BIG TEN POWER POLL

1. Michigan State (4-1, 1-0): Cruised to a 27-3 lead against Nebraska despite a subpar game from QB Connor Cook.

2. Ohio State (4-1, 1-0): Braxton who? J.T. Barrett has 14 TD passes and one interception in his past three games.

3. Nebraska (5-1, 1-1): Outscored Michigan State 19-0 in fourth quarter. Keep that in mind if they meet for Big Ten title.

4. Gophers (4-1, 1-0): The 30-7 loss to TCU looks better, with Frogs ranked No. 9 after upsetting Oklahoma.

5. Iowa (4-1, 1-0): Hawkeyes are gaining momentum, but lone loss was a three-pointer to lowly, 1-4 Iowa State.

6. Northwestern (3-2, 2-0): Defense must be for real after holding Penn State and Wisconsin to a combined 20 points.

7. Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1): Gaping holes at wide receiver aren't helping QB issues for Tanner McEvoy and Joel Stave.

8. Penn State (4-1, 1-1): Had bye week to recover from 29-6 Northwestern loss. Big opportunity Saturday at Michigan.

9. Rutgers (5-1, 1-1): Tied for third in the nation with four sacks per game. Bye week, then at Ohio State.

10. Maryland (4-2, 1-1): The Terps rank second-to-last in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing 451.2 yards per game.

11. Indiana (3-2, 0-1): Jekyll-and-Hyde Hoosiers play at Iowa on Saturday. Team that beat Missouri is dangerous.

12. Michigan (2-4, 0-2): The Wolverines are 1-9 in past 10 games against Power 5 conference schools and Notre Dame.

13. Purdue (3-3, 1-1): Boilers rushed for 349 yards against Illinois. Senior Akeem Hunt carried 30 times for 177.

14. Illinois (3-3, 0-2): Purdue loss might have sealed Tim Beckman's fate. Third-year coach is 1-17 in Big Ten games.