Big Ten power rankings after Week 12: Another change at the top

There was another change at the top of this week’s Big Ten power rankings, but this one is about to be settled on the field.

There were some slight changes to my power rankings this week, including at the top spot in the Big Ten. I went back and forth on a few of these changes but am happy to know that the top spot in the Big Ten power rankings is about to be settled on the field this weekend.

There is a clear separation at the top with the top two teams, and I would not argue if you wanted to flip-flop my top two picks. Penn State appears to be clearly in the second tier of the current Big Ten structure all by themselves, although the offensive concerns may have them closer to Iowa than Michigan and Ohio State after another sluggish performance from the offense.

This coming week will not only determine the top spot in the Big Ten power rankings, but also the bottom spot. On the opposite end of the Big Ten spectrum this week from Michigan and Ohio State’s big rivalry game will be the Indiana-Purdue game. The worst record in the Big Ten for the 2023 season is officially on the line.

Here is a look at my updated power rankings for the Big Ten as we enter the final week of the regular season.