Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 11

RANK	TREND	TEAM
1		Ohio State Buckeyes Record: 8-1 overall, 5-0 conference Previous ranking: 2 The Buckeyes might not have been looking for revenge, but they got some after erasing some of the sting of last year’s loss to Michigan State, taking control of the East Division and stamping themselves as the top College Football Playoff contender in the league. The Virginia Tech game still hangs over Ohio State’s head, but with J.T. Barrett and the offense firing on all cylinders, this looks like a completely different team.

RANK	TREND	TEAM
2		Michigan State Spartans Record: 7-2 overall, 4-1 conference Previous ranking: 1 There were plenty of chances to build a lead and get the home crowd going, but they were largely squandered. With Michigan State’s defense looking nothing like the vaunted unit from a year ago, the Spartans couldn’t keep pace with Ohio State and its high-powered attack. There will be no title defense for the Spartans.

RANK	TREND	TEAM
3		Nebraska Cornhuskers Record: 8-1 overall, 4-1 conference Previous ranking: 3 The Cornhuskers avoided all the chaos; they were resting up and hoping Ameer Abdullah is healthy for Saturday’s huge West Division showdown with Wisconsin. The status of the star running back’s knee will be watched closely this week because the division crown and any chance of making the College Football Playoff are on the line.