Big 10 Football Power Rankings: Week 8

1) Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big 10): The Hawkeyes are the only remaining Undefeated team in
the Big 10 at 7-0. Their victories  so far came on the road over
Penn State (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) and Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten). The Hawkeyes
started the season on a choppy note with a close 17-16 victory over Northern Iowa.
Since then  they have made the climb from out of the top 25 all the way to no. 6
in the nation this week. If the Hawkeyes can knock off Michigan State on Saturday
at Spartan Stadium, they may find themselves with an opportunity to run the table.
Even more importantly a victory over Sparty would keep the national title dream
alive in Iowa City.

2) Penn State (6-1, 2-1 Big 10) :  The Nitany Lions are ranked #13 in the
Nation and have the second best overall record in the Big 10 behind Iowa.
After a tough loss at home to Iowa on a dreary night in late September the
Lions have rebounded strong. Since that loss Joe Paterno's boys have
outscored their opponents 107-20. Victories in each ofthe last three games have
put the Lions back into the BCS conversation. If the Lions can continue to win
down the stretch they may find themselves running for the Roses a second year
in a row.

3) Ohio State (5-2, 3-1 Big 10) : The Buckeyes were my number one ranked
team in the Big Ten just a week ago but dropped two spots after a tough
loss to unranked Purdue last weekend in West Lafayette Indiana. The Boilermakers
created a large lead on the Buckeyes, and held on until the final whistle.
In order for the Buckeyes to get back into the BCS conversation they will need
to win out, and get some help in the form of losses by Iowa, and Penn State.

4) Wisconsin (5-2, 2-2 Big 10) : Despite a fast start this season at (5-0, 2-0
Big 10) the badgers have lost their two big Tests at Ohio State, and in
Madison against the Hawkeyes. Despite losing at the horseshoe the defense
held Ohio State to just 184 yards of total offense. In addition the
badgers took a 10-3 lead into halftime against Iowa last week but they
failed to finish. Finishing will be key down the stretch for this team.
The bye week comes at a much needed time for this Badger team who could
possibly run the table with a favorable schedule starting on Halloween at
home against Purdue.

5) Michigan State (4-3, 3-1 Big 10) : Despite starting 1-3 this season
the Spartans have battled back the last three weeks with victories in conference
play. The only thing that hurts the Spartans is that the victories came
over Michigan (1-2 Big 10) at home in Overtime, at Illinois (0-4 Big 10)
, and at home against Northwestern (1-2 Big 10). Despite the lack of quality in
the victories they have put Michigan State in a position to compete for the Big
10 Title. With a win this weekend over Iowa the Spartans could be smelling the
Roses themselves.

6) Michigan (5-2, 1-2 Big 10) : Despite starting out the season 4-0 and
knocking off then no. 18 Notre Dame, the Wolverines have lost two of their
last three games. This tough stretch has included a tough loss to in state
rival Michigan State. If the Wolverines can knock off no. 13 Penn State this
weekend they could be right back in the Conference race. That game against the
Lions is the ABC regional game of the week at 2:30 Central Time.

7) Minnesota (4-3, 2-2 Big 10): Despite starting the season with
victories over Syracuse, and Air Force the Gophers have lost three of
their last five games. The most recent loss coming last weekend in Happy Valley
20-0. How do the Gophers get shut out you might ask?  Last weekend made it easy
to pinpoint the Gophers number one strength. Senior Wide Receiver Eric Decker
was simply ineffective as he only caught one pass against the Lions secondary.
The Gophers look to rebound this week as they head into the Horseshoe to take
on no.19 Ohio State.

8) Northwestern (4-3, 1-2 Big 10): The Wildcat's have had a great year on
offense as they have put up a whopping 189 points in 7 games. The problem is
that their defense has given up an extremely poor 161 points. The Wildcat's
only conference win came against Purdue (2-5, 1-2 Big 10). Despite being in
spot number eight this week the Wildcat's could qualify for a bowl game with
manageable victories over Illinois and Indiana in the coming weeks.


9) Purdue (2-5, 1-3 Big 10): Despite their 2-5 record overall the Boilers
knocked off no. 7 Ohio State last week, and lost a close 38-36 battle with
no. 11 Oregon earlier this season. Purdue is not very consistent with losses
Northern Illinois, and Northwestern. On the hindsight this is a team that can
make anyone pay for turnovers. The Boilers must win four of their last five
games to become bowl eligible. On the other hand they are always a team to
keep on upset alert.

10) Indiana (4-3, 1-2 Big 10): The Hoosiers started out very strong with a 3-0
record but as of late they have faltered since conference play began. In the
last four games Indiana has allowed 130 points. The Hoosiers only conference win
came against the Illinois Fighting Illini who have earned this weeks last place
spot in the Power Rankings. Despite their tough start in conference play the
Hoosiers need just two victories to become bowl eligible. The task may be tough
though with their remaining schedule. After a battle in Evanston Illinois things
get very choppy.Following the game with the Wildcats the remaining schedule is
at no.6 Iowa, at home against no. 21 Wisconsin, at no. 13 Penn State, and at
home against Purdue.

11) Illinois (1-5, 0-4 Big 10): The Fighting Illini continue to amaze me with how
poor their offense is this season. They have only scored 71 points in their first
six games. This is an Illinois program that just two years ago won the Big 10
and lost in the Rose Bowl to USC. Despite a favorable remaining conference
schedule, the Illini play at no. 5 Cincinnati in a late non conference match up.
In order to become bowl eligible they must win five of the last six games.