the window with the injury to starting QB Casey Thompson. Hopefully, Thompson is back for the game vs. Minnesota or it could be a long one. Either way, Mickey Joseph needs to show he can stop this skid after back-to-back losses for Nebraska.
Up next: vs. Minnesota
10. Michigan State (3-5)
Last week: at Michigan, L 29-7
Save for a few big plays early on, Michigan State was outmatched by the Wolverines in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Michigan did fail to capitalize on some red zone opportunities, but the Spartans were ineffective all game long as Michigan held the ball for more than 40 minutes time of possession. Oh, and the Spartans must now address an ugly postgame incident from the tunnel.
Up next: at Illinois
9. Wisconsin (4-4)
Last week: BYE
Up next: vs. Maryland
8. Iowa (4-4)
Last week: vs. Northwestern, W 33-13
Sure, Iowa’s offensive “outburst” came against Northwestern, but now is not the time to worry about the opponent. The Hawkeyes needed to make a statement, regardless of who they were playing. This one will feel especially nice for QB Spencer Petras after he was efficient all game long in the win.
Up next: at Purdue
7. Minnesota (5-3)
Last Week: vs. Rutgers, W 31-0
Looking to end a 3-game losing streak, Minnesota was able to get Tanner Morgan back in the starting lineup. Mohamed Ibrahim was once again phenomenal with over 150 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns. Ibrahim is now Minnesota’s all-time leader for total touchdowns. Now, the Gophers face a road trip to Lincoln in Week 10.
Up next: at Nebraska
6. Purdue (5-3)
Last week: BYE
Up next: vs. Iowa
5. Maryland (6-2)
Last week: BYE
Up next: at Wisconsin
4. Penn State (6-2)
Last week: vs. Ohio State, L 44-31
Well, Penn State’s attempt at an upset was fun for a while, at least. After throwing 2 early interceptions in the game, Sean Clifford responded and even had the Nittany Lions leading early in the 4th quarter. Unfortunately, that all fell apart down the stretch with Clifford turning the ball over twice late in the game, including via a pick-6.
Up next: at Indiana
3. Illinois (7-1)
Last Week: at Nebraska, W 26-9
Make no mistake about it, the resurgence of Illinois under Bret Bielema is the real deal this season. Tommy DeVito was efficient — and smart — passing the ball against Nebraska, the Illini defense forced 4 turnovers (3 interceptions) and Chase Brown had another 100-yard outing. That’s a winning formula for any team. Oh, and the Illini get a reeling Michigan State team next.
Up next: vs. Michigan State
2. Michigan (8-0)
Last week: vs. Michigan State, W 29-7
Very few fans of the modern era of college football would find anything “sexy” about Michigan’s win over Michigan State, but the formula of the Wolverines was lethal all the same. Jake Moody kicked 5 field goals, Blake Corum wore down the Spartans with 177 yards rushing and Michigan reclaimed the Paul Bunyan Trophy which is all the Wolverines cared about when it’s all said and done. The red-zone issues will need to be cleaned before “you know who” arrives on the schedule, but Week 9 was a time to celebrate and troll your rival after the win.
Up next: at Rutgers
1. Ohio State (8-0)
Last week: vs. Penn State, W 44-31
For much of the game against Penn State, it was a question of whether or not Ohio State would maintain its perfect season. Now, the high-flying Buckeyes have a potential date with history in Week 10 after another game of 44+ points. Oh, and JT Tuimoloau’s breakout performance might just be the story of Week 9 across college football.
Up next: at Northwestern
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.