Final Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings
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Go through the gallery to see the final Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings for the 2018 season, compiled by Matt Charboneau.
Go through the gallery to see the final Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings for the 2018 season, compiled by Matt Charboneau. John T. Greilick, Detroit News
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1. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1) – For all the talk about the Buckeyes being down this year, it sure didn’t look like it on Saturday as the top scoring offense in the Big Ten ran roughshod over Michigan’s No. 1 defense. From nearly losing on the road to Maryland last week to the domination of the Wolverines, the Buckeyes now head to the conference title game with a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff. Last week: 2.
1. Ohio State (11-1, 8-1) – For all the talk about the Buckeyes being down this year, it sure didn’t look like it on Saturday as the top scoring offense in the Big Ten ran roughshod over Michigan’s No. 1 defense. From nearly losing on the road to Maryland last week to the domination of the Wolverines, the Buckeyes now head to the conference title game with a shot at reaching the College Football Playoff. Last week: 2. John T. Greilick, Detroit News
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2. Michigan (10-2, 8-1) – It all came crashing down in the most unexpected way for the Wolverines as their defense was dismantled by Ohio State. It ended Michigan’s 10-game winning streak, dashed its playoff hopes and left the Wolverines still seeking a Big Ten title that has eluded them since 2004. A potential spot in the Rose Bowl will be of little consolation as coach Jim Harbaugh is now 0-4 vs. the Buckeyes. Last week: 1.
2. Michigan (10-2, 8-1) – It all came crashing down in the most unexpected way for the Wolverines as their defense was dismantled by Ohio State. It ended Michigan’s 10-game winning streak, dashed its playoff hopes and left the Wolverines still seeking a Big Ten title that has eluded them since 2004. A potential spot in the Rose Bowl will be of little consolation as coach Jim Harbaugh is now 0-4 vs. the Buckeyes. Last week: 1. John T. Greilick, Detroit News
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3. Northwestern (8-4, 8-1) – It wasn’t exactly pretty, but with the West all wrapped up and the reservations made for Indianapolis, the Wildcats were happy to get out of Illinois with a victory and start preparing for next week’s matchup with Ohio State. The Cats will be a decided underdog, but for a team that began the season 1-3, don’t count on them expecting to just be happy they’ve gotten this far. Last week: 3.
3. Northwestern (8-4, 8-1) – It wasn’t exactly pretty, but with the West all wrapped up and the reservations made for Indianapolis, the Wildcats were happy to get out of Illinois with a victory and start preparing for next week’s matchup with Ohio State. The Cats will be a decided underdog, but for a team that began the season 1-3, don’t count on them expecting to just be happy they’ve gotten this far. Last week: 3. Nam Y. Huh, AP
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4. Penn State (9-3, 6-3) – Much like last season, the Nittany Lions lost their shot at a championship weeks ago with losses to Ohio State and Michigan State. And despite squeaking by a few times, they’ve taken care of business and blew out Maryland in the regular-season finale. It might be good enough to get the Nittany Lions in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Last week: 4.
4. Penn State (9-3, 6-3) – Much like last season, the Nittany Lions lost their shot at a championship weeks ago with losses to Ohio State and Michigan State. And despite squeaking by a few times, they’ve taken care of business and blew out Maryland in the regular-season finale. It might be good enough to get the Nittany Lions in a New Year’s Six bowl game. Last week: 4. Chris Knight, AP
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5. Iowa (8-4, 5-4) – After losing three straight, the Hawkeyes responded by winning their final two games, including holding off Nebraska in a rivalry game to close the season. Where it leaves the Hawkeyes is hard to guess, but a top-tier bowl game is likely thanks to three non-conference wins to help balance out some Big Ten woes. Last week: 6.
5. Iowa (8-4, 5-4) – After losing three straight, the Hawkeyes responded by winning their final two games, including holding off Nebraska in a rivalry game to close the season. Where it leaves the Hawkeyes is hard to guess, but a top-tier bowl game is likely thanks to three non-conference wins to help balance out some Big Ten woes. Last week: 6. Charlie Neibergall, AP
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6. Michigan State (7-5, 5-4) – It was the same old story in the final regular-season game for the Spartans as the defense was outstanding and the offense hardly had a pulse. However, it was Rutgers on the other side of the ball and MSU managed to find the end zone twice, the second touchdown coming with 3:57 to play to help avoid and ugly loss that would have capped a frustrating season. Last week: 7.
6. Michigan State (7-5, 5-4) – It was the same old story in the final regular-season game for the Spartans as the defense was outstanding and the offense hardly had a pulse. However, it was Rutgers on the other side of the ball and MSU managed to find the end zone twice, the second touchdown coming with 3:57 to play to help avoid and ugly loss that would have capped a frustrating season. Last week: 7. Dale G. Young, Detroit News
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7. Wisconsin (7-5, 5-4) – The Badgers have been plagued by inconsistency all season but few expected them to close things out by getting trounced at home by Minnesota. It was never a game as the Badgers lost four of their final seven games and now wait to see where they’ll play a bowl game after entering the season as the favorite to win the West. Last week: 5.
