Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 12: Michigan loses, but still controls its destiny

A lot of people viewed the last two weeks as vindication of their criticism of Nebraska. People used their consecutive losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State as proof that they weren’t a real Top 10 team, as well as evidence that Tommy Armstrong falters under pressure.

After their heavy loss to Ohio State, they should’ve lost to Minnesota. Tommy Armstrong’s injury was a scary sight, while not forcing a single punt had to be demoralizing for their defense. Against a team that had won four straight, it looked like Nebraska was going to fall to 7-3, but they instead earned a hard-fought win.

After seeing the way Armstrong fell to the turf, the fact that he played the next week was superhuman. We should’ve seen it coming when he returned to the Horseshoe while still wearing his hospital clothes, but he turned in a resilient performance. Armstrong went 19-for-27 with 271 yards and two passing touchdowns. On the ground, he added another 61 yards and the game-winning score.

The defense had a complete 180 from their Ohio State capitulation. They limited one of the best rushing teams in the Big Ten to 85 yards, and as a whole, the Gophers only gained 265 yards. And with a minute left to go, Kieron Williams stopped the potential game-tying drive with an interception.

With all the adversity he’s had to overcome, Tommy Armstrong deserves your respect. And seeing him play so well after a devastating injury, it was hard not to root for him.