The college football season is rolling on, wrapping up Week 8 in a flash! Along the way, some of the country’s contenders and existing one-loss teams took hits as the group of top teams in the country continued to narrow.

In the B1G, that included Ohio State remaining unbeaten by coming up with another win over Penn State. Iowa also lost in wild and disastrous fashion to sustain a second loss on the season.

Michigan had no issues with off-field distractions and rolled against Michigan State while the middle of the B1G continues to look like a logjam of mediocrity. Without further ado, here are Tradition’s Big Ten Power Rankings through Week 8:

14. Indiana (2-5)

Last week: vs. Rutgers, L 31-14

Brendan Sorsby has reclaimed Indiana’s QB1 job and produced both Hoosier touchdowns against Rutgers. Unfortunately, Indiana did not score after halftime and was 2-for-11 on 3rd down.

13. Northwestern (3-4)

Last week: at Nebraska, L 17-9

There’s something to be said about the way Northwestern battles, particularly with its backup QB on the road. Unfortunately, the ground game managed just 81 rushing yards against Nebraska’s stout defense, and Northwestern was really unable to capitalize on some early turnovers against the Huskers.

12. Illinois (3-5)

Last week: vs. Wisconsin, L 25-21

For the first three quarters of the game, Bret Bielema was on his way to another win over his former Wisconsin program. Then, the Illini watched as the Badgers went on an 18-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Illinois defense ultimately allowed backup QB Braedyn Locke to find a groove and heat up for the win.

11. Michigan State (2-5)

Last week: vs. Michigan, L 49-0

There’s ineptitude, and then there’s whatever Michigan State put together Saturday night. The Spartans finished with more penalties than first downs (11 to 10) and eclipsed 100 yards in penalty yardage (102). That’s impressive considering the team had just 190 total yards of offense.

10. Purdue (2-5)

Last week: BYE

9. Minnesota (4-3)

Last week: at Iowa, W 12-10

Minnesota rolled into Iowa City and beat the Hawkeyes at their own game, kicking 4 field goals in a 12-10 win. Credit the Gopher defense (obviously) and Daniel Jackson with just enough big plays to keep getting into field goal range against Iowa’s defense.

8. Nebraska (4-3)

Last week: vs. Northwestern, W 17-9

Saturday’s win did not generate any style points, but it might have provided some answers for the Huskers. Heinrich Haarberg can bounce back from a dreadful start. Malachi Coleman can take the top off a defense. And Nebraska’s defensive front is the MVP of this team.

7. Wisconsin (5-2)

Last week: at Illinois, W 25-21

Wisconsin gets a slight pass on the early-game struggles because Braedyn Locke rallied the troops. Filling in for Tanner Mordecai, he delivered 240 yards and 2 touchdowns (including the game-winner). Braelon Allen also delivered 145 rushing yards for the new leaders in the B1G West.

6. Iowa (6-2)

Last week: vs. Minnesota, L 12-10

What do you do with Iowa on these rankings? The Hawkeyes are liable to beat any number of teams on any given day, but Saturday’s game illustrated the dangers of living dangerously without an offense. Cooper DeJean nearly played the hero, but that miraculous return was thwarted by replay.

5. Rutgers (5-2)

Last week: at Indiana, W 31-14

Gavin Wimsatt is a player and set Rutgers’ single-game rushing mark for a QB. Kyle Monangai also hit his customary 100 yards rushing as the Scarlet Knights hit bowl eligibility in Week 8.

4. Maryland (5-2)

Last week: BYE

3. Penn State (6-1)

Last week: at Ohio State, L 20-12

We’ve seen this story before. Penn State is no worse than 3rd in the B1G’s pecking order, but the Nittany Lions were punchless with a shot to upset that order against Ohio State. Drew Allar was 18-for-42 throwing the ball with the offense managing just 12 points in the loss.

2. Ohio State (7-0)

Last week: vs. Penn State, W 20-12

Ohio State has an elite defense — and Marvin Harrison Jr. How far can that combination take the Buckeyes? Kyle McCord still needs to play better, but this Ohio State team will likely need its defense to keep games close and set up opportunities for the offense. That’s a change of pace in Columbus, but it isn’t inherently a bad thing.

1. Michigan (8-0)

Last week: at Michigan State, W 49-0

Michigan continues to get better on a weekly basis. The Wolverines have scored at least 45 points in 4 straight games and have not surrendered more than 10 points in any game this season. Saturday’s rivalry win over MSU is the first shutout in the series since 2000.