POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the Big Ten

1. Ohio State:

With 50th-anniversary whispers of 1969’s devastating loss to Michigan in the air, the Buckeyes brace for what awaits them in Ann Arbor.

2. Michigan:

The Wolverines revived a season that early on looked to be DOA come late November. But Jim Harbaugh still desperately needs a win in The Game.

3. Minnesota:

The Golden Gophers host Wisconsin in the biggest game on campus since Minnesota was the Land of Only 9,000 lakes.

4. Penn State:

The Nittany Lions are still ouchy from their near-miss in Columbus, but playing Rutgers is the bandage that makes boo-boos feel better.

5. Wisconsin:

More is at stake against Minnesota than just Paul Bunyan’s Axe. Beat the Golden Gophers and Wiscy wins the West.

6. Iowa:

Hawkeyes will finish just above middle of the pack in the Big Ten, which means Kirk Ferentz is probably getting another contract extension.

7. Indiana:

The overachieving Hoosiers still need to get past Purdue to put a cherry on top a season of smiles and giggles.

8. Illinois:

The Illini close out the regular season looking for their first win against Northwestern since 2014. It’s a good bet they find it.

9. Purdue:

A disappointing season needs a positive exclamation point against Indiana. Instead, the Boilermakers may make another stumble.

10. Michigan State:

Coach Mark Dantonio insists he’ll return next season. But can he return Sparty to a place of Big Ten East prominence?

11. Nebraska:

The Big Red turned the page on a sad-sack season weeks ago. The scary part is few know what the next chapter brings.

12. Maryland:

Maryland’s season resembles the child whose first Christmas present is a Nintendo, then socks and underwear after that.

13. Northwestern:

It’s been a test for everoptimistic Pat Fitzgerald to remain positive. Beating Illinois would help, but good luck with that.

14. Rutgers:

The Scarlet Knights lose on and off the field by letting Greg Schiano get away. The beat — and beatings — go on.