We’re officially past the midway point of conference play, as most Big Ten teams have played five of the nine conference games on their schedule. As such, things are starting to take shape, and with just a few games left before championship talk becomes reality, here’s how the rankings stack up in the Big Ten after Week 9.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 1
Last week's game: BYE
Ohio State holds on to its No. 1 spot during the bye week, although Indiana is making a case to overtake the Buckeyes after another dominant victory. The Buckeyes will play again this Saturday against Penn State, in a matchup that's much less interesting now than it was on paper coming into the season.
2. Indiana Hoosiers (8-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 2
Last week's game: W, 56-10 vs UCLA
The Hoosiers continue to prove that they are for real, as they ran a red-hot UCLA team out of their home stadium. They remain undefeated, and with their remaining opponents combining for a 1-17 record in the Big Ten, the Hoosiers should be all but guaranteed a spot in the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff.
3. Oregon Ducks (7-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 3
Last week's game: W, 21-7 vs Wisconsin
Oregon probably played its worst game of the season this past Saturday, only beating an awful Wisconsin team by 14 points. Still, a win is a win, and the Ducks have done enough all season to continue to cements themselves as a top-3 Big Ten squad. Indiana and Ohio State may have championship spots locked up, but Oregon is still in the driver's seat for another CFP appearance.
4. Michigan Wolverines (6-2)
Last week's ranking: No.4
Last week's game: W, 31-20 vs Michigan State
The battle for the No. 4 spot in the Big Ten will be the most intriguing storyline to watch in the conference for the rest of the regular season. The next four or five programs can all make a case for it. For now, the nod goes to Michigan, who has started to hit a higher level in its past two games. The Wolverines have three easy games before welcoming Ohio State to the Big House -- so a 9-3 season should be guaranteed, with a chance to finish 10-2.
5. USC Trojans (5-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 6 (+1)
Last week's game: BYE
Although USC beat Michigan, the Trojans remain behind the Wolverines in this ranking and in the AP Poll. USC recovered from a tough loss to Notre Dame during a bye week, but now will have to prepare for another intense matchup against Nebraska on the road. That game will say a lot about where this team is headed, let's see if Lincoln Riley is up to the task.
6. Washington Huskies (6-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 7 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 42-25 vs No. 23 Illinois
The Huskies earned their first ranked win of the season this past Saturday, adding a much-needed boost to their resume. Their only losses have come to Ohio State and Michigan, two of the top-tier teams in the conference, and the Dawgs should be on track to be 9-2 going into a season finale against Oregon. Though Washington remains unranked, its season is very much alive as a dark horse to reach the CFP.