BIG TEN POWER RANKINGS
1. Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten): The Wolverines combine nation's best scoring defense with its second-best scoring offense.
2. Ohio State (6-0, 3-0): J.T. Barrett has terrific pocket sense and is a better downfield passer than people think.
3. Nebraska (6-0, 3-0): Tommy Armstrong was in a walking boot between games and still delivered another win.
4. Wisconsin (4-2, 1-2): Corey Clement is healthy. What a difference he makes — 25 rushes, 164 yards vs. the Buckeyes.
5. Iowa (5-2, 3-1): One of the losses was to a Northwestern team that looks better and better in hindsight.
6. Penn State (4-2, 2-1): Ohio State needed overtime to win at Penn State two years ago. Saturday night is the encore.
7. Indiana (3-3, 1-2): Kevin Wilson's team is legit. The Hoosiers beat Michigan State and gave Nebraska a pretty good scare.
8. Northwestern (3-3, 2-1): A team that scored seven points in a loss to Illinois State scored 54 to defeat Michigan State.
9. Gophers (4-2, 1-2): Rodney Smith ranks third in Big Ten rushing average, trailing Justin Jackson and Mike Weber.
10. Maryland (4-2, 1-2): That 'M' in the logo stood for mirage after that 4-0 start against a pillow-soft schedule.
11. Michigan State (2-4, 0-3): Four consecutive losses, and the Spartans still play Michigan (Oct. 29) and Ohio State (Nov. 19).
12. Purdue (3-3, 1-2): Under Darrell Hazell, the Boilermakers lost their three games vs. the Gophers: 44-28, 39-38 and 41-13.
13. Illinois (2-4, 1-2): Wes Lunt's replacement, Chayce Crouch, looked good against Rutgers. Up next: Michigan.
14. Rutgers (2-5, 0-4): The Scarlet Knights rank 125th in the nation in passing offense at 126.9 yards per game.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
