Rutgers-centric Big Ten Football Power Rankings Week 11, 2019

8. Iowa Hawkeyes (22nd ranked, 6-3, 3-3)

Last Week: After three quarters, the Hawkeyes trip to Wisconsin looked like a lost cause. Instead of folding up shop and heading back to Ames, Iowa put together an epic fourth quarter comeback to cut the Badgers lead to 24-22 with 3:17 to go. Unfortunately, the Hawkeyes defense could stop Wisconsin on the final possession allowing the home team to run out the clock.

This Week vs No. 7 Minnesota: Their three conference losses, to Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin (all top 15 teams) respectively, are by a total of 14 points. Losing this week likely knocks Iowa out of the top 25. QB Nate Stanley and crew will do all they can to make sure it doesn’t happen.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-4, 4-3)

Last Week: What a comeback by the Illini. They scored 27 fourth quarter points, including a five-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Peters to Daniel Barker with 0:05 on the game clock, to pull out a 37-34 win at Michigan State. Illinois has now won four straight and is headed to its first bowl appearance since 2014. Congratulations to head coach Lovie Smith and his staff for pulling the Illini season out of a fiery pit of doom.

This Week: Bye.

6. Wisconsin Badgers (15th, 7-2, 4-2)

Last Week: It was a wild ride at home against the tough Iowa Hawkeyes. Wisconsin almost blew a 15-point fourth quarter lead. Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor put on a show, carrying 31 times for 250 yards.

This Week at Nebraska: Wisconsin travels to Lincoln, NE to face a very desperate Cornhuskers team. Look for the Badgers to dominate on the ground and wear out Nebraska’s defense.

5. Indiana Hoosiers (24th, 7-2, 4-2)

Last Week: Bye.

This Week at No. 9 Penn State: Its a good news/ bad news situation for the Hoosiers. The good news is Indiana cracked the top 25 for the first time since 1994. The bad news is that the Hoosiers are headed into a mad hornet’s nest. Penn State lost its first game of the season last week. They will be fired up to face Indiana.

4. Michigan Wolverines (14th, 7-2, 4-2)

Last Week: Bye.

This Week vs. Michigan State: Despite a career 45-16 record with the Wolverines, head coach Jim Harbaugh’s best season finish was a 10th place national ranking. If they can run the table, Michigan is in a position to do much better. The Wolverines can’t look past an underachieving Michigan State team this week because their season could go downhill fast if they do.