The chaos of the Big Ten continues! Week 8 served as Separation Saturday, where Ohio State solidified its status, Indiana remained perfect, and the Big Ten West became even more complicated with key upsets from Minnesota and Northwestern. The title race is now a showdown between a handful of true contenders.
Here are the updated conference power rankings through Week 8. Here are this week’s ACC, Big 12 and SEC power rankings.
Check Out All EasySportz College Football Content Here!
The Week 8 Scoreboard Highlights
- #1 Ohio State 34, Wisconsin 0 (Buckeyes dominate in Madison)
- #2 Indiana 38, Michigan State 13 (Hoosiers cruise to 7-0)
- #6 Oregon 56, Rutgers 10 (Ducks bounce back in massive fashion)
- #15 Michigan 24, #5 Washington 7 (Wolverines get a huge home win in Ann Arbor)
- #7 Iowa 25, #14 Penn State 24 (Hawkeyes pull off a dramatic late victory)
- Minnesota 24, #25 Nebraska 6 (Gophers upset the ranked Huskers)
- #13 Notre Dame 34, #20 USC 24 (Irish dominate the rivalry game)
- UCLA 20, Maryland 17 (2OT) (Bruins survive an epic thriller)
- Northwestern 19, Purdue 0 (Wildcats get a shutout road win)
- Maryland 27, UConn 24 (Terrapins survive late scare in non-conference action)
The Rankings
Tier 1: The Undefeated & The Dominant
- Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0, 4-0 B1G) The Buckeyes were flawless in Madison, shutting out Wisconsin 34-0. Their defense has allowed a nation-best 41 points through seven games, and Julian Sayin is playing elite, efficient football. They are the clear favorite. Next Week: BYE
- Indiana Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0 B1G) Believe it. The Hoosiers are 7-0 after a dominant 38-13 win over Michigan State. Fernando Mendoza and the high-powered offense did not miss a beat. They own the best wins in the Big Ten West and have earned this spot. Next Week: vs. UCLA (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
Tier 2: Elite Contenders
- Michigan Wolverines (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Wolverines secured a major statement win over Washington, 24-7, dominating the Huskies in the trenches. This victory corrects their record, puts them back in the top tier, and proves they can handle physical teams. Next Week: vs. Michigan State (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
- Oregon Ducks (6-1, 3-1 B1G) The Ducks rebounded from their first loss with a massive 56-10 blowout win over Rutgers. This team is too talented to stay down for long, and they now have a crucial win in the Big Ten East column. Next Week: vs. Wisconsin (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET)
- USC Trojans (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Trojans suffered a tough loss to rival Notre Dame, falling 34-24. Their offense struggled with turnovers against a fierce Irish run game, resulting in their second loss of the season. They need a strong showing after their bye to remain a clear Big Ten Championship contender. Next Week: BYE
Tier 3: The Big Ten West Mess
- Washington Huskies (5-2, 2-2 B1G) Washington suffered a tough 24-7 loss on the road to Michigan, a game where their offense was completely neutralized. They drop in the rankings but still have a respectable overall record and the talent to rebound quickly. Next Week: vs. Illinois (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Hawkeyes pull off a dramatic 25-24 win over Penn State, proving they thrive on chaos. They have the best defense in the West and are right in the thick of the division race. Next Week: vs. Minnesota (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Gophers delivered one of the most impressive wins of the week, suffocating Nebraska 24-6. This gutsy performance vaults them into a tie for the conference’s best record in the West division. Next Week: at Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Northwestern Wildcats (5-2, 3-1 B1G) The Wildcats are the ultimate spoiler. Their 19-0 shutout win over Purdue puts them at a stunning 5-2 overall and 3-1 in conference play. They are tied with Iowa and Minnesota for the lead in the West. Next Week: at Nebraska (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-3, 2-2 B1G) Nebraska suffered a tough 24-6 loss on the road to Minnesota. The offense completely stalled, putting a major dent in their West division aspirations. They drop further in the rankings but still have a chance to rebound. Next Week: vs. Northwestern (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
Tier 4: The Rest of the Field
- Illinois Fighting Illini (5-3, 2-3 B1G) The Illini were on a bye after losing to Ohio State a week ago. Next Week: at Washington (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- UCLA Bruins (3-4, 3-2 B1G) The Bruins are officially playing their best football, surviving Maryland in double overtime 20-17. At 3-2 in conference play, they have exceeded all expectations and are fighting for a bowl bid. Next Week: at Indiana (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Maryland Terrapins (4-3, 1-3 B1G) A gut-wrenching double-overtime loss to UCLA 20-17 is a tough blow for the Terrapins. They have now lost three straight in conference play and need a winning streak fast. Next Week: BYE
- Penn State Nittany Lions (3-4, 0-4 B1G) The freefall is now a crisis. A last-second loss to Iowa, 25-24, drops the Nittany Lions to 0-4 in conference play and guarantees a losing record in the Big Ten this year. Next Week: BYE
- Michigan State Spartans (3-4, 0-4 B1G) A brutal 38-13 home loss to undefeated Indiana drops the Spartans to 0-4 in league play. The rebuild is going to be long and painful. Next Week: at Michigan (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-4, 0-4 B1G) Rutgers suffered a 56-10 blowout loss to Oregon. The defense simply couldn’t handle the Ducks’ offense. They desperately need to find a way to get their first Big Ten win. Next Week: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Purdue Boilermakers (2-5, 0-4 B1G) Purdue’s season is over after a 19-0 shutout loss to Northwestern. They are firmly at the bottom of the league and still looking for their first conference win. Next Week: at Rutgers (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Wisconsin Badgers (2-5, 0-4 B1G) The Badgers suffered a demoralizing 34-0 shutout loss to Ohio State. The offense is non-existent, and they are struggling to compete every week. Next Week: vs. Oregon (Saturday, 7:00 PM ET)
Week 9 Preview: Showdowns and Rivalry
Week 9 features a pivotal rivalry game and matchups that will determine the leader of the Big Ten West:
- Michigan at Michigan State: The battle for the Great Lakes. The Wolverines are favored to win on the road.
- Minnesota at Iowa: A colossal West division clash with both teams tied at 3-1 in conference play.
- Nebraska at Northwestern: Another huge West game with the winner separating from the pack.
- UCLA at Indiana: The surging Bruins take on the undefeated Hoosiers.
