Big Ten Power Rankings — Week 5

1. Penn State (5-0)

The Nittany Lions used a 28-0 first quarter to dominate the Hoosiers en route to a 45-14 victory. Penn State heads to sleepy Evanston next week, it’s final game before a well-deserved bye week.

2. Ohio State (4-1)

Ohio State crushed Rutgers, and will now host Maryland in a game that is maybe sorta an intriguing game? Probably not, but the Terrapins will definitely be a step up from UNLV and Rutgers.

3. Wisconsin (5-0)

Weird game for the Badgers, who ran hot and cold for much of the day against Northwestern. Nonetheless, Wisconsin did pickup the W, defeating the Wildcats 33-24.

4. Michigan (4-0)

After a weekend off, the Wolverines are back at it against Michigan State in a game that should tell us something about what type of squad Michigan has.

5. Michigan State (3-1)

Credit to the Spartans for beating a solid Iowa 17-10. A road test against the Wolverines next week figures to be tough.

6. Iowa (3-2)

The same way many thought Penn State might have a letdown, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Iowa looked flat against Michigan State. Getting Illinois at home will be a much easier game for the Hawkeyes.

7. Maryland (3-1)

To be honest, I think Maryland’s 31-24 victory over Minnesota taught us more about the Golden Gophers than the Terrapins. Maryland’s offense remains one-dimensional.

8. Purdue (2-2)

The Boilermakers were off as they prepare for Minnesota.

9. Indiana (2-2)

I think it might be time for the Hoosiers to make a switch at quarterback. Peyton Ramsey gives the Hoosiers a little more juice offensively.

10. Northwestern (2-2)

Northwestern is weird like it always is.

11. Minnesota (3-1)

Does Minnesota make a bowl game? @Purdue, Michigan State, Illinois, @Iowa, @Michigan, Nebraska, @Northwestern, and Wisconsin. Outside of Illinois, I’m not sure Minnesota is the favorite in any game.

12. Nebraska (3-2)

Scott Frost will be a great hire for the Cornhuskers.

13. Illinois (2-2)

Literally no comment.

14. Rutgers (1-4)

Rutgers vs. Ohio State (x2), Michigan, Michigan State, and Penn State: 280-0.