Where do the teams stand entering Week 6 of the season?
Our own Noel Thompson gives us his Big Ten Power Rankings.
1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)
Last Week’s Result: Ohio State 24, Washington 6
Last Week’s Ranking: #1
The Buckeye defense is legit as they limit the Washington offense to 234 total yards and 1 for 11 on third down.
2. Oregon (5-0, 2-0)
Last Week’s Result: Oregon 30, Penn State 24
Last Week’s Ranking: #3
The Ducks travel into Happy Valley for Penn State’s annual “White Out” and leave with victory over No. 3 Penn State. Dante Moore was impressive, throwing 248 yards and tossing three touchdowns.
3. Indiana (5-0, 2-0)
Last Week’s Result: Indiana 20, Iowa 15
Last Week’s Ranking: #5
It wasn’t pretty, but the Hoosiers escaped Kinnick Stadium with a victory over a tough Iowa team. They now head into a bye week before they travel to Oregon.
4. Penn State (3-1, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Penn State 24, Oregon 30
Last Week’s Ranking: #2
It took a while for the Penn State offense to get any momentum until the fourth quarter, where the Nittany Lions scored 14 straight points to force the game into overtime. James Franklin is now 4-21 vs Top 10 opponents.
5. Michigan (3-1, 1-0)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #6
The Wolverines return from their bye week and will host a struggling Wisconsin team.
6. Illinois (4-1, 1-1)
Last Week’s Result: Illinois 34, USC 32
Last Week’s Ranking: #7
Luke Altmyer threw for 328 yards and tossed two touchdowns as the Illini beat USC on a last-second field goal. They will travel to face Purdue this week.
7. USC (4-1, 2-1)
Last Week’s Result: USC 32, Illinois 34
Last Week’s Ranking: #4
The Trojan offense had no problem moving the ball against the Illini, accumulating 490 total yards. However, the defense allowed 502 yards, with 331 of those coming through the air. USC has a bye week to prepare for its next game at Michigan.
8. Washington (3-1, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Washington 6, Ohio State 24
Last Week’s Ranking: #9
The Huskies’ 22-game home winning streak was snapped by the No.1 team in the nation, the Buckeyes. They will look to bounce back as they travel to the East Coast to take on Maryland.
9. Iowa (3-2, 1-1)
Last Week’s Result: Iowa 15, Indiana 20
Last Week’s Ranking: #8
The Hawkeyes give Indiana their toughest test of the season, but lose their 11th consecutive game against a ranked opponent.
10. Nebraska (3-1,0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #10
The Huskers had the week off, but now face a tough Michigan State team in Lincoln.
11. Minnesota (3-1, 1-0)
Last Week’s Result: Minnesota 31, Rutgers 28
Last Week’s Ranking: #13
Drake Lindsey continues to impress as the Gophers come back from a 14-point deficit to defeat their former QB in Athan Kaliakmanis. Lindsey throws for 324 yards and three touchdowns.
12. Maryland (4-0, 1-0)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #11
The Terrapins look to stay undefeated as they host Washington this week.
13. Michigan State (3-1, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #12
The Spartans had the week off to prepare for their road game against Nebraska. They will travel to Lincoln as double-digit favorites.
14. Rutgers (3-2, 0-2)
Last Week’s Result: Rutgers 28, Minnesota 31
Last Week’s Ranking: #14
For the second week in a row, the Scarlet Knights’ offense started hot in the first half but fizzled in the second half. They now have a well-needed bye week.
15. Purdue (2-2, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #15
The Boilermakers had a week to prepare as they will host a tough Illinois team coming off a victory over USC.
16. Wisconsin (2-2, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: Idle
Last Week’s Ranking: #16
The Badgers will look to turn their season around as they travel to Ann Arbor to face Michigan.
17. Northwestern (2-2, 1-1)
Last Week’s Result: Northwestern 17, UCLA 14
Last Week’s Ranking: #17
The Wildcats scored all of their points in the first half and held on to beat UCLA.
18. UCLA (0-4, 0-1)
Last Week’s Result: UCLA 14, Northwestern 17
Last Week’s Ranking: #18
The Bruins’ offense found its footing in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a 17-point deficit. Things don’t get easier as they will host Penn State this week.