Big Ten Power Rankings — Week 5

1. Ohio State (4-0)

You might not respect Ohio State, but by God you will lose to them. This was suppose to be the Buckeyes’ down year, but Urban Meyer has his team firing on all cylinders.

2. Michigan (5-0)

The Badgers gave Michigan all it could handle, but Jim Harbaugh and company were able to pickup the victory. The Wolverines travel to Rutgers next week, so you can be sure that New Jersey native Jabrill Peppers will have a big game.

3. Wisconsin (4-1)

Say what you want about the Badgers, but they can certainly play defense. They’ll have a bye week to recoup before hosting Ohio State for a night game at Camp Randall.

4. Nebraska (5-0)

Nebraska’s signature victory over Oregon no longer looks all that impressive, but credit to the Cornhuskers regardless, as Mike Riley’s squad moved to 5-0 heading into the bye week.

5. Indiana (3-1)

After losing to Wake Forest at home last weekend, the Hoosiers bounced back with a comeback victory over Michigan State. With games against Ohio State and Nebraska coming up in back-to-back weeks, it was a much needed victory for Indiana.

6. Maryland (4-0)

The Terrapins haven’t really played anybody yet — Howard, FIU, UCF, and Purdue — but they’re 4-0. Next week will be their first true test as they go on the road to take on Penn State.

7. Michigan State (2-2)

After three straight seasons of top 10 finishes, it’s not all that surprising that the Spartans are in the midst of a rebuilding season. Unfortunately for Michigan State, things don’t get all that much easier with a solid BYU squad coming to town.

8. Penn State (3-2)

TRACE MCSORLEY IS THE KING! ALL HAIL THE KING!

9. Minnesota (3-1)

TRACE MCSORLEY IS YOUR KING! BOW DOWN TO THE KING!

10. Northwestern (2-3)

After going to Kinnick and beating Iowa 38-31, it’s tough to get a good read on this Northwestern team. In retrospect, the Western Michigan loss really doesn’t look that bad, so besides for the falter against Illinois State, the Wildcats are probably right where they should be.

11. Iowa (3-2)

61-year-old Kirk Ferentz just signed a contract extension that will keep him the head coach at Iowa until 2026. A fun decade ahead in Iowa City.

12. Illinois (1-3)

The Illini played Nebraska close, but the Cornhuskers were just too good for them. On the positive, check out this video of Illinois players giving Nebraska players a sign Sam Foltz jersey.

13. Rutgers (2-3)

Rutgers lost 58-0. To be honest, that scoreline makes it appear closer than the game actually was. Moving forward, not sure the Scarlet Knights will be favored in another game this season.

14. Purdue (2-2)

The Boilermakers got blown out by Maryland. I think it’s safe to say the Darrell Hazell era won’t be making an appearance in 2017.