Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 5

Hey at least SOME teams are playing inspired football this year.

1. Ohio State

OSU got a scare from Indiana, but ultimately put away the Hoosiers, 42-35. Can anyone else challenge the Buckeyes?

2. Northwestern

Just as we all predicated, Northwestern is currently the best team in the West after their 17-7 win over Wisconsin. Also, this has to be the most B1G series of drives to have ever B1Ged:

3. Indiana

Yes, Indiana lost, but by gosh, they looked way better than I thought they would. Who knows what will happen, but #9WINDIANA is still on the table!

4. Iowa

Iowa came in to Beaver Stadium, and did Iowa things. They played okay on offense, played very well on defense, and then let Penn State cannibalize itself, ultimately winning 41-21.

5. Wisconsin

The 17-7 loss to Northwestern makes for a tough outlook for the Badgers - they’re still a very good team, but given that two of their games were already canceled, they essentially needed to win out to have any chance at the playoffs. Still, shooting for a NY6 bowl is good!

6. Maryland

Another canceled game, yet somehow another move up in the rankings?

7. Minnesota

I think Minnesota got lucky in their 34-31 win over Purdue, but hey, a win is a win.

8. Purdue

Should Purdue have won? Maybe. But at the end of the day, it’s all about the scoreboard, and the Boilermakers didn’t quite have it in them.

9. Michigan

It took triple overtime, but Michigan managed to defeat Rutgers 48-42. This is especially impressive when you consider the Wolverines were down 17-0 at one point. Do you think Penn State comes back to win if they get down 17-0 to Rutgers? I sure don’t.

10. Illinois

The Illini put a hurting on Nebraska, 41-23, proving just how bad Penn State actually is.

11. Nebraska

This isn’t a good football team, and they managed to make PSU look foolish last week.

12. Rutgers

Yes, a loss, and RU moves up. It was a well-played game, and the Scarlet Knights move up in the rankings.

13. Michigan State

The MSU-Maryland game was canceled, and as a result the Spartans didn’t lose. You know what not losing does in these rankings? It moves you up!

14. Penn State

I’ve been a PSU fan for a long time, and this is the worst team that I can recall watching. Congratulations PSU! You are the weakest link!

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And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for:

The Buckeyes retain their spot on top. Wildcats move up to second, while Indiana holds steady. Iowa climbs, while Wisconsin is dealt a blow. Maryland continues to fail upward, and Minnesota climbs as well. Purdue falls, and Michigan manages to bump up a tick. Illinois looks competent, but Nebraska does not. Rutgers moves up after a tough loss, and Michigan State climbs after not losing.

Penn State.

On to Week 6!