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Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 13: More than playoffs on the line in Michigan vs. Ohio State

By David Rouben

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a win over the Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes celebrate a win over the Michigan State Spartans after a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow (21) passes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Richard Lagow (21) passes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Indiana proved that they’re a better team than their record indicates by giving Michigan a run for their money in the Big House. It was a great defensive effort on their part, and it was an extremely close game until De’veon Smith broke off two third-quarter touchdowns.

While they limited John O’Korn to under 60 yards passing, it was also the first time they didn’t force a turnover since Week 8. Michigan’s defense proved to be just as stingy in holding Richard Lagow to 14-of-29 and 191 yards passing while Devine Redding had just 50 yards on 22 carries.

Nevertheless, Indiana has hung in there with some of the best the Big Ten has to offer this year. And after going through a tough schedule, facing Purdue in Week 13 should give them consecutive bowl appearances for the first time since 1990 and 1991.

A shutout win over Illinois shouldn’t be a big deal, but even in a down year for the Hawkeyes, they still have one of the best defensive units in the Big Ten. And while they’ve been great all year, this was the first time they posted a shutout since 2010. They imposed their will on the Illini by forcing them to punt on their first 10 possessions, then recording an interception on the 11th.

After Akrum Wadley was Iowa’s hero against Michigan, it was LeShun Daniels’ turn to shine. He had 159 yards and two touchdowns, although Wadley still contributed 82 yards and his own touchdown.

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The interchanging play of their two running backs has been a big part of why their offense hasn’t totally capitulated since losing star receiver Matt VandeBerg. And Desmond King doesn’t have great stats, mostly because teams have avoided throwing towards him, but he got just his second interception on the year.

It was an outstanding all-around effort by the Hawkeyes. If they play this well next week, they could spring an upset over Nebraska.

Even though Clayton Thorson and Northwestern’s offense outgained Minnesota, they were in complete control in this game. True freshman Blake Cashman anchored their defensive unit by keeping the pressure on Thorson all game long. He finished with nine solo tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble.

Tracy Claeys got off easy by avoiding Ohio State and Michigan in his first year. But that being said, he has definitely exceeded expectations, and deserves an extension. They’ve only lost three times, but they were all to high level opposition, and they came by an average margin of 5.6 points. And while offense has been the story for this team, they proved that they can win with their defense too.

Minnesota will face Wisconsin next week just one game back of the Big Ten West. Unfortunately, a loss to Nebraska means that they have no shot of making the Championship Game. However, an 8-4 record heading into the postseason is a lot to be confident about.

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