7. Wisconsin (7-5, 5-4) – The Badgers have been plagued by inconsistency all season but few expected them to close things out by getting trounced at home by Minnesota. It was never a game as the Badgers lost four of their final seven games and now wait to see where they’ll play a bowl game after entering the season as the favorite to win the West. Last week: 5. Andy Manis, AP
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8. Purdue (6-6, 5-4) – The Boilermakers won the battle for a bowl bid, knocking off Indiana to get to the postseason for a second straight year. It helped ease the pain from a poor finish to the season that saw the Boilermakers lose three of four after upsetting Ohio State. The wait begins now to see if coach Jeff Brohm sticks around or jumps at the open coaching job at Louisville, his alma mater. Last week: 8.
8. Purdue (6-6, 5-4) – The Boilermakers won the battle for a bowl bid, knocking off Indiana to get to the postseason for a second straight year. It helped ease the pain from a poor finish to the season that saw the Boilermakers lose three of four after upsetting Ohio State. The wait begins now to see if coach Jeff Brohm sticks around or jumps at the open coaching job at Louisville, his alma mater. Last week: 8. Darron Cummings, AP
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9. Minnesota (6-6, 3-6) – Credit the Golden Gophers for getting an unexpected victory at Wisconsin in the final week to become bowl-eligible for the first time under coach P.J. Fleck, but also point to the easy non-conference schedule that got the Gophers three quick wins before they struggled to find much rhythm in Big Ten play. That said, they’ve got another game to play. Last week: 12.
9. Minnesota (6-6, 3-6) – Credit the Golden Gophers for getting an unexpected victory at Wisconsin in the final week to become bowl-eligible for the first time under coach P.J. Fleck, but also point to the easy non-conference schedule that got the Gophers three quick wins before they struggled to find much rhythm in Big Ten play. That said, they’ve got another game to play. Last week: 12. Andy Manis, AP
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10. Indiana (5-7, 2-7) – The Hoosiers could never get over the hump once Big Ten play began. They were a perfect 3-0 in non-conference play but couldn’t generate many big plays once the games got tougher. The Hoosiers were in nearly every game they played, but in the end, they’ll miss out on a bowl game for the second straight season under Tom Allen. Last week: 10.
10. Indiana (5-7, 2-7) – The Hoosiers could never get over the hump once Big Ten play began. They were a perfect 3-0 in non-conference play but couldn’t generate many big plays once the games got tougher. The Hoosiers were in nearly every game they played, but in the end, they’ll miss out on a bowl game for the second straight season under Tom Allen. Last week: 10. Darron Cummings, AP
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11. Nebraska (4-8, 3-6) – It was a miserable start to coach Scott Frost’s tenure with the Cornhuskers as they lost their first six games. However, there were signs of life down the stretch as the Huskers’ offense was rolling and they won four of their final six before falling at Iowa. While the results came up short, hopes are high for the Huskers heading into next season. Last week: 9.
11. Nebraska (4-8, 3-6) – It was a miserable start to coach Scott Frost’s tenure with the Cornhuskers as they lost their first six games. However, there were signs of life down the stretch as the Huskers’ offense was rolling and they won four of their final six before falling at Iowa. While the results came up short, hopes are high for the Huskers heading into next season. Last week: 9. Charlie Neibergall, AP
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12. Maryland (5-7, 3-6) – Considering all the off-field issues the Terrapins went through this season, it’s almost a wonder they had a shot at a bowl game if they could have beaten Penn State in the finale. However, they were no match for the Nittany Lions and now head into an offseason of uncertainty as they search for a permanent head coach. Last week: 11.
12. Maryland (5-7, 3-6) – Considering all the off-field issues the Terrapins went through this season, it’s almost a wonder they had a shot at a bowl game if they could have beaten Penn State in the finale. However, they were no match for the Nittany Lions and now head into an offseason of uncertainty as they search for a permanent head coach. Last week: 11. Chris Knight, AP
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13. Illinois (4-8, 2-7) – The Fighting Illini showed some toughness in nearly coming back against Northwestern in the finale. However, like the bulk of coach Lovie Smith’s three seasons, they simply didn’t have enough firepower. Smith has just nine wins in three seasons, but was surprisingly given a two-year extension, through 2023, just one day after the season ended. Last week: 13.
13. Illinois (4-8, 2-7) – The Fighting Illini showed some toughness in nearly coming back against Northwestern in the finale. However, like the bulk of coach Lovie Smith’s three seasons, they simply didn’t have enough firepower. Smith has just nine wins in three seasons, but was surprisingly given a two-year extension, through 2023, just one day after the season ended. Last week: 13. Nam Y. Huh, AP
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14. Rutgers (1-11, 0-9) – The Scarlet Knight nearly pulled off the upset in the finale against Michigan State for the first Big Ten win of the season. Instead, they finish winless in the conference for the second time in three seasons. Even so, coach Chris Ash was given a vote of confidence by the Rutgers brass and will be back for a fourth season. Last week: 14.
14. Rutgers (1-11, 0-9) – The Scarlet Knight nearly pulled off the upset in the finale against Michigan State for the first Big Ten win of the season. Instead, they finish winless in the conference for the second time in three seasons. Even so, coach Chris Ash was given a vote of confidence by the Rutgers brass and will be back for a fourth season. Last week: 14. Dale G. Young, Detroit News
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    Michigan was shut out of the major Big Ten offensive awards on Wednesday, one day after collecting two – linebacker Devin Bush as Defensive Player of the Year and Will Hart as Punter of the Year.

