13. Maryland Terrapins (4-4)
Last week's ranking: No. 13
Last week's game: L, 55-10 vs No. 2 Indiana
It's now four losses in a row for a Maryland team that has shown a lot of promise this season. The bright side is that this is still a young team, especially at quarterback, so there's plenty of positive takeaways and experiences to gain from the losses. Still with Rutgers and Michigan State on their schedule, the Terrapins can easily take care of business to become bowl-eligible.
14. UCLA Bruins (3-5)
Last week's ranking: No. 14
Last week's game: BYE
Similarly to Northwestern, UCLA will also fight an uphill battle to become bowl-eligible after turning around a poor start to the season. The issue is that the Bruins need three wins instead of just one, and their schedule is even harder. Perhaps they can take advantage of a damaged Nebraska team this week, but then winning two out of three against Ohio State, Washington, and USC will be a tall task.
15. Michigan State Spartans (3-6)
Last week’s ranking: No. 16 (+1)
Last week’s game: L, 23-20 vs Minnesota
Michigan State lost, but still move up a spot in the power rankings after taking a now 6-3 Minnesota squad to overtime on the road. It's still going to end up being another disappointing season for the Spartans, one that coach Jonathan Smith may not survive. Unfortunately, the former Washington offensive coordinator and Oregon State head coach seems to just not be cut out for Big Ten football.
16. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-5)
Last week's ranking: No. 15 (-1)
Last week's game: L, 35-13 vs Illinois
Despite having a better record than UCLA and Michigan State, Rutgers has looked worse -- once again falling by three scores to a conference opponent. A change at quarterback should be considered, as Athan Kaliakmanis hasn't looked awful, but at this point in the season it could be worth seeing what else you have going forward.
17. Purdue Boilermakers (2-7)
Last week's ranking: No. 17
Last week's game: L, 21-16 vs No. 21 Michigan
The story of Purdue's season continues, once again exerting absolutely everything it has on the field, but still falling just short in the end. This team is a lot better than what its record implies, and this season should be seen as a step in the right direction for the program. Washington can't take the Boilermakers lightly when they match up at Husky Stadium Nov. 15.
18. Wisconsin Badgers (2-6)
Last week's ranking: No. 18
Last week's game: BYE
A bye week was a gift from the heavens for a Wisconsin team that has lost six straight games while failing to score more than 14 points in each of those contests. However, the Badgers did test No. 6 Oregon in their most recent game, losing just 21-7 in Autzen Stadium. Now at home against Washington, the Huskies have to prepare thoroughly for what has "trap game" written all over it -- especially coming off a bye week.