The landscape of the Big Ten shifted dramatically in the span of one week. Following a loss to Wisconsin, many observers questioned whether the Lincoln Riley era at USC was nearing its end. A challenging closing stretch against three top ten opponents threatened to leave the Trojans with a 7-5 record, a result that would have likely sealed their fate under the current coaching regime.
However, the narrative changed rapidly when USC delivered its best performance of the season. Playing in the rain in Los Angeles, the Trojans defeated the then number one ranked Ohio State team convincingly with a score of 30-18. This victory improved their record to 7-2 and provided a crucial bye week before they travel to Bloomington to face the number four ranked Indiana Hoosiers.
The upcoming matchup against Indiana is poised to be a defining moment for USC. While the Trojans rallied from a deficit at home against Ohio State, their away record in the Big Ten has been inconsistent. Under Riley, the team holds a 5-7 record in conference road games over the past three years, with one of those wins coming against UCLA in the same city. They also suffered a road loss to Notre Dame during that span.
This season has highlighted those road struggles. USC lost to Wisconsin as the favorite, narrowly avoided an upset by Rutgers, and struggled against a Penn State team that had a poor conference record. Indiana, despite having escaped back-to-back overtime losses against unranked opponents, presents a stiff test. The Hoosiers have had a bye week to address quarterback issues, potentially giving Grant Wilson more time or allowing Josh Hoover to recover from health concerns.
The initial College Football Playoff rankings did not reflect a sudden belief in USC's turnaround. Consequently, the game on November 14 at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS represents the most significant test of Riley's tenure in Los Angeles. A win could rewrite the narrative about his teams, while a loss might prove they remain the same inconsistent group seen earlier in the year.
UCLA currently sits at the top of the Big Ten power rankings. The Bruins are 11-0 and look to maintain their dominance. They face a road trip to Minnesota, where the Gophers will be eager for revenge after a gutting overtime defeat at Indiana. UCLA's offense has adapted to the absence of Nico Iamaleava, relying more on Ty Dieffenbach's passing game. If they can continue to handle unranked opponents, they will lock themselves into the playoff picture.
Indiana remains in second place in the rankings. Despite some special teams struggles, including a last-second 60-yard field goal to force overtime against Minnesota, the Hoosiers remain a top two team in the conference. Their offensive inconsistency is a concern, but they have shown they can make big plays when necessary. Hosting USC will be a diamond test for both programs.
Ohio State drops to fourth place after being ranked 12th in the first CFP poll. They now have zero margin for error. The Buckeyes host Oregon, a team that showed improved offensive play under new leadership in a recent win over Northwestern. Ohio State's offense, led by Luke Fahey in his debut, moved the ball well but struggled to finish drives with touchdowns. They must improve in the red zone to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Iowa sits at number five after a dominant 30-0 victory over Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes continue their streak of beating the Badgers, having won by a combined score of 109-10 in the last three years. Iowa has a path to the College Football Playoff if they can complete their schedule, starting with a road trip to Northwestern. Their physical style of play will be tested as they look to secure their final conference wins.
Northwestern is ranked sixth after a tough loss to Oregon. The Wildcats will host Iowa next, a matchup that will test their physicality and strategic planning. Chip Kelly's team must exploit the Iowa defense, while also managing the turnover tendencies of quarterback Aidan Chiles. Minnesota, in seventh, looks to bounce back from a heartbreaking overtime loss in Bloomington. They will host undefeated UCLA, hoping for another upset. The Gophers must ensure their quarterback, Drake Lindsey, avoids the turnovers that have plagued him all season.
Wisconsin, ranked eighth, is looking to rebound from a lopsided loss to Iowa. At 5-3, the Badgers have a chance at their best season under Luke Fickell. They host Rutgers next, a game that could secure bowl eligibility, followed by games against Maryland and Purdue. Illinois, in ninth, has won three straight and is looking to become bowl eligible against a struggling Nebraska team. The Illini's defense has improved, and quarterback Katin Houser appears healthier since his return.
Oregon, ranked tenth, gained confidence after firing Drew Mehringer. Their offense has improved, allowing quarterback Dylan Raiola to lead a comeback against Northwestern. The Ducks now face Ohio State in their biggest remaining game. Washington, in eleventh, has won back-to-back games, including a surprising victory at Nebraska. They must improve their rushing attack before facing Penn State. Nebraska, in twelfth, has lost three straight games due to late collapses. They must beat Illinois to avoid a 6-6 season.
Michigan, ranked thirteenth, won against Rutgers but faces a brutal closing stretch. They must beat Michigan State in Ann Arbor before traveling to Oregon, hosting UCLA, and facing Ohio State. Penn State, in fourteenth, has finally secured a Big Ten win and can start to build momentum against a friendly schedule. Purdue, in fifteenth, faces Maryland in a must-win game to keep a bowl bid in reach. Rutgers, in sixteenth, has shown offensive promise but struggles defensively. They travel to Madison to face Wisconsin.
Michigan State, ranked seventeenth, had a bye week to prepare for a crucial game against Michigan. A victory in Ann Arbor would go a long way toward easing frustration in East Lansing. Maryland, in eighteenth, is still searching for its first Big Ten win of the season. They travel to face Purdue, hoping to capitalize on the Boilermakers' recent struggles.
