
9-5
9. Iowa (3-3, 1-2) Last week: 8
Update: Iowa’s offense is still really bad. The Hawkeyes fell to Illinois 9-6 on Saturday in a game that perfectly describes the Big Ten West. Quarterback Spencer Petras was not good again, going just 18-36 for 170 yards and an interception. Despite how bad the offense was, they still had a chance to win. The defense was great as usual and gave the team a chance to win. Down by three with 1:12 remaining, the Iowa offense moved the ball a grand total of four yards. Unless the offense somehow becomes competent overnight, Iowa could realistically miss a bowl game.
8. Wisconsin (3-3, 1-2) Last week: 10
The first game in the post Paul Chryst era went well for Wisconsin as it beat Northwestern 42-7. Graham Mertz had arguably the best game of his career, going 20-29 for 299 yards and five touchdowns. Braelon Allen also had a nice day, rushing for 135 yards. Northwestern is not good, but seeing the Badgers move the ball like this was an encouraging sign. The defense was relentless like usual, causing Northwestern to make a change at quarterback. If Mertz continues this kind of play, Wisconsin could still make a move in the West.
7. Maryland (4-2, 1-2) Last week: 4
Maryland battled all day but fell short against Purdue 31-29. The Terps had a chance to tie the game but were unable to connect on a two-point conversion with 35 seconds left. Taulia Tagovailoa was strong again, going 26-38 for 315 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. The only problem was his run game was nonexistent, which led to a one-dimensional offense that became easy to defend. On defense, the secondary was torched by Aidan O’Connell, who threw for 360 yards. The front seven held their own though, allowing only 13 net rushing yards. This Maryland team is better than those of years past, but they’re still not all the way there.
6. Purdue (4-2, 2-1) Last week: 7
Purdue finally did not blow a late lead. After losing heartbreakers to Penn State and Syracuse, the Boilermakers held on to defeat Maryland 31-29. It was a typical Purdue game as Aidan O’Connell threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns, while the team only netted 13 rushing yards. While it has not been pretty, the Boilermakers could be seen as the favorite to win the West considering they already beat Minnesota. They need to clean up somethings, especially in the secondary and offensive line, but O’Connell will keep them in games.
5. Minnesota (4-1, 1-1) Last week: 5
Minnesota was off this week, and it came at the perfect time as the Gophers work to get running back Mohamed Ibrahim back. His absence resulted in a 20-10 loss to Purdue. They will need him this week as the Gophers prepare for a huge matchup with Illinois that will have massive implications on the West division title battle.