7. Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 7
Last week's game: BYE
With Washington finally making an appearance in the AP poll, now it's Iowa that is the Big Ten team being snubbed from a top-25 spot. The Hawkeyes are also beginning to put it all together, and their resume looks better and better each week. It has the chance to look even better if they can beat No. 6 Oregon this upcoming Saturday.
8. Illinois Fighting Illini (6-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 8
Last week's game: W, 35-13 vs Rutgers
Illinois bounced back after a disappointing loss to Washington with a commanding victory over Rutgers, but will still likely be on the outside looking in when it comes to playoff rankings. The Illini get a bye this week before closing out the regular season with a light schedule against Maryland, Wisconsin, and Northwestern, so a 9-3 finish should be achievable and earn them a decent bowl game.
9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 10 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 23-20 vs Michigan State
Minnesota dodged what would have been a devastating loss to Michigan State to improve to a respectable 6-3 overall record, 4-2 in the Big Ten. Like Illinois, having three losses is probably a killer when it comes to playoff hopes, but the Golden Gophers should still be happy with the season they're putting together. They have a bye this week before their biggest test of the season, a road matchup against Oregon.
10. Nebraska Cornhuskers (6-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 9 (-1)
Last week's game: L, 21-17 vs No. 23 USC
Nebraska's loss to USC was simply a tragic blow to its season. It was a game the Cornhuskers had a chance to win, but instead, they received a dreaded third loss while losing quarterback Dylan Raiola for the rest of the season in the process. Nebraska will still play in a bowl game at the very least, but going into Week 11, the CFP dark horse expectations are officially dead.
11. Northwestern Wildcats (5-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 11
Last week's game: BYE
Northwestern had a crucial bye in Week 10 to prepare for what's going to be a gauntlet of a schedule to close out the season. The Wildcats need just one win to become bowl-eligible, but that's far from guaranteed with USC, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois waiting for them. Northwestern has already overachieved on expectations going into the season, but losing out and falling short of the six-win threshold would be heartbreaking.
12. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-5)
Last week's ranking: No. 12
Last week's game: L, 38-14 vs No. 1 Ohio State
You never would've thought losing 38-14 to Ohio State would not be a bad outcome at the beginning of the season, but considering the developed circumstances, Penn State can be proud of the fight it put up. Still, the Nittany Lions have yet to win a Big Ten game this season and becoming bowl-eligible will be an uphill battle. They'll have another chance to play spoiler this Saturday against No. 2 Indiana.