Every week here at Writing Illini, we’ll provide some serious #hottakes on the state of Big Ten football through our power rankings.
Week five in the Big Ten had a little bit of everything: close games, blowouts, surprises and chalk.
The premier match-up between Michigan and Wisconsin was mostly an old-school, Big Ten slugfest. While it might not have been the epic showdown we all wanted, it proved both teams are potentially still on the right track to a championship game rematch.
Of course, Ohio State and Nebraska might have something to say about that.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes (LW: 1 | ⇔)
Another week, another win. Ohio State proved against Rutgers that there’s a sizable gap, to say the least, between the top and the bottom of the league. Indiana could possibly cause some problems in the next game, but I sort of doubt it.
2. Michigan Wolverines (LW: 2 | ⇔)
Michigan pulled out the best win of the week in its top ten showdown with Wisconsin. The defense was stifling on both sides, but the Wolverines ultimately proved to have the superior unit with more takeaways — most notably Jourdan Lewis’ “OBJ” effort to seal the deal.
3. Wisconsin Badgers (LW: 3 | ⇔)
It’s hard to penalize a team much for losing by only one touchdown while on the road against a top five opponent. Wisconsin has a much-needed week off to prepare for their next major clash — home against the Buckeyes on Oct. 15.
4. Nebraska Cornhuskers (LW: 4 | ⇔)
Nebraska survived a legitimate scare from Illinois at home. The final score might not reflect that sentiment, but the Illini had a six-point lead until the 4th quarter, and it was still a one-point game until four minutes left. In the end, however, the Huskers turned it on when they had to.
5. Maryland Terrapins (LW: 8 | ⇑3)
Our big movers this week, Maryland continues to win games they should, while teams that were previously ahead of them in these rankings are having trouble grasping that concept. Heading to Happy Valley next, the Terps certainly seem capable of continuing this momentum.
6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (LW: 7 | ⇑1)
Lose and move up? What a time to be alive. Minnesota nearly knocked off Penn State on the road, finally succumbing in OT. They need to beat a struggling Iowa squad next week at home, or the tenuous grip on this spot will falter.
Illinois Fighting Illini
7. Penn State Nittany Lions (LW: 9 | ⇑2)
Hard-fought win over Minnesota shows the Nittany Lions are awfully tough to put away. A three-point victory in OT isn’t spectacular, but it doesn’t have to be. A win is a win is a win.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes (LW: 5 | ⇓3)
One of our big drops this week, Iowa lost at home to a Northwestern team battling its own demons. I think it’s safe to say a repeat Big Ten conference championship appearance isn’t in the cards this year.
9. Michigan State Spartans (LW: 6 | ⇓3)
What is it this year with the reigning division champions? The Spartans got off to another slow start and had to mount a two-minute drive just to tie the game and send it to OT in the first place.
10. Northwestern Wildcats (LW: 11 | ⇑1)
Justin Jackson is a beast. We knew that, but he really carried the day against Iowa. Fitz still has his guys fighting, and that’s commendable. A week off now to rest before coming back for another tough road game and chance at more season salvaging.
11. Indiana Hoosiers (LW: 10 | ⇑1)
That was big for the Hoosiers. Top 25 victories don’t come often in Bloomington, and it was an exciting finish to boot. The offense came to life late, and it’s inspiring to see a more well-rounded team than years past.
12. Purdue Boilermakers (LW: 10 | ⇓2)
It looks like Purdue might be back to being Purdue. They did nothing of consequence in a blowout loss to Maryland.
13. Illinois Fighting Illini (LW: 14 | ⇑1)
Illinois looked like a team that came out of the bye with a game plan, and it worked… until it didn’t. Nonetheless, this solo committee was impressed enough to move them out of the basement. With two upcoming games against Purdue and Rutgers, Illinois has a chance for a little momentum.
Next: Illini Depth Chart Against the Purdue Boilermakers
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (LW: 13 | ⇓1)
Trounced doesn’t begin to describe what happened to Rutgers. It doesn’t get any easier next week against Michigan.