Big Ten Power Rankings, Week Six: Inconsistency defines bottom half of conference
Inconsistency is key? No, that’s not the saying, but we’re starting to see a lot of separation from top to bottom in the Big Ten.
When looking past the top five, there are a lot of holes in the conference but the Big Ten is just so top-heavy. Five teams in the top 11 of the AP Poll. Now that is impressive.
1. Iowa
Last week: 51-14 win at Maryland
The Hawkeyes’ secondary might as well be the best in the Big Ten. They have forced 12 interceptions in just five games. Yes, 12. As for Petras, he threw three touchdowns for a new season high.
Next up: Vs No. 4 Penn State
2. Ohio State
Last week: 52-13 win at Rutgers
Since the week two loss to Oregon, the Buckeyes have sneakily started to come into form. The defense, which struggled mightily in the first three weeks, has picked things up recently, but remember, they were playing Rutgers.
Next up: Vs Maryland
3. Penn State
Last week: 24-0 win vs Indiana
The Nittany Lions have yet to falter this season, but their biggest test comes next week against No. 3 Iowa. At this rate this would be the matchup we would see in the Big Ten Championship game.
Next up: At No. 3 Iowa
4. Michigan
Last week: 38-17 win at Wisconsin
Remember when I said that Cade McNamara barely had to throw the ball? Well, against the Badgers he threw the ball 28 times. He also threw two touchdowns. Michigan looks better and better every week.
Next up: At Nebraska
5. Michigan State
Last week: 48-31 win vs Western Kentucky
The Spartan rush attack has added another dimension to this offense. Kenneth Walker III had over 100 yards and three touchdowns, again, against the Hilltoppers. Being able to dominate time of possession and grind teams down is something a lot of teams envy.
Next up: At Rutgers
6. Maryland
Last week: 51-14 loss vs Iowa
Okay, hear me out. Yes, I did move the Terps up after a rout at home but it’s their first loss and I’m taking a look at the whole rest of the Big Ten. After you get past the Spartans it’s riddled with inconsistency. Also, remember when Taulia Tagovailoa had the best touchdown to interception ratio in the Big Ten? Well, look again.
Next up: At No. 7 Ohio State
7. Wisconsin
Last week: 38-17 loss vs No. 14 Michigan
Yikes. The Badgers have given their fans nothing to jump around to the first month of the season. Although, their three losses are all to ranked teams.
Next up: At Illinois
8. Indiana
Last week: 24-0 loss at No. 4 Penn State
The Hoosier offense has had problems all season long and those problems became glaring last Saturday. Now, with a brutal upcoming schedule, things will only get harder.
Next up: Bye week
9. Rutgers
Last week: 52-13 loss vs No. 11 Ohio State
The Scarlet Knights were sent back down to earth last weekend, but they did play Ohio State so I think they get a little bit of a pass.
Next up: Vs No. 11 Michigan State
10. Nebraska
Last week: 56-7 win vs Northwestern
Nebraska is back! No they’re not, but a big win over a Big Ten team must feel like a sigh of relief to the fanbase. Even if it is Northwestern.
Next up: Vs No. 9 Michigan
11. Minnesota
Last week: 20-13 win at Purdue
The Gophers bounce back from a very disappointing home loss to Bowling Green. Although, once again it was Purdue that they were playing. Also, thoughts and prayers for running back Trey Potts who was hospitalized during Saturday’s game due to an “unspecified medical issue.”
Next up: Bye week
12. Purdue
Last week: 20-13 loss vs Minnesota
The Boilermaker offense has really just struggled scoring points this season. They have not scored more than 21 points since week two. That was against UCONN.
Next up: Bye week
13. Northwestern
Last week: 56-7 loss at Nebraska
Man oh man, we’re starting to enter the realm of very bad here in the power rankings. The Wildcats just need a break, luckily for them they’ll get one.
Next up: Bye week
14. Illinois
Last week: 24-14 win vs Charlotte
Illinois struggled with the 49ers last week and no, not the NFL team. The C-USA team from North Carolina.
