This is certainly not the weekend we expected.

There weren’t many groundbreaking things that happened in the B1G, but there were some surprising things that really change the narrative heading into the final month of the season. It should create an interesting and entertaining finish.

Northwestern’s win over Wisconsin gave the Wildcats a full game advantage in the B1G West as Iowa and Purdue lost. Now, the division is Pat Fitzgerald’s to lose.

With Michigan and Ohio State on a bye, there weren’t many interesting things happening in the East, aside from Penn State’s thrilling win over the Hawkeyes.

Nine weeks are in the books. Here’s the B1G power rankings as we close the book on October.

14. Rutgers, 1-7 (bye week)

The Scarlet Knights had a chance to rest before a brutal November schedule.

13. Illinois, 3-5 (lost to Maryland 63-33)

All those positive conversations we had about Illinois’ growth and progress early in the season seems like so long ago. The Illini have been blown out each of the last three weeks, looking worse and worse on the defensive side of the ball. A team that looked like it could potentially flirt with bowl eligibility may not win another game.

12. Indiana, 4-5 (lost to Minnesota 38-31)

Four straight losses for the Hoosiers puts them way back in the rankings this week. Indiana made a late push after trailing 31-9, tying the game at 31-31 with 90 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but the defense failed to make one more stop. IU is also on the verge of missing that six-win mark for a second straight season.

11. Minnesota, 4-4 (def. Indiana 38-31)

Have a game, Tanner Morgan. The redshirt freshman stepped in for the injured Zack Annexstad and delivered a sensational performance in his first career start. Minnesota also got major help from Shannon Brooks, who made his first appearance of the 2018 season. It came a little late but P.J. Fleck and Minnesota finally got a B1G win.

10. Nebraska, 2-6 (def. Bethune-Cookman 45-9)

There really isn’t much to say for Nebraska this week. Everyone expected the Huskers to take care of business and they did exactly that. We’ll see how much Scott Frost’s team has really improved next week when it takes a trip to Columbus to take on No. 11 Ohio State.

9. Purdue, 4-4 (lost to Michigan State 23-13)

You would’ve expected a more inspired performance after a huge upset win over Ohio State. Purdue’s explosive offense was held in check and failed to get much going through the air or on the ground. Three interceptions were costly and Rondale Moore was never able to get into much of a rhythm.

8. Maryland, 5-3 (def. Illinois 63-33)

It feels a bit like a broken record saying the same thing every week. Maryland is either really good or really bad. This weekend, the Terps were really good. The team set a program record for most points scored in a B1G game, breaking the previous mark of 50. Running back Javon Leake had a  huge game, accounting for 274 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns in the win.

7. Wisconsin, 5-3 (lost to Northwestern 31-17)

Hard to believe everyone tabbed this Wisconsin team as a lock to reach the B1G Championship Game. The Badgers dropped their third game of the season and are now a full game back in the B1G West. Wisconsin has battled injuries all over the field and just hasn’t been as dominant as in past years. It’s been a disappointing month in Madison.

6. Michigan State, 5-3 (def. Purdue 23-13)

Nobody expected Michigan State to have a chance. Even the panel on College GameDay expected Purdue to defeat the Spartans. But the defense showed up, shut down the passing attack and covered up Rondale Moore. It was an extremely impressive effort from Mark Dantonio’s bunch. Rocky Lombardi was also sensational making the start in East Lansing.

5. Iowa, 6-2 (lost to No. 17 Penn State 30-24)

Another heartbreaking loss for the Hawkeyes. It looked like Iowa might cruise to a win over Penn State after building a 12-0 first quarter lead over the Nittany Lions. But Trace McSorley and the offense finally got things moving and was able to put up 23 points in the final three quarters against a tough Iowa defense. The path to the West title is a little more difficult.

4. Northwestern, 5-3 (def. No. 20 Wisconsin 31-17)

Northwestern is the leader of the West by a full game entering the month of November. Raise your hand if you had that prediction. This might be Pat Fitzgerald’s best coaching job yet, overcoming a non-existent rushing attack to have his team 5-1 in B1G play. With Iowa, Minnesota and Illinois remaining on the schedule, there’s a real chance Northwestern is in Indianapolis in December.

3. Penn State, 6-2 (def. No. 18 Iowa 30-24)

Saturday’s game against Iowa had that “here we go” feeling. It seemed like Penn State might lose another nail-biter in the fourth quarter. But the Nittany Lions made just enough plays to hold off the Hawkeyes and get to the six-win mark. Penn State now battles Michigan and Wisconsin over the next two weeks, a chance to still record a few marquee victories.

2. Ohio State, 7-1 (bye week)

The Buckeyes are back in action next week. Nobody passed them for the second spot this week.

1. Michigan, 7-1 (bye week)

Michigan had the opportunity to rest up before taking on Penn State next Saturday.