    Michigan State did not have any players on the Big Ten first, second or third offensive teams, but injured receiver Felton Davis III was honorable mention. The offensive teams were announced Wednesday night.

    Wolverines’ senior running back Karan Higdon was a first-team All-Big Ten selection by coaches and media, and left tackle Jon Runyan also made first team as voted by coaches, and second team by the media. Guard Ben Bredeson was second-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media.

    More: Michigan: Five story lines for bowl season

    More: Big Ten awards: UM's Devin Bush, MSU's Kenny Willekes earn POY honors

    Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins was named the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year and quarterback of the year.

    Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson was voted third team at the position by the coaches and honorable mention by the media. Also voted third team by the coaches – receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, center Cesar Ruiz, right guard Michael Onwenu and tight end Zach Gentry. Right tackle Juwann Bushell-Beatty and receiver Nico Collins were honorable mention.

    In media voting, Bushell-Beatty, Gentry, tight end Sean McKeon, Onwenu, Peoples-Jones and Ruiz were honorable mention.

    Ohio State center Michael Jordan, who is from Plymouth, was named second team by coaches and media. 

    Iowa offensive tackle Alaric Jackson (Detroit Renaissance) also was named second team by coaches and media.

    Individual Big Ten award winners

    Offensive Player of the Year: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

    Freshman of the Year: Rondale Moore, Purdue

    Quarterback of the Year: Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

    Receiver of the Year: Rondale Moore, Purdue

    Running Back of the Year: Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin

    Tight End of the Year: T.J. Hockenson, Iowa

    Offensive Lineman of the Year: Michael Deiter, Wisconsin

    All-Big Ten offense

    FIRST TEAM (MEDIA)

    Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

    Karan Higdon, RB, Michigan

    Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin

    Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

    Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

    Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

    Beau Benzschawel, G, Wisconsin

    Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin

    Isaiah Prince, T, Ohio State

    David Edwards, T, Wisconsin

    T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

    FIRST TEAM (COACHES)

    Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State

    Karan Higdon, RB, Michigan

    Jonathan Taylor, RB, Wisconsin (unanimous)

