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During the fifth week of the college football season, we saw all 14 Big Ten teams in action for the first time.
Most of the games ended up being close aside from Ohio State’s 58-0 drubbing of Rutgers and Maryland’s 50-7 rout of Purdue. Four games were decided by seven points or less and two of those went to overtime.
A few lesser Big Ten teams made some noise as well. Indiana knocked off Michigan State in a battle of teams coming off of bad losses.
Let’s take a closer look at the Big Ten with another edition of our power rankings.
Ohio State Buckeyes
4-0
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 1st
Ohio State has barely broken a sweat during the first four games. The Buckeyes made Rutgers look like a Pop Warner team. J.T. Barrett continues to look flawless and now he’s the all-time leader in touchdown passes in Columbus.2
Michigan Wolverines
5-0
Last week: 4-0Last rank: 3rd
Wisconsin subdued Michigan State with phenomenal defense last week. Now Michigan did the very same to the Badgers. The Wolverines forced Alex Hornibrook to throw three interceptions. If you haven’t seen it, check out Jourdan Lewis’ Odell Beckham Jr.-style interception.3
Wisconsin Badgers
4-1
Last week: 4-0Last rank: 2nd
A loss to Michigan is nothing to hang your heads about, especially when it was just 14-7. Wisconsin proved it can defend against just about anybody. They get a bye week before facing the likes of Iowa, Nebraska, and Ohio State.4
Nebraska Cornhuskers
5-0
Last week: 4-0Last rank: 5th
Nebraska got a little bit more of a test than expected against Illinois at home. It took 113 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter from Terrell Newby to seal this one. It doesn’t get easier as upset-minded Indiana welcomes Nebraska in two weeks.5
Maryland Terrapins
4-0
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 7th
Raise your hand if you saw this coming: Maryland has only thrown one interception and is one of the most prolific offenses in the Big Ten. New offensive coordinator Walt Bell’s group is averaging 43.3 points-per-game and runs the ball like few others. The defense isn’t half bad either. 6
Indiana Hoosiers
3-1
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 11th
It’s a shock to see Indiana jump up this high in one week. After a deflating loss against Wake Forest, the Hoosiers knocked off Michigan State in overtime. The defense is coming around and Richard Lagow is looking like a Big Ten signal caller.7
Michigan State Spartans
2-2
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 4th
After manhandling Notre Dame, many were singing the praises of Michigan State. Now they’ve lost two in a row to Wisconsin and Indiana this past weekend. An 0-2 start in the Big Ten wasn’t expected, but this team is too good to fall out of the race.8
Minnesota Golden Gophers
3-1
Last week: 3-0Last rank: 8th
You can make a case for Penn State being ranked ahead of Minnesota. However, the Golden Gophers were 3-0 coming into this week and would’ve won if not for a defensive lapse in the final minute of regulation. They have a chance to make a statement against Iowa next week.9
Penn State Nittany Lions
3-2
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 9th
Penn State is coming off a thrilling overtime win over Minnesota. However, they’ve still been a model of inconsistency and don’t have a marquee win. Maryland comes to Happy Valley next and the Terps will be looking to avenge last year’s narrow loss.10
Northwestern Wildcats
2-3
Last week: 1-3Last rank: 12th
Northwestern is slowly digging themselves out of an early hole with their latest win against Iowa. Wideout Austin Carr has been one of the most impressive pass catchers in the nation so far. A win against Michigan State would be monumental next weekend.11
Iowa Hawkeyes
2-2
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 6th
Iowa is really struggling right now and it could be even worse if not for a 14-4 win over Rutgers two weeks ago. The Hawkeyes aren’t playing horrible, but they need wins. Minnesota and Purdue are up next and those are games that Iowa needs to win.12
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
2-3
Last week: 2-2Last rank: 13th
Ohio State beat Rutgers senseless on Saturday. In fact, the Scarlet Knights didn’t score a single point. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for Chris Ash so far.13
Purdue Boilermakers
2-2
Last week: 2-1Last rank: 10th
Purdue got manhandled by Maryland this past weekend. The Boilermakes couldn’t stop the run nor could they establish it. However, there is talent here with Markell Jones and David Blough.14
Illinois Fighting Illini
1-3
Last week: 1-2Last rank: 14th
Illinois actually gave Nebraska a way for their money in Lincoln. It took a huge fourth quarter effort from Terrell Newby to win it for the Cornhuskers. You can see improvement under Lovie Smith, but it’s going to take some time.Next: Staff hits home run with Bruno Fernando
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