Noel’s Big Ten Power Rankings.
As we are about to enter the half-way point of the season, we are starting to see some separation at the top and bottom of the power rankings. Week six provided us with the second straight week of nothing but conference games.
Where do the teams stand after week 6?
- Michigan (6-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #1
Michigan is now 6-0 for the second straight season—something they last did in 1976-1977. The Wolverines found themselves tied 10-10 at halftime. The offense scored 21 points while the defense shut out the Hoosiers in the second half.
Next Up: Penn State
- Ohio State (6-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #2
The Buckeyes found themselves without star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njiba and running back Miyan Williams. Quarterback C.J. Stroud wasn’t stressed as he tossed six touchdowns and 361 yards. Playing reeling Michigan State probably didn’t stress him out either.
Next Up: Bye
- Penn State (5-0)
Last Week’s Spot: #3
The bye week came at a good time for Penn State as they now prepare to play at Michigan.
Next Up: @ Michigan.
- Illinois (5-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #5
It wasn’t the prettiest game, but the Illini continued to prove that they aren’t a fluke over against Iowa. Backup, walk-on kicker Fabrizio Pinton hit a 36-yard field goal with two minutes left to break the tie. Illinois is off to its best start since 2011, when it went 6-0.
Next Up: Minnesota
- Purdue (4-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #6
Don’t look now, but Purdue might have the best path now to win the Big Ten West. The Boilermakers look good after winning back-to-back road games. The Boilermakers had three turnovers but still found a way to beat Maryland.
Next Up: Nebraska.
- Minnesota (4-1)
Last Week’s Spot: #7
Minnesota will get their star running back in Mo Ibrahaim, according to coach P.J. Fleck. The Gophers got an extra week to prepare for a tough game at Illinois, which will feature two of the best running backs in the Big Ten.
Next stop: Illinois.
- Maryland (4-2)
Last Week’s Spot: #4
The Terrapins couldn’t overcome costly mistakes to beat Purude at home. Maryland committed 9 penalties during the game. Taulia Tagovailoa threw for 315 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The schedule ahead favors Maryland as they have Indiana and Northwestern in their next two games.
Next Up: @ Indiana
- Wisconsin (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #9
What a response by the Badgers in their first game without their former head coach, Paul Chryst. The Jim Leonhard era started just fine as Wisconsin dominated Northwestern 42-7. Graham Mertz had his best day as a Badger, throwing for 299 yards and five touchdowns.
Next Up: @ Michigan State
- Iowa (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #8
The worst offense in the entire FBS resides in Iowa City, Iowa. Spencer Petras completed 18 of 36 passes for 170 yards and an interception. Iowa had 222 total yards and was five for 17 on third downs. Iowa will now enter the bye week with a two-game losing streak before they play Ohio State.
Next Up: Bye.
- Nebraska (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #11
The Huskers won a one-score game! Nebraska has now won two games in a row under Mickey Joseph. The Huskers shut out Rutgers in the final 30 minutes to hand Rutgers its third straight loss.
Next Up: @ Purdue.
- Indiana (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #12
Indiana played its best first half of the season but couldn’t keep the momentum going in the second half against fourth-ranked Michigan. After starting the season 3-0, Indiana has now lost three straight.
Next Up: Maryland
- Rutgers (3-3)
Last Week’s Spot: #10
It is hard to beat any team when you commit 9 penalties and turn the ball over three times. Even then, Rutgers was leading Nebraska 13-0 at halftime. They wouldn’t score at all in the second half as they fell to Nebraska, 14-13.
Next Up: Bye
- Michigan State (2-4)
Last Week’s Spot: #13
Michigan State has already lost twice as many games as it did last season. The Spartans started the season ranked 15th in the AP Top25. Now they might not even make a bowl game as their schedule doesn’t get any lighter anytime soon.
Next Up: Wisconsin
- Northwestern (1-5)
Last Week’s Spot: #14
Northwestern has yet to win a game since its season-opening win over Nebraska in Ireland After a decent game in Happy Valley, the Wildcats laid an egg on Wisconsin at home. Looking at their schedule, it’s hard to see another win for Northwestern at the moment.
Next Up: @ Bye
Follow Noel on Twitter: @N0etthompson