Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 9

1. Michigan (7-0, 4-0) – Another week, another dominating performance for the Wolverines. Now they hit the road to take on Michigan State in a game that looks far different than it did before the season began. Last week: 2.

2. Ohio State (6-1, 3-1) – The fact Ohio State lost was as stunning as the fashion in which it lost, blowing a 21-7 fourth-quarter lead over Penn State then losing on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown. It also ended a 20-game road winning streak. Last week: 1.

3. Nebraska (7-0, 4-0) – While most of the attention in the Big Ten has gone elsewhere, the Cornhuskers just keep plugging along. It wasn’t flashy once again this week over Purdue, but it kept the Huskers unbeaten heading into their showdown with Wisconsin. Last week: 3.

4. Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2) – The Badgers have their share of impressive wins this season and they went on the road to knock off Iowa. They’ll get their chance to claw back into the West Division race next week when unbeaten Nebraska comes to town. Last week: 4.

5. Penn State (5-2, 3-1) – The Nittany Lions pulled off the upset of the season so far in the Big Ten by beating Ohio State, and more importantly, it signaled that coach James Franklin might have the program headed in the right direction. Last week: 6.

6. Northwestern (4-3, 3-1) – It was far from a thing of beauty as the Wildcats knocked off Indiana at home, but it was the third straight victory for Northwestern after a brutal start to the season, and now there’s a trip to Ohio State next. Last week: 8.

7. Maryland (5-2, 2-2) – Was it an impressive win or were the Terrapins just the latest to take advantage of a plummeting Michigan State team? Time will tell, but the return of QB Perry Hills sure did give a spark as the Terps ended a two-game skid. Last week: 10.

8. Minnesota (5-2, 2-2) – The Golden Gophers made their share of mistakes and struggled defensively, but they got their second straight win by beating lowly Rutgers at home and remain alive in the West Division race. Last week: 7.

9. Iowa (5-3, 3-2) – The Hawkeyes played well defensively but could get almost nothing going offensively in a home loss to Wisconsin. It’s been a tough season for the Hawkeyes, who are close to being done in the West. Last week: 5.

10. Indiana (3-4, 1-3) – The normally potent Hoosiers offense has been fairly quiet for three straight weeks and the result is three consecutive losses. They scored just 12 in this week’s loss to Northwestern as the quest for bowl eligibility gets tougher and tougher. Last week: 9.

11. Michigan State (2-5, 0-4) – It remains hard to believe the Spartans are in this position, but with the constant penalties, missed assignments and poor tackling, it’s no wonder they lost for the fifth straight time despite leading in the second half. Last week: 11.

12. Purdue (3-4, 1-3) – Purdue hung in there against Nebraska and QB David Blough threw for more than 300 yards for the fourth time this season, but even a change in coaching can’t hide the fact the Boilermakers just aren’t very good. Last week: 13.

13. Illinois (2-5, 1-3) – The Fighting Illini fell behind quickly at Michigan and have now lost five of their last six. They travel to Minnesota next week before hosting Michigan State – two chances to get that second Big Ten victory. Last week: 12.