Northwestern Ranked No. 20 in Week 8 AP Poll, Tied With Boise State

The Northwestern Wildcats are ranked in the AP Poll for the third consecutive week, and David Braun's squad is moving up.

In the Week 8 edition of the Associated Press Top 25, the 'Cats came in tied for the No. 20 ranking in the nation. Northwestern and Boise State each received 422 points in the tiered voting system, with the Broncos moving up one spot after a 31-10 win over Washington State.

NU was one of five Big Ten teams to be ranked in the Week 8 AP Poll. Ohio State became the No. 2 team after BYU's loss, while Indiana (No. 4) and undefeated UCLA (No. 7) rose after securing Big Ten wins. Wisconsin's upset victory over previously No. 16 USC saw the Badgers crack the rankings as the No. 25 team.

The Trojans and Iowa Hawkeyes (previously No. 15) dropped out of the Top 25 following losses to unranked opponents. In addition to USC and Iowa, Minnesota also received votes on the heels of its upset against the Hawkeyes.

Northwestern climbed four spots from its No. 24 ranking a week ago. On Saturday, the Wildcats dominated Rutgers, 42-14, to advance to 6-1 on the season and clinch bowl eligibility. It marked the third time in four years under Braun that Northwestern earned the right to play in the postseason.

The Wildcats jumped out to an early 21-3 lead, thanks to two passing touchdowns and a rushing score by Aidan Chiles. Northwestern's senior quarterback posted 302 total yards and five touchdowns against the Scarlet Knights, although he did throw his first interception of the season. Through seven games this fall, Chiles has completed 71.3% of his passes for 1,617 yards and 12 touchdowns while also adding 181 yards and nine touchdowns with his legs.

Chiles was aided by his top playmakers on Saturday. Junior running back Caleb Komolafe rumbled for 150 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries, and senior wide receiver Griffin Wilde caught nine passes for 133 yards and a score.

Northwestern is 6-1 with five weeks remaining in the regular season. The Wildcats will head to Oregon next weekend before taking on Iowa and No. 2 Ohio State. NU will then end the season with games against Minnesota and rival Illinois.

At 3-1 in Big Ten play, the Wildcats currently rank tied for fourth in the conference standings. UCLA (5-0) and Ohio State (4-0) remain undefeated, while Indiana — Northwestern's lone loss this season — is 4-1 in Big Ten play. Minnesota and Wisconsin are both 3-1 as well.