East Division

1. Michigan State 7-1 (4-0) –The Spartans staked their claim to the state of Michigan on Saturday with a very convincing win over the rival Wolverines. Now MSU has an open week to gear up for the Buckeyes in a defacto East Division Championship game.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st– OPEN

2. Ohio State 6-1 (3-0)–The Buckeyes escaped Happy Valley with a 31-24 win in double overtime in a game that had its share of controversies.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st– vs. Illinois- The Buckeyes look to keep the Illibuck trophy in Columbus, while also trying to keep J.T. Barrett healthy for next week’s big game.

3. Penn State 4-3 (1-3) –Penn State gave the Buckeyes all they could handle last Saturday, but still showed how vulnerable the offensive line is.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st vs. Maryland- The chirping started early between James Franklin and Maryland, but is it enough to keep the Lions from having a let down after a prime time showdown with the Buckeyes.

4. Maryland 5-3 (2-2)–The Terps need one more win to get a bowl berth, but did not look good in a thrashing by Wisconsin.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st at Penn State- Maryland would love to knock off one time assistant James Franklin, but do they have enough weapons to score on a very good defense.

5. Rutgers 5-3 (1-3)–Welcome to the Big Ten Rutgers! This is the third straight really tough opponent for the Knights. At least this one is at home.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st– vs. Wisconsin- Rutgers had Ameer Abdullah run all over them last week, are the ready for Melvin Gordon?

6. Michigan 3-5 (1-3)– Always drama with this program lately. This week it is “Stakegate”. Michigan got pummeled by Michigan State last week and look like a shadow of their once mighty program.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st – vs. Indiana- A loss here would only be fitting for the way this season has gone. By the way over 3,000 tickets are available on StubHub for as little as $29. Yes, this is Michigan Football right now.

7. Indiana 3-4 (0-3)– Indiana’s Kevin Wilson has had an extra week to get Zander Diamont ready to run this offense.

Coming Up: Nov.1^st – at Michigan- Indiana has not won here since 1967. That is a really long time, but if there is a game to be won at the Big House it is this year against this train wreck of a Michigan team. Look for Tevin Coleman to add to his already magnificent season.

West Division

1. Nebraska 7-1 (3-1)–Nebraska dominated a tough Rutgers squad and looks to be in control of their own destiny with Minnesota’s loss.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st– vs. Purdue- The Boilermakers have given their last two opponents some fits, but Nebraska has Abdullah and home field advantage. Big Red should run away with this one.

2. Wisconsin 5-2 (2-1) –The Badgers absolutely destroyed Maryland on Saturday. Now can they take this show on the road?

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st– at Rutgers- The Badgers will go with a two-quarterback system this week, but let’s be honest here. Rutgers will see a lot of Melvin Gordon this week.

3. Minnesota 6-2 (3-1)–The Gophers played with fire again this week, falling behind early to Illinois. Unlike the Purdue game, Illinois burned Minnesota for a crushing loss. The Gophers now have a week to get ready for rival Iowa.

Coming Up: Nov.1^st OPEN 

4. Iowa 5-2 (2-1)– Iowa’s bye week didn’t go as planned as they lost Reggie Spearman to suspension and questions have been raised about the fan support of Kirk Ferentz.

Coming Up: Nov.1^st– vs. Northwestern- In a battle for the middle of the pack this game has had its moments in the last few years.

5. Northwestern 3-4 (2-2)–The Wildcats have had an extra week to prepare for the Hawkeyes. Can they win and make a run at a bowl berth?

Coming Up: Nov.1^st– at Iowa- Iowa is a tough place to play, but Fitz and the ‘cats have had some recent success against the Hawkeyes.

6. Purdue 3-5 (1-3)–Purdue will travel to Lincoln to take on the Huskers who are now in position to make a run at the West Title.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st at Nebraska- It will be a rough road filled with red for the Boilers who have been more competitive this year, but will probably get bullied in this one.

7. Illinois 4-4 (1-3)–Was that win too little too late for Tim Beckman, probably. However the Illini need two more wins for bowl eligibility.

Coming Up: Nov. 1^st at Ohio State- All the good feelings from this week’s shocking win over the Gophers will disappear into the cold night time air in Columbus on Saturday.

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