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Wisconsin Football: Big Ten Power Rankings

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 07: Elijah Sindelar
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 07: Elijah Sindelar /

7. Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue is going to be facing an uphill climb in 2018 after a serious turnaround in 2017. Jeff Brohm is a coach that a lot of people really like and should have Purdue fans optimistic, even in light some adversities.

Brohm is an offensive-minded coach, but Purdue leaned more on its defense last season. With most of that defensive talent now gone, it’ll be up to Brohm to get the offense in gear. However, both quarterbacks who logged significant snaps last season are battling back from injuries. The revolving door at the most important position in football could ultimately doom Purdue.

Brohm is the biggest reason Purdue is ahead of Iowa in these power rankings. I simply trust Borhm more than Ferentz at this point to produce a quality season. Brohm has done much more with much less in the grand scheme of things. We may see  that same thing happen next year.

Purdue’s strength will be the running back position where leading rushers Markell Jones and D.J. Knox both return. At the very least, Purdue should be able to run the ball effectively to help out a weaker passing game.

The defense has some work to do, but Purdue might be able to follow along with the blue print laid out for Nebraska. With a good offense, the Boilermakers might be able to outpace some opponents this season and steal some extra wins.