A wild week in college football resulted in several significant shifts in the post-Week 8 Big Ten power rankings.
In the sport of college football, narratives change on a dime — and that was no different for the Big Ten in Week 8.
While each of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks took care of business against far inferior opponents, the middle tier of the conference shifted greatly due to several game results.
Heading into the week, there were several narratives at stake: the Nebraska Cornhuskers finally putting it together as a program and winning games that they should, the Washington Huskies as a dark horse contender in the conference and the Penn State Nittany Lions completely falling off the tracks in the span of three weeks.
Sorry Penn State, but that narrative continued into Week 8, as they lost their fourth consecutive game amid a trying week of firing longtime head coach James Franklin and seeing several high-profile recruits announce their decommittment. But Nebraska and Washington were put back into their place, as they both suffered three-score losses and never had much of a chance due to their inept offensive performances.
That wasn't all of the narratives that played out — or were squashed — this week, as Northwestern, Iowa and USC all participated in notable games.
Let's see where it all leaves them in our post-Week 8 Big Ten power rankings.
18) Wisconsin Badgers (2-5, 0-4)
Game Result: L 34-0 vs. Ohio State
Previous Ranking: 18
What's Next: vs. Oregon
Analysis: Coming in at the bottom of the conference, the Badgers didn’t do themselves any favors as they were beat down by Ohio State. Their passing game was — and has been all season — abysmal, as quarterback Hunter Simmons, the third different starter this season, passed for just 54 yards and an interception. The schedule-makers didn’t do Wisconsin any favors, as they’ll head to Eugene to take on Oregon in Week 9.
17) Michigan State Spartans (3-4, 0-4)
Game Result: L 38-13 vs. Indiana
Previous Ranking: 17
What's Next: vs. Michigan
Analysis: For nearly 25 minutes, the Spartans gave Indiana an interesting game as they visited the Hoosiers in Bloomington. That sentiment was quickly put to bed as Michigan State allowed two touchdowns in the final seven minutes of the first half to fall behind by two scores at the break. Quarterback Aidan Chiles played arguably his best game of the season, going 27-of-33 for 243 yards and a touchdown but he got no help from his run game, which amassed just 74 yards.
16) Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-4, 0-4)
Game Result: L 56-10 vs. Oregon
Previous Ranking: 15
What's Next: @ Purdue
Analysis: Rutgers’ offensive stars simply didn’t show up against the Ducks. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis had his lowest passing yardage output of the last two seasons, managing just 79 yards on the way to completing 32% of his passes and throwing two interceptions. His top target, wide receiver Ian Strong, caught just one pass for six yards while running back Antwan Raymond carried the ball 18 times just to record 55 yards. The Scarlet Knights’ 3-0 start is long gone, as they’ve lost four straight to begin Big Ten play.
15) Purdue Boilermakers (2-5, 0-4)
Game Result: L 19-0 vs. Northwestern
Previous Ranking: 16
What's Next: vs. Rutgers
Analysis: All hopes of Purdue coming back from a 13-0 halftime deficit were dashed when quarterback Ryan Browne went down on the first play of the second half with a shoulder injury. While the defense allowed just six points the rest of the game, the Boilermakers lost two fumbles, threw an interceptions and were called for eight penalties resulting in 98 yards in a complete comedy of errors throughout the game. Head coach Barry Odom's squad has been pesky all season, but has yet to beat anyone not named Ball State or Southern Illinois.
14) Penn State Nittany Lions (3-4, 0-4)
Game Result: L 25-24 vs. Iowa
Previous Ranking: 12
What's Next: Bye
Analysis: Hours after being put on blast after recently-fired head coach James Franklin shared his side of the story on ESPN’s College GameDay, the Nittany Lions went out and lost for the fourth straight time in a row. Backup quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer, starting in place of the injured Drew Allar, was ineffective. After starting the year with national title hopes, it appears that Penn State will be scrapping to reach bowl eligibility.
13) Maryland Terrapins (4-3, 1-3)
Game Result: L 20-17 vs. UCLA
Previous Ranking: 10
What's Next: Bye
Analysis: There were a total of 15 punts between Maryland and UCLA on Saturday evening, belying the late fourth quarter scoring barrage. The Terrapins’ offense couldn’t figure it out until its final possession, as true freshman quarterback Malik Washington used his arm and legs to lead a game-tying drive. But it wasn’t enough, as they fell as time expired on a game-winning field goal. Three straight losses have stunk up what was a promising 4-0 start.
12) UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-1)
Game Result: W 20-17 vs. Maryland
Previous Ranking: 11
What's Next: @ Indiana
Analysis: All hope seemed to be lost in the fourth quarter against the Terrapins, as UCLA’s offense was stuck in the mud for nearly the entire game. But quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who turned the ball over three times, came alive late, leading a 68-yard game-winning drive. While this was far from a convincing win, three straight victories under interim head coach Tim Skipper has to have the Bruins feeling good as they enter Week 9 with a chance to knock off undefeated Indiana.
11) Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 3-1)
Game Result: W 19-0 vs. Purdue
Previous Ranking: 14
What's Next: @ Nebraska
Analysis: It wasn't pretty, but the Wildcats got the job done against an undermanned Boilermakers squad. Quarterback Preston Stone completed just 11 of 26 passes and threw two interceptions, but the run game (232 rushing yards) and defense (first shutout against a Big Ten opponent since 2017) won them the game. At 5-2 and 3-1 in conference play, Northwestern suddenly finds itself near the top of the Big Ten standings and threatening to reach bowl eligibility as soon as next week against Nebraska.
10) Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2, 2-2)
Game Result: L 24-6 vs. Minnesota
Previous Ranking: 7
What's Next: vs. Northwestern
Analysis: Though quarterback Dylan Raiola made some plays, all the momentum that the Cornhuskers had built on their way to being ranked was halted by the Golden Gophers. The run game simply couldn’t get going, managing just 36 yards on a paltry 1.2 yards per carry. Though head coach Matt Rhule managed to get the team into the top 25, it’s a somewhat predictable occurrence that they couldn’t get the job done.
9) Washington Huskies (5-2, 2-2)
Game Result: L 24-7 vs. Michigan
Previous Ranking: 8
What's Next: vs. Illinois
Analysis: In a rather predictable outcome, Washington simply couldn't play with the same level of physicality as Michigan. It's normally dominant run game headlined by star running back Jonah Coleman finished with just 40 yards and 1.7 yards per carry while quarterback Demond Williams Jr. threw three interceptions and no touchdowns. There was hope entering the week that this game was going to be a statement victory on the road — which was not to be.
8) Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1)
Game Result: W 24-6 vs. Nebraska
Previous Ranking: 13
What's Next: @ Iowa
Analysis: Playing on Friday night, Minnesota looked exactly how they wanted to look: rugged, physical and determined, all a reflection of head coach PJ Fleck. They held the Nebraska offense to just six points and gave the ball to oft-injured running back Darius Taylor 24 times for 148 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Drake Lindsey didn’t have to do too much, throwing for 153 yards and a touchdown as the Golden Gophers have a chance to be ranked for the first time since 2022.
7) Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1)
Game Result: W 25-24 vs. Penn State
Previous Ranking: 9
What's Next: vs. Minnesota
Analysis: Quarterback Mark Gronowski still struggles to throw the ball eight weeks into the season, amassing just 68 yards and throwing an interception, but he ran the ball quite well against Penn State. He racked up 130 yards and two scores with his legs, including a 67-yard scamper that set up the game-winning score. The win puts Iowa near the top of the Big Ten with a classic combination of stout defense and just-good-enough-but-never-great-enough offense.
6) Illinois Fighting Illini (5-2, 2-2)
Game Result: Bye
Previous Ranking: 6
What's Next: @ Washington
Analysis: The Fighting Illini had the week off to regroup after a three-score loss to Ohio State in Week 7 as they head into a road bout at Washington. You might be wondering why Illinois is behind USC (who’s No. 5) despite the Fighting Illini beating the Trojans on a last second field goal three weeks ago. In short, Illinois hasn’t shown themselves to be up to the task of competing with the Big Ten powers, while USC has beaten Michigan and, although the final score doesn’t show it, went toe-to-toe with a highly-ranked Notre Dame team in Week 8.
5) USC Trojans (5-2, 3-1)
Game Result: L 34-24 vs. Notre Dame
Previous Ranking: 4
What's Next: Bye
Analysis: Speaking of which, the Trojans had their chances to defeat the Fighting Irish on the road but couldn't quite close the deal. They allowed Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to amass 265 total yards as the rush defense was slashed all day. A 100-yard kickoff return touchdown and two Jayden Maiava interceptions didn't help USC's causes, but they still looked the part of fringe College Football Playoff contenders on a big stage. Illinois, at No. 6, does not.
4) Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 3-1)
Game Result: W 24-7 vs. Washington
Previous Ranking: 5
What's Next: @ Michigan State
Analysis: It was a classic Wolverines type of win for Michigan, as they outgained the Huskies 187-40 in rushing yards and played clean football in recording no turnovers while forcing three interceptions. Quarterback Bryce Underwood was excellent, completing 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns while running back Jordan Marshall filled in admirably for the injured Justice Haynes, as the sophomore back turned 25 carries into 133 yards and a touchdown.
3) Oregon Ducks (6-1, 3-1)
Game Result: W 56-10 vs. Rutgers
Previous Ranking: 3
What's Next: vs. Wisconsin
Analysis: The Ducks’ performance against Rutgers was just what the doctor ordered after falling to the Hoosiers in a crushing home defeat in Week 8. An early lost fumble and allowed field goal didn’t knock them off their game, as they rattled off 56 straight points. The entire offense was clicking on all cylinders, with each of quarterback Dante Moore, running backs Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison and tight end Kenyon Sadiq having huge days. The defense — led by linebacker Bryce Boettcher — absolutely stymied a solid Rutgers offense.
2) Indiana Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0)
Game Result: W 38-13 vs. Michigan State
Previous Ranking: 2
What's Next: vs. UCLA
Analysis: The Hoosiers showed some post-big game letdown early against the Spartans but powered through in coming away with a comfortable four-score victory. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza added to his Heisman resume, finishing with as many incompletions (four) as passing touchdowns along with 332 yards. With the Miami Hurricanes’ loss to Louisville on Friday night, Indiana very well could be ranked No. 2 heading into Week 9.
1) Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0)
Game Result: W 34-0 vs. Wisconsin
Previous Ranking: 1
What's Next: Bye
Analysis: The Buckeyes breezed to a win over Wisconsin thanks to quarterback Julian Sayin’s masterclass of a day: 36-for-42, 393 yards and four touchdowns, two of which to wide receiver Carnell Tate, who’s potentially the best No. 2 pass catcher in the country. Jeremiah Smith had a so-so day by his skyhigh standards, reeling in nine passes for 97 yards and no scores. The defense is arguably the best in college football, now giving up an eye-popping 6.8 points per game. Until anyone beats them, it’s hard to say any other team in college football is better than Ohio State right now.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Tracking where the Ducks fall in the Week 8 Big Ten power rankings
Category: General Sports
