Week Six Big Ten Power Rankings

Written by Evan McShane

The college football season is right around the half-way mark. Here is how things have shook out in the Big Ten thus far.

Ohio State (6-0, defeated Indiana 49-26)

Ohio State pulled away from the Hoosiers in the fourth quarter at home on Saturday. The Buckeye's paced themselves to a 23-point victory after leading just 28-20 at halftime and 35-26 after the third quarter. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins continued his tear, throwing for 455 yards and six touchdowns while completing 33 of his 44 passes. Haskins did throw two interceptions, but Ohio State's bevy of talent was able to overcome the turnover disparity. As Tom Allen said, this is most talented Buckeye team he's seen since arriving in Bloomington. Ohio State is cruising toward a playoff berth. 

Next week: Ohio State hosts Minnesota at noon ET

Penn State (4-1, bye week)

Penn State had  perfectly timed bye week, allowing them to recover from a gut wrenching home loss to Ohio State. 

Next week: Penn State hosts Michigan State at 3:30PM ET

Michigan (5-1, defeated Maryland 42-21)

Michigan's defense is, without a doubt, the best in the Big Ten and one of the best in the country. The Wolverines gave up a kick return for a touchdown and two garbage-time touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Other than that, Maryland couldn't do anything on offense against Michigan. Michigan held its opponent to just 73 passing yards. Half of Maryland's 220 total yards came in the fourth quarter. If Michigan continues to play suffocating defense while quarterback Shea Patterson paces the offense, the Wolverines are poised to dominate. 

Next week: Michigan hosts Wisconsin at 7:30PM ET

Wisconsin (4-1, defeated Nebraska 41-24)

Wisconsin has righted the ship after an upset home loss against BYU. The Badgers took care of Nebraska with ease. Running back Jonathan Taylor ran wild against the Cornhuskers. He racked up 221 yards with three touchdowns, including an 88-yard scamper for a score in the fourth quarter. As a team, the Badgers ran for 370 yards. Wisconsin did surrender 407 passing yards to a desperate Nebraska team. If Wisconsin wants to beat Michigan next week its defense must play better. 

Next week: Wisconsin plays at Michigan at 7:30PM ET

Iowa (4-1, defeated Minnesota 48-31)

Iowa's offense showed major signs of life against Minnesota and that's a scary thought for fellow Big Ten foes. Iowa shredded the Gopher defense for 314 passing yards and six offensive touchdowns. Although the Iowa defense surrendered 31 points, they forced four interceptions and held Minnesota to 3-for-11 on third down. Iowa seems to be clicking on all cylinders as they enter the second half of the season. 

Next week: Iowa travels to play Indiana at noon ET

Michigan State (3-2, lost to Northwestern 29-19)

Michigan State has massively underwhelmed this season. The Spartans were picked by some panelists as a darkhorse team to make the college football playoff. Now, Michigan State finds themselves barley over .500 following an inexcusable home loss against a struggling Northwestern team. The Spartans outgained Northwestern 425 yards to 381, won the turnover battle, and won time of possession. Still, Michigan State couldn't find a way to win. The Spartans' schedule only gets tougher from here. 

Next week: Michigan State plays at Penn State at 3:30PM ET

Maryland (3-2, lost to Michigan 42-21)

Maryland's offense hit a speed bump at the Big House. Passing for just 73 yards and running for 147, the Terrapins were shut down by a superior Michigan team. Maryland's playmakers were neutralized by one of the best defenses in the nation. On the other side of the ball, Maryland could not slow down the Wolverines on the ground or through the air. Maryland has home games against Rutgers and Illinois in the coming weeks. Those games will provide the Terrapins with an opportunity to reach five wins with four contests remaining. 

Next week: Maryland hosts Rutgers at noon ET

Indiana (4-2, lost to Ohio State 49-26)

Indiana showed serious signs of life in what turned out to be a 23-point loss. The Hoosiers offense impressed against the Buckeyes. IU moved the ball with relative ease, especially in the first half. Offensive coordinator Mike DeBord and quarterback Peyton Ramsey deserve some credit for taking shots down field. Ramsey overthrew two would-be touchdowns, but Indiana fans should be feeling much better about their team after a spirited performance in Columbus. The young Hoosier defense struggled, but almost every team in the nation would struggle against Ohio State's plethora of talent. Indiana has a golden opportunity to advance to 5-2 during homecoming this Saturday.

Next week: Indiana hosts Iowa at noon ET

Northwestern (2-3, defeated Michigan State 29-19)
A massive road victory against Michigan State may have salvaged Northwestern's season. After a nightmare three-game stretch, Northwestern was in desperate need of a victory. Against the 20th ranked Spartans, the Wildcats did just enough to walk away with a win. Northwestern has numerous games against weak opponents like Nebraska, Rutgers, and Illinois. Northwestern is far from dead in the water. If they play like they did on Saturday, the Wildcats should still make a bowl game this year. 

Next week: Northwestern hosts Nebraska at noon ET

Purdue (2-3, bye week)

Purdue's suddenly explosive offense got some rest following their first road victory against Nebraska last week. The Boilermakers have a road game at Illinois coming up. After that, Purdue's schedule becomes significantly more difficult. 

Next week: Purdue plays at Illinois at 3:30PM ET

Illinois (3-2, defeated Rutgers 38-17)

Illinois got themselves a road Big Ten win. The Fighting Illini marched into Piscawaty and handily dismantled Rutgers. Illinois' schedule becomes increasingly difficult, making Saturday's game an important one. Illinois took care of business. Quarterback AJ Bush ran for over 100 yards and had two touchdowns on the ground and another one through the air. Expectations aren't high for Lovie Smith and the Fighting Illini this year, but one way or another they are sitting above .500 halfway through the season. 

Next week: Illinois hosts Purdue at 3:30PM ET

Minnesota (3-2, lost to Iowa 48-31)

While Minnesota certainly might be a better team than Illinois, they will be one spot behind them in the power rankings until the Gophers secure a conference win. For the second straight week, Minnesota was blown out by a Big Ten foe. Homefield advantage wasn't enough for the Gophers to overcome Iowa. Gopher quarterback Zack Annexstad was sacked five times and threw four costly interceptions. Minnesota needs to play mistake-free football in order to get back in the win column. 

Next week: Minnesota plays at Ohio State at 7:30PM ET

Rutgers (1-5, lost to Illinois 38-17)

Rutgers abysmal season continued with a blowout loss at home against Illinois. Rutgers only gave up 89 passing yards to the Fighting Illini, but they got gashed on the ground, giving up 330 rushing yards. Rutgers managed to gain 386 yards with a balanced offensive attack, but they threw three interceptions without forcing Illinois to turn the ball over once. If Rutgers is going to win another game this season, they need to win the turnover battle and have luck on their side. Head coach Chris Ash and his Scarlet Knights might need a miracle to avoid a 1-11 season. 

Next week: Rutgers plays at Maryland at noon ET

Nebraska (0-5, lost to Wisconsin 41-24)

Wile Nebraska is almost assuredly better than Rutgers, one win is greater than zero. Scott Frost's nightmare debut as head coach of the Cornhuskers continued with another blowout loss against Wisconsin. Nebraska has lost their first three conference game by 17, 14, and 46 points. One positive sign that came from the most recent loss was the Cornhuskers' offense. Quarterback Adrian Martinez threw for 384 yard, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Nebraska has two more Big Ten games before a make-up game against Bethune-Cookman. Will Scott Frost have to wait until then to get his first victory as Nebraska's head coach?

Next week: Nebraska plays at Northwestern at noon ET