The Big Ten title picture is becoming clearer, but the West division race is anything but settled! Week 10 saw the two undefeated giants, Ohio State and Indiana, crush their opponents to set up an inevitable collision course, while USC survived a massive scare.
Here is your updated Big Ten football power rankings through Week 10, heading into a pivotal Week 11.
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College Football Viewing Guide, Week 11
The Big Ten Week 10 Scoreboard Highlights
- #1 Ohio State 38, Penn State 14 (Buckeyes end the Nittany Lions’ misery)
- #2 Indiana 55, Maryland 10 (Hoosiers stay perfect with a blowout)
- #20 USC 21, Nebraska 17 (Trojans survive a close call in Lincoln)
- #21 Michigan 21, Purdue 16 (Wolverines gut out a victory against a winless team)
- Minnesota 23, Michigan State 20 (Gophers edge the Spartans in a tight game)
- Illinois 35, Rutgers 13 (Illini become bowl eligible)
- Iowa 41, Minnesota 3 (Hawkeyes roll in a dominant rivalry win)
The Big Ten Power Rankings
Tier 1: The Championship Collision Course
- Ohio State Buckeyes (8-0, 5-0 B1G) The Buckeyes were surgical in their 38-14 dismantling of Penn State. Julian Sayin is playing like the Heisman frontrunner, and their defense remains historically good. They have a clear path to the Big Ten Championship Game. Next Week: at Purdue (Saturday, 1:00 PM ET)
- Indiana Hoosiers (9-0, 6-0 B1G) The Hoosiers crushed Maryland 55-10 to move to a perfect 9-0. Fernando Mendoza and the run game are firing on all cylinders, maintaining their status as the Big Ten’s only other undefeated team. Their date with Ohio State looms large. Next Week: at Penn State (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
Tier 2: The One-Loss Contenders
- Oregon Ducks (7-1, 4-1 B1G) The Ducks were on a bye week but remain firmly in the title hunt. They are still the most talented team in the West and have a massive matchup this week that will define their season. Next Week: at Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Michigan Wolverines (7-2, 5-1 B1G) Michigan got a tougher fight than expected from Purdue, winning 21-16. Despite the struggle, the win keeps their conference record strong and sets them up for a potential top-10 finish. Next Week: BYE
- USC Trojans (6-2, 4-1 B1G) The Trojans survived a massive scare, beating Nebraska 21-17 in a tough road environment. They maintain a one-loss conference record and have an outside chance at the title game. Next Week: vs. Northwestern (Friday, 9:00 PM ET)
Tier 3: The Best of the Rest
- Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 4-1 B1G) Iowa delivered a dominant 41-3 victory over rival Minnesota, putting them in a strong position atop the West division. Their defense is elite, and a huge home game awaits this week that could define their division title hopes. Next Week: vs. #6 Oregon (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET)
- Washington Huskies (6-2, 3-2 B1G) The Huskies bounced back from the Michigan loss with a convincing 42-25 win over Illinois. They have the talent to win out and hope the teams above them stumble. Next Week: at Wisconsin (Saturday, 4:30 PM ET)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3, 4-2 B1G) The Gophers took a crushing 41-3 loss to Iowa. This result drops them significantly in the division race, but their six wins mean they are bowl eligible, and they can play spoiler. Next Week: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
- Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3, 3-3 B1G) The Illini were handled by Washington 42-25, but Luke Altmyer led the team to their sixth win, achieving bowl eligibility. This is a major accomplishment for the program. Next Week: BYE
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-3, 3-3 B1G) The Huskers lost a tough one at home to USC, 21-17. They have now lost two straight, dropping them to 3-3 in conference play. They are bowl eligible and need to find a way to finish strong. Next Week: at UCLA (Saturday, 9:00 PM ET)
Tier 4: Everyone Else in the Big Ten
- Northwestern Wildcats (5-3, 3-3 B1G) The Wildcats fell to Nebraska 28-21. They are bowl-eligible and have proven they can upset anyone, making them a dangerous team heading into the final month. Next Week: at #20 USC (Friday, 9:00 PM ET)
- UCLA Bruins (3-5, 3-3 B1G) The Bruins were crushed by Indiana 56-6. Their incredible two-week run is over, but they still have a respectable conference record. Next Week: vs. Nebraska (Saturday, 9:00 PM ET)
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-5, 1-5 B1G) Rutgers finally got their first Big Ten win, beating Purdue 27-24. They are one win away from bowl eligibility with three games left. Next Week: at Maryland (Saturday, 2:30 PM ET)
- Maryland Terrapins (4-4, 1-4 B1G) A brutal 55-10 loss to Indiana. This team is talented but cannot find consistency. They need two more wins to get bowl eligible. Next Week: vs. Rutgers (Saturday, 2:30 PM ET)
- Penn State Nittany Lions (3-5, 0-5 B1G) The freefall continues with a 38-14 loss to Ohio State. At 0-5 in conference play, this team is one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Next Week: vs. #2 Indiana (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-6, 0-6 B1G) The Gophers suffered a tough loss to Minnesota, 23-20. They are struggling mightily in conference play and need a miracle to reach six wins. Next Week: vs. Purdue (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
- Michigan State Spartans (3-6, 0-6 B1G) The Spartans were crushed by Indiana 38-13. Their season is over, and they are now focused on the future rebuild. Next Week: BYE
- Purdue Boilermakers (2-7, 0-6 B1G) Purdue lost a close one to Michigan 21-16. They are still winless in the conference and mathematically eliminated from bowl eligibility. Next Week: at Minnesota (Saturday, 7:30 PM ET)
Week 11 Preview: Make-or-Break
Week 11 is packed with pivotal matchups that will settle the Big Ten West and East races:
- Oregon at Iowa (Saturday, 3:30 PM ET, CBS) – Game of the Week. The winner takes control of the West division race.
- Indiana at Penn State (Saturday, 12:00 PM ET, FOX) – The undefeated Hoosiers face the struggling Nittany Lions.
- Michigan at USC (Friday, 9:00 PM ET, FOX) – The Wolverines and Trojans face off in a massive night game.
