Ben Bolch’s Big Ten Power Rankings
Game of the week: Ohio State (5-1 overall, 3-0 Big Ten) at Indiana (6-0, 3-0), 9 a.m. PDT Saturday on FOX. The Hoosiers have managed to pull through in tight games this season, but they haven’t faced anyone of Ohio State’s caliber yet. The Buckeyes’ lone defeat came against top-ranked Texas, solidifying their status as the front-runner in the Big Ten until someone can challenge that.
1. Ohio State (5-1) Brutus Buckeye has his eyes on the Bruins as a potential new rival in the Big Ten. (Last week: 1)
2. Indiana (6-0) There seems to be something a bit off with the Hoosiers, particularly at the quarterback position. (2)
3. UCLA (5-0) It’s tempting to place the upward-moving Bruins higher than the Hoosiers. (5)
4. Iowa (5-1) The schedule looks favorable for the Hawkeyes, providing them a path to potentially finish strong. (4)
5. Oregon (3-2) Coach Dan Lanning faced off against the new hot coach in the Big Ten and came up short. (3)
6. USC (6-1) The Trojans deserve some credit for consistently winning against teams that haven’t performed well. (6)
7. Wisconsin (4-1) Badgers supporters are hoping to relive the excitement of January 1, 1999, with their upcoming Rose Bowl appearance. (8)
8. Northwestern (4-1) Once again, a Wildcat, and OC Chip Kelly may have found a comfortable place. (9)
9. Nebraska (5-1) This is a crucial moment for Matt Rhule – yet another loss to a ranked opponent. (10)
10. Minnesota (4-2) The Gophers have suffered their biggest setback since that infamous dynamite scene in “Caddyshack.” (7)
11. Purdue (3-3) Hold on, could the Boilermakers actually be turning a corner? (14)
12. Michigan (3-2) The Wolverines are humorously asking for an extra second to be added to their bye week. (11)
13. Washington (3-3) Jedd Fisch seems to be having sleepless nights in Seattle amid a .500 record. (12)
14. Penn State (3-3) What was supposed to be a whiteout ended up being a disappointing display in dire need of OxiClean. (13)
15. Illinois (3-3) Bret Bielema may have faced an uncertain future in East Lansing had the Illini not pulled through. (15)
16. Michigan State (2-4) Pat Fitzgerald is unlikely to see a Northwestern revenge match this Saturday. (16)
17. Rutgers (1-4) Fans are left wishing for more bye weeks at this point. (17)
18. Maryland (2-4) Opposing teams really should honor Mike Locksley during his farewell tour. (18)
