My latest Big Ten football power rankings and a song for each team
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – My latest Big Ten power rankings combine two of my favorite things – college football and music.
I picked a song to help describe the circumstances surrounding each of the 14 Big Ten teams.
There is also a change at top to my last power rankings.
So, let’s get right to it:
- Michigan, 4-0, 7-0 – Jim Harbaugh as a goodwill gesture offers to play Dire Straits’ song “Tunnel of Love” the next time Penn State plays at the Big House.
2. Ohio State, 4-0, 7-0 – “It’s Not Enough” by the Who describes how Ohio State fans reacted to last Saturday’s 54-10 victory over Iowa since the Buckeyes had to settle for three field goals in the first half and were held to fewer than 400 yards.
3. Penn State, 3-1, 6-1 – UB40’s remake of Neil Diamond’s 1967 hit “Red, Red Wine” fits with Penn State since James Franklin always seems to be whining about something.
4. Illinois. 3-1, 6-1 – Pink Floyd’s classic hit “Money” from its 1973 legendary album Darkside of the Moon seems appropriate here since Bret Bielema could be on the verge of making a lot more money should Illinois continue to rise.
5. Wisconsin, 2-3, 4-4 – David Bowie’s 1971 song “Changes” fits here since Wisconsin felt it was necessary to make a head coaching change halfway through the season.
6. Purdue, 3-2, 5-3 – Billy Paul’s 1972 hit “Me and Mrs. Jones” fits with Purdue because imagine the Boilermakers this season if Charlie Jones’ mother hadn’t given birth to him.
7. Maryland, 3-2, 6-2 – “Break on Through” by The Doors helps to describe Maryland’s rise under head coach Mike Locksley.
8. Minnesota, 1-3, 4-3 – “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen is what Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck says every time he looks in the mirror.
9. Michigan State, 1-3, 3-4 – The Who’s song “I Can’t Explain” is probably how Michigan State fans feel about Mel Tucker’s $95 million guaranteed contract for a head coach who’s only had one winning season.
10. Iowa, 1-3, 3-4 – Beck’s song “Lost Cause” sums up perfectly where Iowa fans are with their football team’s sputtering offense, as does Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son” in describing Brian Ferentz.
11. Nebraska, 2-2, 3-4 – Prince’s 1982 hit “1999” fits for the Cornhuskers as they long for the good old days.
12. Rutgers, 1-3, 4-3 – “Love Me Two Times” by the Doors is what Greg Schiano hopes to achieve in his second stint as the Rutgers head coach.
13. Indiana, 1-4, 3-5 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s song “Helplessly Hoping” describes the mindset of Indiana football fans as the losses continue to mount under head coach Tom Allen.
14. Northwestern, 1-3, 1-6 – The Clash’s classic album London Calling could be referring to this Northwestern team since it appears to play better overseas.