Big Ten power rankings
Big Ten football power rankings: Gophers inch upward, and look who's No. 4
The Gophers hope to continue feasting on teams toward the bottom of these rankings, with Illinois next.
November 1, 2023 at 11:16AM
1. Michigan (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten): The Wolverines' biggest opponent is off the field: the mounting evidence in their spygate scandal.
2. Ohio State (8-0, 5-0): Marvin Harrison Jr. (six catches, 123 yards, two TDs) helps Buckeyes overcome three turnovers to post 24-10 win at Wisconsin.
3. Penn State (7-1, 4-1): Nittany Lions get touchdown and safety in final 1:46 to turn back Indiana's upset bid, 33-24.
4. Rutgers (6-2, 3-2): Scarlet Knights had weekend off, now await visit from Ohio State with a chance to pull off huge upset.
5. Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2): Loss at Ohio State leaves Badgers in four-way tie atop Big Ten West Division.
6. Gophers (5-3, 3-2): Defense holds down fort, enabling offense to find its footing in 27-12 win over Michigan State.
7. Iowa (6-2, 3-2): Hawkeyes had bye week to finalize exit plan for Brian Ferentz, prepare for Wrigley Field game vs. Northwestern. Over/under for that one is a record-low 29.5 points.
8. Nebraska (5-3, 3-2): With 31-14 win over Purdue, Huskers suddenly among four tied for West lead.
9. Northwestern (4-4, 2-3): Wildcats edge Maryland 33-27 with backup QB Brendan Sullivan passing for two TDs.
10. Maryland (5-3, 2-3): Terrapins have lost three in a row and still have Penn State, Michigan and Rutgers on their schedule.
11. Purdue (2-6, 1-4): Boilermakers have lost three straight, now travel to No. 2 Michigan.
12. Illinois (3-5, 1-4): Fighting Illini coming off bye, travel west to face Gophers.
13. Indiana (2-6, 0-5): Hoosiers give a game effort at Penn State only to collapse late.
14. Michigan State (2-6, 0-5): Losing streak reaches six for Spartans, but backup QB Sam Leavitt gives them hope for future.
The Gophers will lose senior setter Melani Shaffmaster, but they don’t expect players to leave via the transfer portal.
