BIG TEN POWER POLL

1. Michigan State (5-1, 2-0): Late-game letdowns against Nebraska and Purdue are a concern for Mark Dantonio's team.

2. Ohio State (4-1, 1-0): Senior Devin Smith and sophomore Michael Thomas have five touchdown receptions apiece.

3. Nebraska (5-1, 1-1): Ameer Abdullah must bounce back after rushing for 1.9 yards per carry against Michigan State.

4. Gophers (5-1, 2-0): Could be closing in on first Top 25 ranking since they were 7-1 under Tim Brewster in 2008.

5. Iowa (5-1, 2-0): The Hawkeyes face Maryland and Northwestern before playing at Minnesota on Nov. 8.

6. Northwestern (3-3, 2-1): The Wildcats rank 11th in the nation in scoring defense, at 17.5 points allowed per game.

7. Wisconsin (4-2, 1-1): In Big Ten play, Badgers rank last in the conference in pass offense, at 117.5 yards per game.

8. Rutgers (5-1, 1-1): Gary Nova can be erratic, but he ranks fifth in the nation in passing efficiency, at 170.9.

9. Maryland (4-2, 1-1): The 52-24 loss to Ohio State was the one time the Terps have been overmatched this season.

10. Penn State (4-2, 1-2): The Nittany Lions lead the Big Ten in scoring defense (15.2), but the offensive line — yikes.

11. Michigan (3-4, 1-2): The Wolverines sacked Christian Hackenberg six times in last week's win over Penn State.

12. Purdue (3-4, 1-2): The Boilers rank 10th in the Big Ten in scoring offense (26.9) and 12th in scoring defense (30.1).

13. Indiana (3-3, 0-2): Tre Roberson's transfer sure stings now that Nate Sudfeld is out for the season.

14. Illinois (3-4, 0-3): Coming off the Wisconsin loss, Illinois has a bye to get ready for the Gophers next week.