Big Ten football power poll

1. Michigan State (7-1, 4-0): The Spartans continue making a mockery of their hated in-state rival from Ann Arbor.

2. Ohio State (6-1, 3-0): The Buckeyes play Illinois this week, tuning up for their Nov. 8 showdown at Michigan State.

3. Nebraska (7-1, 3-1): The Huskers are allowing 123.8 yards rushing per game, down from 156.2 last season.

4. Wisconsin (5-2, 2-1): Everything clicked in the 52-7 win over Maryland. Was it a mirage or a sign of things to come?

5. Gophers (6-2, 3-1): Defense still must face Ohio State (44.3 points a game), Nebraska (41.1) and Wisconsin (37.1)

6. Iowa (5-2, 2-1): The Hawkeyes could restore some hope in Iowa City by beating Northwestern on Saturday.

7. Penn State (4-3, 1-3): A frenzied white-out crowd helped an underdog squad push Ohio State to OT last week.

9. Northwestern (3-4, 2-2): Wildcats defense needs to rediscover the mojo it had in the Oct. 4 upset over Wisconsin.

10. Rutgers (5-3, 1-3): Gary Nova is questionable due to a knee injury, lessening this week's challenge for Wisconsin.

11. Michigan (3-5, 1-3): Things are spiraling in Ann Arbor, but this team can't lose to Indiana. Right? No, really?

12. Purdue (3-5, 1-3): When last seen, this team took the Gophers down to the wire. Next up: Nebraska.

13. Illinois (4-4, 1-3): The win over Minnesota quieted fan unrest toward Tim Beckman. For now, at least.