Since the Dog Pound membership loves to debate rankings, polls, comparisons, etc., here's the link to the USA Today's re-rank of FBS teams from 1-130.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nc...918274001/

Interestingly, Ohio State is ahead of Alabama noting: In total, the re-rank considered two factors in Ohio State’s corner while still considering the team’s ugly loss to Iowa in November. For one, the Buckeyes can tout a major-conference championship while Alabama finished second in its own division. Secondly, the Buckeyes’ two best wins – Wisconsin and Penn State – are better than the Tide’s most impressive win, against LSU.

In addition: While the selection committee undervalued Central Florida, placing the Knights at 12th in the final poll, the re-rank has UCF in sixth after ending the regular season as the lone unbeaten team in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

If these ratings truly meant something, then Huskie fans don't need to worry if the team is "really fired up about Detroit."
Of course it does conflict with those on here who believe NIU could beat all but the top of the Big Ten.

Nutshell of MAC teams and NIU 2017 foes or other noteables:
1 -- Clemson
2 -- Oklahoma
3 -- Georgia
4 -- Ohio State
5 -- Alabama
6 -- Central Florida
7 -- Wisconsin
---------------
20 -- Toledo
22 -- Boise State
24 -- Northwestern
25 -- San Diego State
26 -- North Carolina State
36 -- Iowa
41 -- Boston College
46 -- Central Michigan
48 -- Northern Illlnois
52 -- Ohio
64 -- Duke
71 -- Purdue
81 -- Western Michigan
83 -- Akron
84 -- Minnesota
91 -- Buffalo
98 -- Nebraska
99 -- Eastern Michigan
100 - Miami (OH)
118 -- ILL-ness
119 -- Kent State
120 -- Bowling Green
122 -- Ball State

I guess I am missing the main point here

It doesn't conflict with the thought that NIU could beat all but the top of the Big 10. Doesn't mean they would necessarily win, but they could. Especially at home.

(12-05-2017 12:24 PM)NIU007 Wrote:  It doesn't conflict with the thought that NIU could beat all but the top of the Big 10. Doesn't mean they would necessarily win, but they could. Especially at home.

Yes by uinius thinking there is no way Iowa could have just trashed the Buckeyes like they did

#48 feels about right for this year's NIU team.

(If Toledo wins their bowl game they may get a Top 25 ranking.)

Given NIU really didn't have a win over a quality team, 48 is a little too high imo, ditto for CMU. Probably slide each team down about 10 to 15 slots

(12-05-2017 12:57 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  #48 feels about right for this year's NIU team.

(If Toledo wins their bowl game they may get a Top 25 ranking.)

Agreed. Better than I think this board predicted. Nebraska was a coming out party for this year's team. I love how upset the board is over the fact NIU didn't win the west. I wonder what the expectations will be for next year. I suppose we can ask that in January.

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(12-05-2017 12:20 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  I guess I am missing the main point here

ILL-ness is 118. always the point.

(12-05-2017 03:59 PM)Teamduh Wrote:  

(12-05-2017 12:57 PM)Lord Stanley Wrote:  #48 feels about right for this year's NIU team.

(If Toledo wins their bowl game they may get a Top 25 ranking.)

Agreed. Better than I think this board predicted. Nebraska was a coming out party for this year's team. I love how upset the board is over the fact NIU didn't win the west. I wonder what the expectations will be for next year. I suppose we can ask that in January.

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Nebraska ended up about as good as mid level to above average MAC team

Only if we could have beaten SDSU.
Santa probably is still the QB and not transferring.

(12-05-2017 05:31 PM)MaddDawgz02 Wrote:  Nebraska ended up about as good as mid level to above average MAC team

Good news is that no one will ever remember that this may have been the case, but everyone will remember we beat Nebraska!