Big Ten Power Rankings – Week 13

Welcome back to the Big Ten Power Rankings! With just one week left, the intensity is palpable. This week, I'll break down the top teams in the conference as we make our predictions on who will make the playoffs and who might just fade away.

Criteria for Rankings

Our method for ranking these teams isn't merely based on wins and losses. Instead, it's about how each team is performing right now. If these two teams faced off 100 times at a neutral site, which team would come out on top? That's what informs my rankings each week.

These rankings are subjective. If you disagree, well, you're just wrong.

Tier 1: Playoff Locks

These teams have solidified their spots—if they keep it up, they'll be making playoff plans.

1. Ohio State

With a commanding 42-9 win over Rutgers, Ohio State is gearing up for an epic challenge against Michigan. This matchup will determine who goes to Indianapolis!

2. Indiana

The Hoosiers had a bye week but are set to face Purdue next, with a trip to Indy on the line. A crucial rivalry game awaits!

3. Oregon

The Ducks passed a late-season test, beating USC 42-27. A showdown with Washington is next, adding more drama to their potential playoff run.

Tier 2: Playoff Hopefuls

These teams still have a shot at the playoffs, but they need to up their game.

4. Michigan

After a job well done against Maryland (45-20), the Wolverines face Ohio State next. They need a win, plus a touch of luck, to keep playoff hopes alive.

Tier 3: High-Level Bowl Teams

Though unlikely playoff contenders, these teams are playoff-caliber in spirit and will still boast respectable bowl games.

5. USC

Even with a loss to Oregon, USC can still secure a decent bowl game by winning against UCLA.

6. Iowa

Scraping by Michigan State with a 20-17 win, Iowa must solidify their bowl position against Nebraska.

7. Washington

After a dominant 48-14 victory over UCLA, Washington is eyeing an upset against Oregon to shake up the rankings.

8. Illinois

A disappointing loss to Wisconsin has left Illinois needing a victory against Northwestern to improve their bowl prospects.

9. Nebraska

Despite a grim 37-10 loss to Penn State, Nebraska has secured bowl eligibility, but they'll face a tough Iowa team ahead.

Tier 4: Low-Level Bowl Teams

These squads might not win big, but they're poised to end up in bowl games.

10. Northwestern

Thanks to a surprising win over Minnesota, the Wildcats are rising. A win against Illinois could propel them further up the rankings.

11. Minnesota

Following their loss to Northwestern, Minnesota is now at a crossroads against Wisconsin; they desperately need a win.

12. Rutgers

Despite falling to Ohio State, Rutgers needs to beat Penn State to save their bowl hopes, a daunting task ahead.

Tier 5: Bowl-Ineligible Teams

These teams won't see the postseason this year.

13. Penn State

A resurgence is brewing for Penn State, who needs just one more win to become bowl eligible. Can they make it against Rutgers?

14. Maryland

With seven losses secured, Maryland is out of the running after a humbling experience against Michigan. Their final game against Michigan State will be a formless formality.

15. Wisconsin

A late-season upset was a nice touch, but they must close strong against Minnesota to avoid a disappointing end.

16. Michigan State

True to form, the Spartans fell short against Iowa and face a pitiful finale against Maryland.

17. UCLA

Plummeting back down, the Bruins need a miracle to avoid a 3-9 finish; their next game could change everything.

Tier 6: The Basement

Struggling at the bottom are teams whose fans are already looking toward next season.

18. Purdue

On a bye this week, Purdue will have to face Indiana next. At this point, fans will be counting the days until next August.

As we can see, the drama is far from over as we head into Week 14! Every game will count, and each team will be fighting for their rightful place in history.