Big Ten power rankings

Randy ranks 'em:

1. Michigan (8-1, 6-0 Big Ten): After hammering Penn State by 35, Wolverines get Rutgers, Indiana before The Big Game at Ohio State. Last week: 1

2. Ohio State (8-1, 5-1): Losing by 29 to Purdue and beating Nebraska by only five doesn't inspire confidence as Buckeyes go to Michigan State. Last week: 2

3. Northwestern (5-4, 5-1): If Wildcats win at Iowa, they'll be one victory away from reaching the Big Ten title game, with Gophers and Illinois left on schedule. Last week: 3

4. Michigan State (6-3, 4-2): Spartans can deal huge blow to Ohio State's Big Ten East hopes. Last week: 6

5. Purdue (5-4, 4-2): Buckle up, Gophers. QB David Blough is averaging 338.6 passing yards in past five Big Ten games. Last week: 8

6. Wisconsin (6-3, 4-2): Badgers must beat a reeling Penn State team to keep West title hopes alive. Last week: 7

8. Iowa (6-3, 3-3): Back-to-back tight losses have sunk West title hopes. Last week: 5

9. Maryland (5-4, 3-3): Terps can gain bowl eligibility with win at Indiana. Last week: 14

10. Illinois (4-5, 2-4): Trip to Nebraska will show if Fighting Illini can build off romp over Gophers. Last week: 12

11. Nebraska (2-7, 1-5): Huskers threw scare into Ohio State. They should pick up win No. 3 vs. Illinois. Last week: 9

12. Indiana (4-5, 1-5): Hoosiers better beat Maryland, because Michigan and Purdue await. Last week: 11