The Big Ten reshaped itself in dramatic fashion in a week where the first College Football Playoff rankings are coming out.
With the Playoff committee set to release their initial rankings, Week 9 was all about making a good impression. But that was especially true for the Big Ten, where all eyes were on them during the Penn State-Ohio State game. That game, a 39-38 thriller for the Buckeyes, dramatically reshaped the outlook of the conference going forward and re-wrote the narrative surrounding the players involved, but especially J.T. Barrett.
At one point, it looked like Ohio State was down and out. Heading into Week 10, they’re now in control of their own destiny. But there wasn’t just movement at the top of the Big Ten, as there was a dramatic shakeup at the bottom as well. Nothing ever comes easy in this chaotic sport.
If there’s been one constant in this Big Ten season, it’s that Illinois has been terrible. Having been at or near the bottom of these rankings virtually every week, they can’t seem to get out of their own way. The scoreline makes it appear on the surface like this was a closer game than it actually was.
Even though the Illini defense played well, and even though the Badgers offense stalled in the second half, they still couldn’t capitalize on the numerous opportunities given to them. Wisconsin’s defense is special, but the quarterback play was truly awful. Having already lost to Rutgers, next week may be Illinois’ only chance to get a win in the Big Ten.
To their credit, Rutgers is looking more like a respectable program that’s capable of giving better teams a tough out. The fact that they have two wins is already a sign of progress. Had Jim Harbaugh not had the sense to bring in Brandon Peters, who knows how this game would’ve turned out?
Their defense is much improved this season, remember they lost this game 78-0 last season, but poor quarterback play has held them back. Rutgers is still a long way away from being competitive, but the signs of progress are there.