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Big Ten Football 2014 post-spring power rankings

By Michael Collins

Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of the Big Ten logo prior to the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Oct 12, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; A general view of the Big Ten logo prior to the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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A LONG WAY TO TIPPERARY

(Three teams who probably shouldn’t have the word “power” associated with them)

Nov 23, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Darrell Hazell during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illiniat Ross Ade Stadium. Illinois won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2013; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Darrell Hazell during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illiniat Ross Ade Stadium. Illinois won 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

#14 – Purdue Boilermakers

It will be a long season for one team in Indiana, and it’s probably not Notre Dame. The Boilermakers finished 2013 1-11 and went winless in the B1G. Things aren’t looking much better in 2014 either.

They can’t run the ball, they can’t play defense and they don’t have a real leader at quarterback to speak of. There was no real progress seen this spring, unless you consider progress moving from one win to two.

Nov 30, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers safety Justin Nowak (26) , linebacker Jacarri Alexander (34) and center Collin Rahrig (64) walk with the Old Oaken Bucket trophy after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 56-36. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers safety Justin Nowak (26) , linebacker Jacarri Alexander (34) and center Collin Rahrig (64) walk with the Old Oaken Bucket trophy after beating the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 56-36. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /

#13 – Indiana Hoosiers

Every year Indiana seems to tease and show signs that their athletic ability isn’t simply limited to the hardwood.

And then the season opens.

It will probably be same story, different chapter for the Hoosiers in 2014. Mediocre results followed by an also-ran bowl invitation. They are returning most of their defense, but it was an absolutely horrid defense last season. Perhaps another year together will help.

Apr 12, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Tim Beckman looks on during the third quarter of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini head coach Tim Beckman looks on during the third quarter of the spring game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bradley Leeb-USA TODAY Sports /

#12 – Illinois Fighting Illini

You could probably flip Illinois and Indiana on this list. Both have a few bright spots, but both have a lot of work to do, particularly on defense.

The Illini do have a quarterback in Wes Lunt — a transfer from Oklahoma State — who could provide some excitement in the passing game if his line will give him more than 2.5 seconds in the pocket.

Don’t buy your Rose Bowl tickets just yet. This team has a long road ahead.

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