Another week has passed in the Big Ten and pecking order has been thrown into turmoil, well — aside from the top of the league. What we thought we knew below the top three or four teams has turned into chaos and questions that may result in an interesting rest of the year.
Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State continued to exert themselves and show they are the best teams in the league. Minnesota and Wisconsin were humbled by poor showings.
Now that we’re through Week 5, we have more observations and results on the field to help sort through the mess that seems to be the middle to the bottom of the league.
Here are our Big Ten football power rankings after Week 5. We’re sure it’ll change again next week after some more surprises and disappointments.
14
Northwestern Wildcats (1-4, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
We could probably put one of about three or four teams here, but Northwestern has yet to win a game in the United States, losing four straight after the win over Nebraska in Ireland. The offensive struggles are real and problematic, and it’s hard to see a way this team starts to turn it around.
| Previous week | Change |
| 13 | -1 |
Next Up
at Wisconsin
13
Indiana Hoosiers (3-2, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
After signs of significant improvement early in the season, we might be starting to see the true colors of Indiana. The Hoosiers fell to a struggling Nebraska program and have dropped two straight with the defense being a real sore point. Simply gaining bowl eligibility might be a challenge the rest of the way.
| Previous week | Change |
| 11 | -2 |
Next Up
vs. Michigan
12
Nebraska Cornhuskers (2-3, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
OK, I see you Nebraska. After going through a ton of adversity and playing below the talent level, the Cornhuskers came to play against Indiana and earned a big win to hopefully start to turn things around to respectability. Next week we’ll get a better idea if this is a one-game flash or if real progress is being made.
| Previous week | Change |
| 14 | +2 |
Next Up
at Rutgers
11
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2)
Why the Ranking?
This team remains a mystery. We knew it would be tough to hang with an explosive Ohio State team, but there have been times when it looks like Rutgers can be competitive enough to make a bowl game this season again. The quarterback situation has to get sorted out before the Scarlet Knights can surprise one of the contenders in the league.
| Previous week | Change |
| 10 | -1 |
Next Up
vs. Nebraska
10
Wisconsin Badgers (2-3, 0-2)
Why the Ranking?
I’ll admit, I didn’t see this one coming. Suddenly, after two straight games of getting gashed on defense, Wisconsin is searching for answers. This team doesn’t seem to be as physical as it has been in the past, and that’s a real problem when that’s your culture and calling card. It could be a long season in Madison after a rout at the hands of Illinois.
| Previous week | Change |
| 6 | -4 |
Next Up
at Northwestern
9
Michigan State Spartans (2-3, 0-2)
Why the Ranking?
There are some real problems in East Lansing after three straight losses. The offense just isn’t the same as last season, and the passing defense continues to give up big plays. Taulia Tagovaila carved the secondary up for over 300 yards. Mel Tucker might have to work the transfer portal even harder this offseason to plug some serious holes.
| Previous week | Change |
| 7 | -2 |
Next Up
at Maryland
8
Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
Welcome to the part of the Big Ten power rankings where you can actually move up a spot despite losing. That has more to do with where the teams are beyond the top, but we will point out that Iowa at least has a real, live defense that will keep it, more or less, in games. The loss to Michigan wasn’t horrible aside from the offense again.
| Previous week | Change |
| 9 | +1 |
Next Up
at Illinois
7
Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
Look, I know moving a team up this far doesn’t normally happen, but Illinois looked downright dominant against Wisconsin. The problem is the bottom half of the league is a crapshoot, and at least the Illini have looked pretty good aside from the one game against Indiana. So, here we are for now.
| Previous week | Change |
| 12 | +5 |
Next Up
vs. Iowa
6
Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-1, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
I sure felt pretty good about what we had seen from Minnesota, and then this week happened. I know not having Mohamed Ibrahim was a big issue, but if you are truly a contender in the league, one player doesn’t cause that many issues on offense. For now, we’re still unsure exactly how good the Golden Gophers are, but we still think they are the favorites in the West division — maybe.
| Previous week | Change |
| 3 | -3 |
Next Up
Idle
5
Purdue Boilermakers (3-2, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
I’m not sure I believe Purdue will remain in this spot, but at this point in the rankings, it’s like little league soccer where the kids are all bunched up and you can’t tell who is who. Give the Boilermakers credit for beating Minnesota, but also remember that Gopher running back Mohamed Ibrahim was out with injury and that had an effect on the game.
| Previous week | Change |
| 8 | +3 |
Next Up
at Maryland
4
Maryland Terrapins (4-1, 1-1)
Why the Ranking?
With Minnesota’s loss, we’re now forced to look at who else might be the best of the rest. Given Maryland’s record and the fact it played Michigan closer than anyone, we’re going with the Terps here. Taulia Tagovailoa can be a problem for the rest of the league if he remains healthy.
| Previous week | Change |
| 5 | +1 |
Next Up
vs. Purdue
3
Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0, 2-0)
Why the Ranking?
The weather and game were sloppy last week, but Penn State won ugly against Northwestern. There are still questions about this team until it plays a good team, but the Nittany Lions have yet to stumble and look like they have the talent to provide at least more than a speed bump for Michigan and Ohio State.
| Previous week | Change |
| 4 | +1 |
Next Up
Idle
2
Michigan Wolverines (5-0, 2-0)
Why the Ranking?
Michigan had a pretty good bounce back after a mediocre performance against Maryland. Iowa didn’t have much offense to speak of, as usual, but a lot of that had to do with the Wolverine defense. It sure looks like Michigan and Ohio State might be on a collision course.
| Previous week | Change |
| 2 | no change |
Next Up
at Indiana
1
Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0, 2-0)
Why the Ranking?
Ohio State continues to show it can win in multiple ways after the impressive win over Rutgers. Sometimes it’s by way of air miles with C.J. Stroud and his receiving corps, while other times it’s on the ground like this past week with Miyan Williams and the offensive line. Add that to a defense that’s much better this season and this could be a fun year in Columbus.
| Previous week | Change |
| 1 | no change |
Next Up
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