    Rondale Moore, WR, Purdue

    Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State

    Tyler Biadasz, C, Wisconsin

    Michael Deiter, G, Wisconsin

    Beau Benzschawel, G, Wisconsin

    Jon Runyan, T, Michigan

    Isaiah Prince, T, Ohio State

    Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

    SECOND TEAM (MEDIA)

    Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State

    Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland

    Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

    Stanley Morgan Jr., WR, Nebraska

    Parris Campbell, WR, Ohio State

    Michael Jordan, C, Ohio State

    Nick Allegretti, G, Illinois

    Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan

    Alaric Jackson, T, Iowa

    Jon Runyan, T, Michigan

    Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

    SECOND TEAM (COACHES)

    Trace McSorley, QB, Penn State

    J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State

    Miles Sanders, RB, Penn State

    Stanley Morgan Jr., WR, Nebraska

    Tyler Johnson, WR, Minnesota

    Michael Jordan, C, Ohio State

    Ross Reynolds, G, Iowa

    Ben Bredeson, G, Michigan

    Alaric Jackson, T, Iowa

    David Edwards, T, Wisconsin

    T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa

    THIRD TEAM (MEDIA)

    David Blough, QB, Purdue

    Reggie Corbin, RB Illinois

    Devine Ozigbo, RB, Nebraska

    JD Spielman, WR, Nebraska

    K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State

    Keegan Render, C, Iowa

    Ross Reynolds, G, Iowa

    Demetrius Knox, G, Ohio State

    Connor McGovern, G, Penn State

    Damian Prince, T, Maryland

    Ryan Bates, T, Penn State

    Brycen Hopkins, TE, Purdue
     

    THIRD TEAM (COACHES)

    Shea Patterson, QB, Michigan

    Reggie Corbin, RB, Illinois

    Anthony McFarland, RB, Maryland

    JD Spielman, WR, Nebraska

    Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Michigan

    Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan

    Michael Onwenu, G, Michigan

    Connor McGovern, G, Penn State

    Rashawn Slater, T, Northwestern

    Ryan Bates, T, Penn State

    Zach Gentry, TE, Michigan

    HONORABLE MENTION (MEDIA)

    Illinois — Alex Palczewski; Indiana — Brandon Knight, Wes Martin, Stevie Scott; Iowa — Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Tristan Wirfs; Maryland — Derwin Gray, Brendan Moore; Michigan — Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Zach Gentry, Sean McKeon, Michael Onwenu, Shea Patterson, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Cesar Ruiz; Michigan State — Felton Davis III; Minnesota — Blaise Andries, Daniel Faalele, Donnell Greene, Mohamed Ibrahim, Conner Olson, Jared Weyler; Nebraska — Brenden Jaimes, Adrian Martinez, Boe Wilson; Northwestern — Cameron Green, Flynn Nagel, Rashawn Slater, Clayton Thorson; Ohio State — J.K. Dobbins, Terry McLaurin, Thayer Munford, Malcolm Pridgeon; Penn State — Pat Freiermuth, Steven Gonzalez, KJ Hamler; Purdue — Kirk Barron, Matt McCann, Isaac Zico; Rutgers — Jonah Jackson; Wisconsin — Jake Ferguson.

    HONORABLE MENTION (COACHES)

    Illinois — Nick Allegretti; Indiana — Brandon Knight, Donavan Hale, Stevie Scott, Wes Martin; Iowa — Keegan
    Render, Tristan Wirfs; Maryland — Brendan Moore, Derwin Gray; Michigan — Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Nico Collins; Michigan State — Felton Davis III; Minnesota — Donnell Greene; Nebraska — Adrian Martinez, Brenden Jaimes, Devine Ozigbo; Northwestern — Cameron Green, Clayton Thorson, Flynn Nagel; Ohio State — Demetrius Knox, K.J. Hill, Malcolm Pridgeon, Mike Weber, Thayer Munford; Penn State — KJ Hamler, Pat Freiermuth, Steven Gonzalez; Purdue — Brycen Hopkins, D.J. Knox, David Blough, Kirk Barron, Matt McCann; Rutgers — Jonah Jackson, Raheem Blackshear; Wisconsin — Jake Ferguson.

     

     

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