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Michigan finishes their regular season 9-3 after losing to Ohio State once again, 56-27 as their playoff chances are officially gone along with a New Year’s Six Bowl.
The rankings got a shake-up after some games in the conference this week as Wisconsin upset Minnesota to get a rematch with Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. Check out the final rankings of the regular season.
1. OHIO STATE 12-0 (9-0)
Ohio State finished their regular season undefeated after beating Michigan 56-27 in Ann Arbor. Running back J.K. Dobbins had his way with the Wolverines, rushing for 211 yards and four touchdowns on 31 carries.
The defense was questionable in the first half as they struggled to stop the passing game, but they held Michigan to just 91 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries. Ohio State plays Wisconsin for the Big Ten Championship this week as they try and keep their undefeated season alive.
2. WISCONSIN 10-2 (7-2)
Wisconsin jumps up to number two after upsetting the Golden Gophers 38-17 and clinching their ticket to Indianapolis to try and take down the mighty Buckeyes. Quarterback Jack Coan was the main source of offense, going 15/22 for 280 yards and two touchdowns.
The defense shut down Minnesota’s rushing attack, holding them to 76 yards on 30 carries. Wisconsin will try and get its revenge with the Buckeyes on Saturday and shake up the College Football Playoff talk.
3. PENN STATE 10-2 (7-2)
Penn State doesn’t change after beating Rutgers 27-6. Backup quarterback Will Levis started as starting quarterback Sean Clifford missed the game due to the injury he suffered against Ohio State last week. Levis finished the game with just 81 yards, a touchdown, and an interception after going 8/14, but had 108 yards on the ground with 17 carries.
The defense kept Rutgers at bay as they held them to just two field goals, despite allowing 383 yards, 199 in the air and 184 on the ground. Penn State will be in contention for a New Year’s Six Bowl as well, but their destination is unknown as well.
4. MINNESOTA 10-2 (7-2)
Minnesota falls to fourth after losing their Big Ten West title hopes after losing 38-17 to Wisconsin. Quarterback Tanner Morgan did everything he could, going 20/37 for 296 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
The defense kept Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor in check as they held him to just 76 yards on 18 carries, but he scored twice. Minnesota might play in a New Year’s Six Bowl, but either way had a fantastic regular season and are awaiting their postseason game information.
5. MICHIGAN 9-3 (6-3)
Michigan falls back to fifth after getting demolished at home 56-27. Quarterback Shea Patterson did everything he could as well, going 18/43 for 305 yards with a touchdown and an interception.
The defense just didn’t know what to do as they let quarterback Justin Fields go 14/25 for 302 yards and four touchdowns. It was an embarrassing loss once again to the Buckeyes as the Wolverines now wait to see what bowl game they are playing in.
6. IOWA 9-3 (6-3)
Iowa held onto the win this week against Nebraska, winning 27-24. Iowa could pound the rock down Nebraska’s throats, finishing with 225 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries.
The Hawkeye defense shut down the Cornhuskers passing attack, holding them to a combined 12/23 for 100 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Iowa will be awaiting their bowl game announcement on Sunday as well.
7. INDIANA 8-4 (5-4)
Indiana held onto the lead as they beat Purdue in double overtime 44-41. Quarterback Peyton Ramsey went 23/39 for 337 yards and three touchdowns, along with 19 carries for 42 yards and two touchdowns.
Indiana had some struggles with stopping the run though as they let Purdue run for 181 yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries. Indiana will be looking for their ninth win of the season in their bowl game this month.
8. ILLINOIS 6-6 (4-5)
Illinois got pushed aside by Northwestern 27-10 as Illinois struggled to score. The passing attack was without starting quarterback Brandon Peters, as backup Matt Robinson got the start again and finished going 8/17 for 108 yards.
Illinois did well in stopping the passing game of Northwestern, holding them to 55 yards, a touchdown, and an interception as their quarterback Andrew Marty went 6/10. Illinois will be waiting to see which bowl game they are going to this year.
9. MICHIGAN STATE 6-6 (4-5)
Michigan State clinched their bowl game after beating Maryland 19-16. Quarterback Brian Lewerke had some troubles but finished the game by going 30/41 for 342 yards with two interceptions, along with eight carries for 26 yards and a touchdown.
Their defense was tested by Maryland’s rushing attack, allowing 164 yards and a touchdown on 29 carries. Michigan State will await their bowl game announcement as they look to end the season with a winning record.
10. NEBRASKA 5-7 (3-6)
Nebraska was close to becoming a bowl team before losing to Iowa 27-24. The run game was the best part of the offense, as the team had 184 yards and a touchdown on 56 carries.
The defense did well in stopping Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, holding him to just 99 yards and an interception after having him go 11/24. Nebraska will be looking to make a bowl game next year in year three under head coach Scott Frost.
11. PURDUE 4-8 (3-6)
Purdue came close to playing spoiler against Indiana, losing 44-41 in double overtime. Quarterback Aidan O’Connell did well, going 28/49 for 408 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception.
The defense did it’s best to stop Indiana, but in the end, they just couldn’t. Indiana was able to run the ball well against Purdue, with 50 carries for 185 yards and three touchdowns. Purdue will look at 2020 as a rebound year after multiple injuries shook the team this season.
12. NORTHWESTERN 3-9 (1-8)
Northwestern moves up a spot after beating Illinois 29-10. Northwestern ran the ball a lot against Illinois as they finished with 65 total carries for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense completely shut down Illinois rushing attack, holding them to just 14 yards, and a touchdown on 26 carries. 2020 will be looked at as a rebound year for the Wildcats and head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
13. MARYLAND 3-9 (1-8)
Maryland falls after losing to Michigan State 19-16 as the offense just couldn’t get it done. Quarterback Josh Jackson went 11/27 for 141 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The defense held MSU’s rushing attack in check, holding them to 88 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries.
14. RUTGERS 2-10 (0-9)
Rutgers fought hard against Penn State but lost 27-6. Quarterback Johnny Langan went 12/24 for 164 yards as he was able to move against the nifty Penn State defense.
Rutgers defense though had issues with stopping the running game, as Penn State ran for 252 yards and three touchdowns on 46 carries. Rutgers will be looking to be relevant again next year under their new (and old) head coach Greg Schiano
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