Big Ten Power Rankings Week 9: Miraculous Michigan State Moving Up

What effect did Michigan State’s scintillating victory Saturday night have on the shaky Big Ten rankings? You’ll soon find out who won this week's race to No. 1.

The mighty Michigan State Spartans are bound to raise concerns about Mark Dantonio’s racing heart if they keep up the shenanigans. They pulled off one of the biggest and most remarkable upsets in Big Ten history.

With the win over Wisconsin, they leaped to No. 11 in the BCS and became the highest ranked team in the conference. Leading the Legends Division, the Spartans (6-1, 3-0) would be perfect if not for the blemish incurred at South Bend. Blimey.

After toppling the Badgers, however, I doubt if MSU is complaining. There are also other Big Ten teams who can’t complain.

How did the flips and the flops go this week? Don’t let the entertainment pass you by. Follow me on a fun run from the sideline, down the seams to the house.

12. Minnesota: Serving Home Losses

The Golden Gophers (1-6, 0-4 Big Ten) are as consistent as any team in the nation. They’ve lost four games in a row and could make it five with a loss in Iowa City.

If they do lose, then it opens the door for the Gophers to finish without a win for the rest of the season. Michigan State, Wisconsin, Northwestern and Illinois will be much obliged to help Minnesota.

11. Indiana: Nice to Their Enemies

Indiana is obliging their opponents by giving up losses like they’re going out of style.

The Hoosiers (1-7, 0-4) are cellar dwellers in the Leaders Division. When it comes to FBS defense, they are near the subterranean vault in terms of points given up per game—a lukewarm to cool ranking of No. 102.

10. Northwestern: Locked in the Vault

Northwestern (2-5, 0-4) needs to vault ahead of Minnesota in the Legends Division by beating Indiana in Bloomington this weekend. The Hoosiers-Wildcats could set attendance records for the least amount of bodies to see a college football game.

If anyone cares, the Wildcats will meet Minnesota on Nov. 19 in Evanston before taking on Michigan State the following week.

9. Ohio State: If Anyone Has Seen the Buckeyes, Then Please Tell Me

The weakened Buckeyes have dropped out of the national spotlight so far that I need to borrow the Hubble Space Telescope to find them.

At least they haven’t, however, had any player suspensions in the last few hours. The way it’s been going though, stay tuned. Life in Columbus is full of surprises.

8. Illinois: Travelling Illini

The Illini (6-2, 2-2) found life on the road rugged last week. The Boilermakers handed Illinois their second loss in a row. Ron Zook’s bowl-eligible team won their first five games this season with a heavy dose of home-cooked meals. Now the road could eat them up.

7. Iowa: On Point

The up and down Hawkeyes were on point against Indiana last Saturday. They get to point their offense at Minnesota’s defense on this one. Michigan, Michigan State, Purdue and Nebraska remain for the No. 4 Hawks. All they need is one more win, though, to become bowl bound.

6. Purdue: Bound to Make a Bowl Game in the Near Future

The Boilermakers have been playing very solid football for the last three weeks. They need two victories to become bowl eligible.

Purdue (4-3, 2-1) is in third place in the Leaders division behind Penn State and Wisconsin. With Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa and Indiana left, they could get to six wins on the season.

It’ll be tough, but the Boilers could find themselves in a bowl game.

5. Nebraska: Getting No BCS Love

The Huskers find themselves ranked No. 14 by the BCS. They actually dropped one spot down after thrashing the Golden Gophers in Minneapolis. If I had a million dollars for every time I tried to figure out the logic behind the BCS but couldn’t, I’d be a trillionaire by and by.

4. Michigan: Needs More Celebrations

After a bye week, Michigan will try to rebound and celebrate against Purdue in Ann Arbor after the loss to Michigan State. Who isn’t trying to recover from the hard-hitting Spartans? The next team on my list is certainly licking their paws after losing to MSU.

3. Wisconsin: When Not Batting the Ball Down Goes Horribly Wrong

The Badgers had their bubble burst by way of a ludicrous loss to Michigan State. It appeared Wisconsin eased up just a bit in anticipation of overtime.

The heartbreaking defeat caused UW to tumble two spots in my rankings. They fell all the way to No. 15 in the BCS rankings. I fail to understand how they can tumble below Nebraska—a team they throttled earlier this season. The Badgers must be kicking themselves.

2. Penn State: I’m Serious

Penn State could prove me wrong in ranking them as the second-best team in the Big Ten. For now, though, No. 2 in the conference is what’s up. The Nittany Lions are one of two undefeated teams in Big Ten play. The other undefeated team in conference meetings is the No. 1 team on my list this week.  

1. Michigan State: Stunning

The Spartans’ upset over previous Big Ten No. 1 Wisconsin was beautiful poetry in motion. The win showed how important it is to play until the clock runs out.

The Spartans are now on the fast track to the Big Ten Championship Game. I’ll see if they can pick up speed or if this Saturday the Huskers derail their championship train. You should be likewise watching next week for my take on the Big Ten’s latest happenings.

Until then, keep it jiggy.

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