Where do things stand after Week Five?
Noel Thompson gives us his Big Ten Power Rankings.
Follow Noel on Twitter: @N0elthompson
1. Michigan
Last week: #1
Good news: Everything went right for the Wolverines against the Huskers.
Bad news: Michigan stays the number two team in the country after their win.
2. Penn State
Last week: #2
Good news: Penn State outscored Northwestern 31-3 in the second half
Bad news: The Nittany Lions looked human in the first half, entering halftime tied 10-10.
3. Ohio State
Last week: #3
Good news: Buckeyes had the week off.
Bad news: They now host red-hot Maryland.
4. Maryland
Last Week: #5
Good news: The Terrapins scored on their first play and never looked back, beating Indiana 44-17.
Bad news: They now travel to Columbus for their biggest test of the season so far.
5. Rutgers
Last Week: #5
Good news: Rutgers bounced back from their first loss by routing Wagner 52-3.
Bad news: They now travel to Madison as 14-point underdogs.
6. Iowa
Last week: #6
Good news: Cooper DeJean’s 70-yard punt return saves the day against Michigan State.
Bad news: Quarterback Cade McNamara left the first quarter with a leg injury and could potentially be out for the rest of the season.
7. Wisconsin
Last Week: #5
Good news: The Badgers had the week off to prepare for Rutgers.
Bad News: They go down two spots in my power rankings.
8. Minnesota
Last week: #13
Good news: Zach Evans gets playing time as is named Freshman Big Ten Player of the Week.
Bad news: Gophers Darius Taylor didn’t practice all week and missed the game against Louisiana.
9. Purdue
Last week: #14
Good news: The Boilermakers scored 21 third quarter points to route Illinois, 44-19.
Bad news: Tight end Max Klare left the game with a lower body injury and did not return to the game.
10. Michigan State
Last week: #10
Good news: The Spartans hung around the Hawkeyes for three quarters.
Bad news: The Hawkeyes outscored them 13-0 in the fourth quarter.
11. Nebraska
Last week: #8
Good news: Huskers didn’t get shut out against Michigan.
Bad news: The Huskers have lost 23 in a row against Top 25 opponents.
12: Northwestern
Last week: #12
Good news: The Wildcats showed they can hang around one of the best teams in the country, even if it was just for a half.
Bad news: Northwestern was held to 45 yards rushing on 32 attempts.
13: Illinois
Last week: #11
Good news: A struggling Nebraska team comes into town next week.
Bad news: The Illini lost four starters to injuries against Purdue.
14. Indiana
Last week: #9
Good news: The Hoosiers have next weekend off.
Bad news: They play Michigan right after their weekend off.