Big Ten power rankings, Week 11: Save us, Wisconsin, you’re the Big Ten’s only hope
By David Rouben
Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-5, 3-3)
Last week: L vs. Northwestern, 31-24
Last rank: 9th
After two heavy losses to Wisconsin and Ohio State, Nebraska have started to play harder. They had a spirited comeback win over Purdue, then fought hard against a surging Northwestern team. However, they couldn’t put away the game when they had the chance, while Tanner Lee fell back on old habits by throwing three costly interceptions.
His first two interceptions came in the first half, which helped Northwestern build a 17-14 lead. However, Nebraska should be credited for their second half adjustments. Not only did Lee start moving the ball better, though he did throw a costly pick once the game was tied, the defense also slowed down Justin Jackson. The Northwestern running back still put up a monster stat line, but he had to earn his yards in the second half. But Clayton Thorson picked up where he left off when he ran in the game-tying and winning scores.
Mike Riley’s future with this program is still up in the air, but with Bill Moos sending heart-eye emojis to Scott Frost recently, his job is as good as gone. However, Frost will be a hot commodity and they’ll likely have to fight off the Gators in order to get him.
Northwestern Wildcats (6-3, 4-2)
Last week: W vs. Nebraska, 31-24
Last rank: 5th
It might not make much sense to drop a Northwestern team that’s on a four-game winning streak, but the Cardiac Cats have now won three straight games in overtime. It’s not a sustainable method of victory, and it’s eventually going to wear them out, even though the rest of their schedule is very easy. Plus, having Ohio State and Penn State drop helped push the Wildcats back a bit further.
But for all the praise Northwestern’s offense has received throughout the year, their defense played a huge part in this victory. Not only did they finish with three interceptions on the day, but they stood tall in overtime when Nebraska was threatening to score. Kyle Queiro is the player to remember out of that secondary, as he caught two of those interceptions and three pass breakups, including the final one intended for JD Spielman.
Many people forgot about the Wildcats after they lost three games early on, including to Duke. But if they continue to play like one of the hottest teams in the Big Ten, it only makes Wisconsin’s win over them look even better each week.