2024 Big Ten Football Week 7 Power Rankings: Ohio State and Oregon Face Off In Potential Big Ten Championship Preview

Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon Gear Up for Pivotal Matchups in College Football Playoff Race

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As we head into the heart of the college football season, the contenders for the College Football Playoff in the Big Ten are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

In Tier 1, we have three undefeated powerhouses: Ohio State, Penn State, and Oregon, each sitting at 5-0 and battling for supremacy in the Big Ten. Ohio State faces its first significant challenge this week in a heavyweight clash against Oregon, while Penn State looks to continue its strong start with a trip to USC.

Michigan and USC are both bumped out of the top tier after losses to unranked Washington and Minnesota respectively. Indiana continues to rise after beating Northwestern and keeping its unblemished record clean.

Tier 1 - College Football Playoff Contenders

1. Ohio State (5-0, 2-0)

Trend: -

AP Ranking: No. 2

Last week: 35-7 win vs. Iowa

This week: at No. 3 Oregon

It’ll be a heavyweight battle against Oregon, and Ohio State’s first real test this season.

2. Penn State (5-0, 2-0)

Trend: -

AP Ranking: No. 4

Last week: 27-11 win vs. UCLA

This week: at USC

Penn State took care of business against a struggling UCLA team. Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar ranks No. 2 in the Big Ten with a 187.6 quarterback rating.

3. Oregon (5-0, 2-0)

Trend: -

AP Ranking: No. 3

Last week: 31-10 vs. Michigan St.

This week: vs. No. 2 Ohio State

The Ducks have now won three games in a row by at least three touchdowns. They now host Ohio State on Saturday in arguably the biggest college football game of the season.

Tier 2 - Outside, Looking In

4. Indiana (6-0, 3-0)

Trend: +5

AP Ranking: No. 18

Last week: 42-24 win vs. Northwestern

This week: BYE

The Hoosiers keep winning and are now bowl-eligible after notching their sixth win of the season against Northwestern. They will get a tough test against Nebraska in two weeks.

5. Illinois (4-1, 1-1)

Trend: +1

AP Ranking: No. 23

Last week: BYE

This week: vs. Purdue

Illinois leapfrogs two-loss teams Michigan and USC. They should be able to easily take care of Purdue this weekend.

6. Michigan (3-2, 1-1)

Trend: -2

AP Ranking: No. 24

Last week: 27-17 loss at Washington

This week: BYE

Michigan may have found a lifeline in quarterback Jack Tuttle. They have a bye this week to get things right after a disappointing loss to Washington.

7. USC (3-2, 1-2)

Trend: -2

Last week: 24-17 loss at Minnesota

This week: vs. No. 4 Penn State

The early season storyline of this Trojans team was that the defense was improved from last season. Now, a struggling offense is the story of this team. USC has only generated 23 explosive plays (20 yards or more) this season, ranking them No. 69 in all college football.

8. Nebraska (5-1, 2-1)

Trend: -1

Last week: 14-7 win vs. Rutgers

This week: BYE

I’m keeping Michigan and USC above Nebraska for now. The Cornhuskers will get two weeks to prepare for an important road game against No. 18 Indiana.

9. Rutgers (4-1, 1-1)

Trend: +1

Last week: 14-7 loss to Nebraska

This week: vs. Wisconsin

After an impressive win against Washington, Rutgers failed to follow it up, with its offense managing only a mere seven points against Nebraska.

Tier 3 - Bowl Bound

10. Iowa (3-2, 1-1)

Trend: -2

Last week: 35-7 loss at Ohio State

This week: vs. Washington

Ohio State’s blowout win against Iowa shows that there is a huge gap between Iowa and the class of the conference. It will be interesting to see if they can hold off a confident Washington team at home.

11. Washington (4-2, 2-1)

Trend: -

Last week: 27-17 win vs. Michigan

This week: vs. Iowa

Washington Takes Down No. 10 Michigan: Huskies' Defense Shines in 27-17 Victory at Husky Stadium

Washington proved last weekend they can beat and hang with anyone in the Big Ten. They get a similar run-first offense on the road against Iowa this Saturday.

12. Wisconsin (3-2, 1-1)

Trend: +1

Last week: 52-26 win vs. Purdue

This week: at Rutgers

Wisconsin tallied 228 total rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground in the team’s win against Purdue. Running back Tawee Walker led the Badgers with 94 yards on 19 carries and three touchdowns.

13. Minnesota (3-3, 1-2)

Trend: +2

Last week: 24-17 win vs. USC

This week: at UCLA

Minnesota is trending upwards after an impressive win against USC. Minnesota has a chance to get an LA sweep as they take on a struggling UCLA squad this week.

Tier 4 - Bottom 5

14. Michigan State (3-2, 1-1)

Trend: -2

Last week: 31-10 loss to Oregon

This week: BYE

The Spartans get a bye week and a chance to breathe after losing two top-5 consecutive matchups to Ohio State and Oregon.

15. Maryland (3-2, 0-2)

Trend: -1

Last week: BYE

This week: vs. Northwestern

Maryland is hosting a blackout Friday night game against Northwestern. The Terapins are looking for their first conference win.

16. UCLA (1-4, 0-3)

Trend: -

Last week: 27-11 loss at Penn State

This week: vs. Minnesota

For the first time in five games, UCLA does not face a ranked opponent. But they draw a Minnesota team that is fresh off a win against a ranked USC team. Can the Bruins stop its bleeding at the Rose Bowl?

17. Northwestern (2-3, 0-2)

Trend: +1

Last week: 41-24 loss to No. 23 Indiana

This week: at Maryland

Considering how things are going at Purdue, I don’t think Northwestern is the worst team in the Big Ten.

18. Purdue (1-4, 0-2)

Trend: -1

Last week: 52-6 loss at Wisconsin

This week: at No. 23 Illinois

Recruits are de-committing and Boilermakers head coach Ryan Walters is on the hot seat.