BP Baseball's Big Ten Power Rankings (Week 8)

1. Nebraska (20-5, 3-0)

Previous Week Ranking: 2 (+1)

Last Weekend: at 13 Northwestern (W, 5-2 | W, 9-5 | W, 8-7 F/10)

Justification: The Cornhuskers continued their 10-game winning streak with a road sweep of 13 Northwestern. Their first true Big Ten challenge will come in the form of a Buckeyes team that is looking to regain its footing.

Next Weekend: vs. 8 Ohio State (7:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

2. Michigan (11-17, 4-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 5 (+3)

Last Weekend: vs. 1 Maryland (L, 9-11 | W, 12-1 | W, 9-4)

Justification: With two weeks of Big Ten play under their belt, the Wolverines have kicked down the door to rise to the second spot in the conference power rankings. The tough road is only beginning for Michigan as they prepare for a talented Hawkeyes team.

Next Weekend: at 4 Iowa (5:00 PM | 3:05 PM | 1:05 PM)

3. Maryland (20-8, 3-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 1 (-2)

Last Weekend: at 5 Michigan (W, 11-9 | L, 1-12 | L, 4-9)

Justification: After their first Big Ten series loss in nearly 3 years, the Terps have seemed like a different team from years past. They'll host a similarly-struggling Hoosiers next week.

Next Weekend: vs. 6 Indiana (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

4. Iowa (13-11, 4-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 3 (-1)

Last Weekend: vs. 12 Minnesota (L, 9-16 | W, 14-6 | W, 10-4)

Justification: Friday starter Brody Brecht struggled again, but it seems like the Iowa offense has finally started to pick up the slack. They'll be tested at home against a tough Wolverine team next week.

Next Weekend: vs. 2 Michigan (5:00 PM | 3:05 PM | 1:05 PM)

5. Illinois (14-12, 5-1)

Previous Week Ranking: 7 (+2)

Last Weekend: vs. 8 Penn State (W, 14-10 | W, 17-6 F/8 | W, 12-8)

Justification: Going yard over and over again, it's clear that the Illini have power. Those bats will need to continue heating up in a road contest against the Gophers next week.

Next Weekend: at 12 Minnesota (5:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM)

6. Indiana (15-14, 1-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 4 (-2)

Last Weekend: vs. Butler (L, 2-6 | W, 11-2 | W, 22-3 F/7 | L, 5-8)

Justification: The Hoosiers looked dominant in their wins, and sluggish in their losses this weekend in their weekend non-conference finale. They'll return to conference play when they travel to face the Terps next weekend.

Next Weekend: at 3 Maryland (6:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

7. Rutgers (19-9, 1-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 6 (-1)

Last Weekend: at 11 Michigan State (W, 4-2 | L, 2-5 | L, 2-3)

Justification: The Scarlet Knights dropped two low-scoring contests over the weekend against the Spartans. Hosting the Boilermakers next week, they'll get a chance to stay with the curve.

Next Weekend: vs. 10 Purdue (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

8. Ohio State (12-12, 2-1)

Previous Week Ranking: 9 (+1)

Last Weekend: vs. 10 Purdue (W, 8-2 | W, 12-10 | L, 1-7)

Justification: Despite a tough Sunday loss, the Buckeyes have proved that they belong in the conference tournament conversation. It won't be easy getting out of next week with 2 more conference wins, however, as they'll travel to face the top-seeded Cornhuskers.

Next Weekend: at 1 Nebraska (7:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

9. Michigan State (12-14, 3-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 11 (+2)

Last Weekend: vs. 6 Rutgers (L, 2-4 | W, 5-2 | W, 3-2)

Justification: Say what you want about the Spartans, but they're hanging in there and their best is yet to come. They'll take a break from conference play next week when they host Niagara.

Next Weekend: vs. Niagara [18-7, MAAC] (6:05 PM | 3:35 PM | 1:05 PM)

10. Purdue (17-12, 2-4)

Previous Week Ranking: 9 (-1)

Last Weekend: vs. 3 Iowa (W, 10-3 | L, 3-4 | L, 6-9)

Justification: Like the Nittany Lions, the Boilers have settled into conference play behind the 8 ball following a good non-conference record. They can get some games back with a road series against the Scarlet next week.

Next Weekend: at 7 Rutgers (6:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

11. Penn State (13-12, 1-5)

Previous Week Ranking: 8 (-3)

Last Weekend: at 7 Illinois (L, 10-14 | L, 6-17 F/8 | L, 8-12)

Justification: Suspect pitching decisions wrecked the Nittany Lions despite a high-scoring offense. Their chance for redemption comes in the form of a home series against the Wildcats next week.

Next Weekend: vs. 13 Northwestern (5:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)

12. Minnesota (10-12, 1-2)

Previous Week Ranking: 12 (No Change)

Last Weekend: at 3 Iowa (W, 16-9 | L, 6-14 | L, 4-10)

Justification: Despite a great game on Friday, the Gophers couldn't pull through with a second win. The Illini come to town next weekend, as Minnesota hopes to get back on track.

Next Weekend: vs. 5 Illinois(5:00 PM | 3:00 PM | 2:00 PM)

13. Northwestern (10-15, 0-3)

Previous Week Ranking: 13 (No Change)

Last Weekend: vs. 2 Nebraska (L, 2-5 | L, 5-9 | L, 7-8 F/10)

Justification: The Wildcats faced a tough Cornhuskers team and stayed close for three straight games. A big opportunity looms for them next week when they travel to face the Nittany Lions.

Next Weekend: at 11 Penn State (5:30 PM | 2:00 PM | 1:00 PM)