Big Ten Power Rankings after Week 8: Oregon on top while Michigan and USC stumble

The Big Ten had an interesting Week 8. Oregon stayed up, Indiana announced itself as a power, and Michigan and USC took bad losses. But here's where the league stacks up as a whole after Week 8.

Big Ten Power Rankings After Week 8

Upstart Indiana is a legitimate CFP contender. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#18. Purdue (1-6)

Purdue isn't going anywhere. Sure, Oregon is good, but a 35-0 shutout of the Boilermakers suddenly made the Ducks' defense look probably a little better than it is. There's not much good to say about Purdue.

#17. Northwestern (3-4)

The Wildcats had a tough week, managing just three points against a Wisconsin team that's not one of the Big Ten's best. That -- combined with some surprises from a couple of relative bottom dwellers -- dropped the Wildcats here.

#16. UCLA (2-5)

The Bruins picked up a significant 35-32 win over Rutgers but have still had an awful season. They only move up a spot but really could continue surging up. After the Big Ten's top couple of teams, any of the others could emerge in a given week.

#15. Maryland (4-3)

Maryland is also remarkably up and down. They were up enough to take down USC, which is the good news. ESPN jumped them to a 57% chance of managing a six-win season and bowl eligibility.

#14. Washington (4-3)

The Huskies were off this week, but are still not very highly regarded. Washington is spotted at just a 45% chance of a six-win season by ESPN's FPI. That seems a little extreme, which is why they're above Maryland. But they're not very good.

#13. Rutgers (4-3)

Losing to a miserable UCLA team drops the Scarlet Knights to this spot. ESPN gives them a 59% chance at six wins, so their outlook is a little healthier than the two teams immediately behind them.

#12. Michigan State (4-3)

The Spartans took another step forward by besting Iowa and moving closer to a bowl appearance. Michigan State is certainly one of the feel-good stories of the Big Ten, and they continue to surge up the power rankings.

#11. Michigan (4-3)

On the other hand, the Wolverines continue to dive. Off a 21-7 defeat to Illinois, it's fair to wonder if Michigan can score on literally anyone. ESPN gives the Wolverines almost a one-in-three chance at failing to reach six wins.

#10. Minnesota (4-3)

Minnesota is an exemplary average team. Not too good, not too bad. They could have a big win or a shocking loss left in them. They're still probably a bowl team, but it's hard to find much enthusiasm in their season.

#9. USC (3-4)

After a loss to Maryland, it's safe to say this season hasn't worked out the way USC would have expected. If there's good news, it's that ESPN gives the Trojans the best odds of any team in the Big Ten in winning out for the rest of their schedule. That would certainly jump them a few spots.

#8. Nebraska (5-2)

Wow, the Huskers got boatraced by Indiana, 56-7. And now, on the verge of their first winning season since 2016, Nebraska might be tumbling. They'd be hard-pressed to avoid a winning season, but they're out of the CFP hunt now.

#7. Iowa (4-3)

The 4-3 Hawkeyes take a drop off their loss to humble Michigan State. Iowa, like Nebraska, probably harbored only vague CFP hopes. But even vague hopes are off the table now.

#6. Wisconsin (5-2)

Wisconsin had a solid win over Northwestern, but they're still looking at a 1.7% shot at a Playoff spot. It's very much a competent team, but not a great one.

#5. Illinois (6-1)

The Illini would be the story of the Big Ten, if not for next-door neighbor Indiana. They've still got a tough schedule ahead and look more like a 9-3 or 8-4 team than an 11-1 one, but it's still been a nice run for Illinois.

#4. Indiana (7-0)

It feels unfair that Indiana doesn't move, but we did learn that the Hoosiers are legitimate. Seeing Indiana with a 63.6% chance at the College Football Playoff is wild. The words "College Football Playoff" and "Indiana" were certainly not expected to be in a sentence together. But that IU offense does not quit.

#3. Penn State (6-0)

PSU was off, which drove considerations of jumping Indiana here. But the Nittany Lions have earned their spot. They're a likely CFP team and have quietly shown signs of being a sleeping giant this season.

#2. Ohio State (5-1)

Yes, the Buckeyes were off, and yes, they have a loss. But they're staying right here. Ohio State has a chance to draw on the experience of losing a game, and they still have the best roster in the Big Ten.

#1. Oregon (7-0)

The Ducks are rolling on, and will now draw the No. 1 national ranking. It's hard to argue with their body of work.

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