Hoosier Huddle's Big Ten Power Rankings: Week Five
/
Written by Evan McShane
We are a third of the way through the season so far and things are shaping up for a fantastic Big Ten season. Here are our power rankings through week four.
1. Iowa (4-0, 1-0) – Defeated Colorado State 24-14
The Iowa Hawkeyes finished off their non-conference slate with a perfect record and number five ranking in the country. This weekend Iowa had a brief scare against Colorado State before ultimately pulling away in the second half. Next week the Hawkeyes travel to Maryland for a showdown with the Terps on Friday night.
2. Penn State (4-0, 1-0) – Defeated Villanova 38-17
Penn State beat down Villanova at home on Saturday. The Nittany Lions now brace for conference play sitting atop the Big Ten East. Next week Penn State hopes to avenge last year’s loss against the Indiana Hoosiers.
3. Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) – Defeated Akron 59-7
Ohio State blew out Akron at the Shoe on Saturday. The Buckeyes were without QB CJ Stroud, but it didn’t matter. OSU will head out to New Jersey to play Rutgers next week.
4. Michigan (4-0, 1-0) – Defeated Rutgers 20-13
Michigan’s first conference test came on Saturday against Rutgers and the Wolverines’ passed. UM held off the Scarlet Knights late and prevailed by a touchdown. Michigan is undefeated with eight conference games left. They’ll head to Wisconsin to play the Badgers next week.
5. Michigan State (4-0, 2-0) – Defeated Nebraska 23-20 OT
Michigan State’s surprising start continues. The Spartans looked dead in the water before a late touchdown tied the game and MSU won in overtime. MSU has one final non-conference game next week when Western Kentucky comes to East Lansing.
6. Maryland (4-0, 1-0) – Defeated Kent State 37-16
Maryland took care of business against Kent State, completing their undefeated start to the 2021 season. The Terps face their toughest test next week on Friday when the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town. Maryland has a chance to vault themselves into the top-25 with an upset win over Iowa.
7. Rutgers (3-1, 0-0) – Lost to Michigan 20-13
Rutgers faced its toughest test yet against Michigan at the Big House. The Scarlet Knights had a chance to tie the game late, but couldn’t overcome the vaunted UM defense. Rutgers has to feel good about where they stand right now. Unfortunately for them, Ohio State comes to town next Saturday.
8. Purdue (3-1, 1-0) – Defeated Illinois 13-9
Purdue won by the skin of their teeth at home against floundering Illinois. The Boilers are 3-1 on the season despite some questions at QB and injuries all across the board. Purdue has a chance to go 4-1 when the struggling Gophers come to town.
9. Indiana (2-2, 0-1) – Defeated Western Kentucky 33-31
Indiana barely escaped Western Kentucky with a win, but they got the job done. In years’ past, Hoosier football teams have found ways to lose games like the one on Saturday. Tom Allen’s club proved they are different. Nevertheless, Allen and this 2021 Hoosier team still have a lot left to prove. Next week Indiana heads to Penn State for a stripe-out game under the lights. PSU will be looking for revenge after last years’ IU upset win. Will the Hoosiers be able to keep it close?
10. Wisconsin (1-2, 0-1) – Lost to Notre Dame 41-13
Wisconsin’s offense looked broken yet again. The Badgers kept the game close and took a lead into the fourth quarter, before giving up an astonishing 31 points in the final frame – including two pick-sixes. Next week the Badger face another tall task when undefeated Michigan comes to Madison.
11. Northwestern (2-2, 0-1) – Defeated Ohio 35-6
Northwestern beat Ohio handily on Saturday to get back to 2-2 on the season. The Wildcats play Nebraska on the road next weekend. A game featuring two teams desperate for a conference win.
12. Minnesota (2-2, 0-1) – Lost to Bowling Green 14-10
Minnesota suffered the most embarrassing loss in the Big Ten in decades, maybe ever. The Gophers were 31-point favorites at home on Saturday and lost the game 14-10. Hats off to Bowling Green. Minnesota hopes to right the ship next week on the road against Purdue.
13. Nebraska (2-3, 0-2) – Lost to Michigan State 23-20 OT
Nebraska fumbled the bag yet again. Up late by a score, the Cornhuskers gave up a late TD and ultimately lost in overtime. Nebraska is now 0-2 in conference play and 2-3 on the season. Next week they’ll host Northwestern in what feels like a must-win game for the Huskers.
14. Illinois (1-4, 1-1) – Lost to Purdue 13-9
Illinois’ dismal start to 2021 continued on Saturday with a collapse against Purdue. The Fighting Illini had a chance to win on the road, but gave up a touchdown late and couldn’t make up the difference. Illinois are now 1-4 overall. They hope to pick up a win over Charlotte next weekend before beginning their conference slate.