Big Ten Power Rankings - Week 6

1. Ohio State

Another OSU game was canceled, and suddenly the Buckeyes are in danger of not qualifying for the Big Ten championship game - and if they don’t qualify for that, could the playoff committee realistically put them in the playoffs?

2. Indiana

A very workmanlike win over Maryland, 27-11, no more, no less.

3. Iowa

A tougher-than-expected win over Nebraska, 26-20, but a win nonetheless, and Iowa is suddenly pushing for that B1G West crown.

4. Northwestern

Alas poor top 10 Northwestern, we hardly knew ye. A 29-20 loss to lowly Michigan State is not how you impress the pollsters.

5. Wisconsin

Another week, another canceled Wisconsin game.

6. Maryland

Look, the Terrapins lost to Indiana, but there were a LOT of teams in the middle of these rankings that either lost or had games canceled. I’m gonna leave the Terps alone for a week, and see what happens.

7. Minnesota

You got it, another cancellation.

8. Purdue

And the last team that lost a game, but wasn’t penalized for it, though the 37-30 loss to Rutgers did give me some hesitation. At least Rutgers isn’t terrible this year? Quality loss!

9. Michigan State

Beat a top 10 team, get a bump in the rankings, it’s just science..

10. Michigan

I don’t want to be overreactionary here, so I’ll only drop the Wolverines a spot after their 27-17 loss to previously winless Penn State. But Michigan looks to be in some trouble.

11. Rutgers

A solid win by the Scarlet Knights has them continuing to climb these rankings.

12. Illinois

The Illini had their game canceled, but due to their proximity to some of the teams that won, they move down a couple spots.

13. Penn State

I’M TAKING ALL CREDIT FOR PENN STATE’S WIN - AFTER THEY SAW THEIR POSITION IN THESE RANKINGS THEY WENT OUT AND WON A GAME. YOU’RE WELCOME.

14. Nebraska

Perhaps a bit of a steep drop, but they were the worst ranked team to lose, and pretty much everyone behind them won, so here they go!

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You want some squiggly lines, eh? You think-a the squiggly lines are good? I get you some squiggly lines.

OSU has Indiana right on their heels, and if they don’t watch out, may end up disqualified from the championship game. Iowa is also rising, seeking to supplant Northwestern in the West. Wisconsin, Maryland, Minnesota, and Purdue all hang out for a week. Michigan State takes a big jump with a top 10 win, while Michigan falls. Rutgers is climbing, but Illinois is not. Penn State is on the upswing with their first win of the season, while Nebraska plummets to the basement.

On to Week 7!