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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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KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR

(Three teams who have the blueprint in hand, but not all the craftsmen to build the house)

Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights kicker Kyle Federico (1) celebrates a field goal against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights kicker Kyle Federico (1) celebrates a field goal against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankees Stadium. Notre Dame Fighting Irish won the game 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

#11 – Rutgers Scarlet Knights

The first of the two newcomers to the conference enters at number 11 in the power rankings. The Knight have a lot of positives on their side, including quarterback Gary Nova, who should be a much better version of himself in 2014.

New offensive coordinator and former Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen is going to bring some new wrinkles to what was a pretty flat offense, and Nova should be a big benefactor of Friedgen’s scheme.

The big issue for Rutgers is going to be adjusting to life in the big time. Moving from the Big East/AAC world to a conference as seasoned and deep at the Big Ten will take some time for the Knights to get used to.

Nov 30, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Kenzel Doe (3) returns a punt during the game with Penn State at Camp Randall Stadium. Penn State defeated Wisconsin 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Kenzel Doe (3) returns a punt during the game with Penn State at Camp Randall Stadium. Penn State defeated Wisconsin 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports /

#10 – Wisconsin Badgers

Oh how the mighty have fallen, and Russell Wilson isn’t walking through that tunnel door, unfortunately for the Badgers.

The Badgers have once again graduated a lot of talent without really having much coming in the way of replacements. Joel Stave and Tanner McEvoy are currently locked in a tussle for the starting quarterback position, which Stave’s shoulder injury has had him doing more watching than playing.

There are some serious deficiencies at receiver, and in the defensive secondary that the Badgers are going to have to address when fall arrives, or you may see them sliding even further down this list.

Nov 23, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats fullback Dan Vitale (40) rushes the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2013; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats fullback Dan Vitale (40) rushes the ball during the first quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports /

#9 – Northwestern Wildcats

This may actually be a bit of a low ranking for the Wildcats, as I think they’ll finish the season strong and have something to say about who wins the conference, but based on spring returns, nine is as high as I’ll go right now.

Much of the Wildcats’ 5-7 finish in 2013 can be attributed to injuries…and not just a few, it was ridiculous. They will rebound this season, and they have an excellent recruiting class coming in.

On the plus side they can bank on quarterback Trevor Siemian, who will probably win the starting job, and receiver Kyle Prater. Their coach, Pat Fitzgerald, is one of the best in the business. But where the Cats need some serious help is on both the offensive and defensive line. It didn’t look fixed through the spring, and if it’s not better in the fall, it could cause some problems for this team to get back to a bowl game.

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