Lets take a look at the poll position for the Wisconsin Badgers and other Big Ten teams
Wisconsin football was on bye this past weekend so the Badgers had no opportunity to make a positive (or negative) impression on pollsters. As a result, there is little change in the Badgers poll position.
In fact, it appears that only two results from the weekend caused many changes in the national polling. Both the Associated Press (AP) Poll and Coaches Poll are fairly static.
Next: Conference Play Status Check Offense
TCU’s command performance in Stillwater over host Oklahoma State launched the Horned Frogs to #9 in the AP Poll (+7 spots) and #11 in the Coaches Poll (+4 spots).
Georgia moved up four sports in both polls to #7 in the AP Poll and #8 in the Coaches Poll. The Bulldogs gained ground after an impressive 31-3 win over Mississippi State.
Here is where the Big Teams rank in the latest edition of both national polls:
- Penn State, #4 (AP Poll and Coaches Poll) no change
- Michigan, #8 (AP Poll), #7 (Coaches Poll, +1 spot)
- Wisconsin #10 (AP Poll, -1 spot), #10 (Coaches Poll)
- The Ohio State #11 (AP Poll, -1 spot), #9 (Coaches Poll)
Meanwhile, Maryland’s crushing loss to Central Florida drops the Terrapins from consideration in the “others receiving votes” category. In addition, fellow Big Ten West opponents Iowa and Minnesota are mixed in the middle of the “others receiving votes category.”
But both have considerable work to do and need some help to crack the top 25. Perhaps had Iowa finished the goal-line stand and defeated Penn State the Hawkeyes might have made the rankings.
Wisconsin is just five points behind TCU and seven points ahead of The Ohio State in the AP Poll. So the AP rankers clearly have some uncertainty after its top eight teams.
The Badgers are 37 points behind the Buckeyes in the Coaches Poll and 44 points ahead of riser TCU. Again, it appears that after #7 or #8 is where the pollsters see some more parity.
Next: Looking Around the Big Ten West
Wisconsin is back in action this Saturday, but it’s unclear if a win (even a big one) will do much to change its ranking. It appears the Badgers will have to content itself with treading water while waiting for its ranking neighbors falter.