Big Ten football power rankings

1. Ohio State (10-0, 6-0): Defense is taking control. Buckeyes held Minnesota, Illinois to a combined 53 rushing yards.

2. Iowa (10-0, 6-0): The Hawkeyes can clinch the Big Ten West title with a win at home Saturday against Purdue.

3. Michigan State (9-1, 5-1): The Spartans forced five Maryland turnovers and lead the Big Ten with a plus-13 turnover margin.

4. Michigan (8-2, 5-1): Jim Harbaugh has molded Jake Rudock into a better quarterback than most thought he could be.

5. Wisconsin (8-2, 5-1): After a bye, Corey Clement (sports hernia) is still doubtful for Saturday vs. Northwestern.

6. Northwestern (8-2, 4-2): The Wildcats upset Wisconsin last year but they're still underdogs heading to Camp Randall.

7. Penn State (7-3, 4-2): The Nittany Lions, tough at home, face Michigan, which is shaky on the road.

9. Illinois (5-5, 2-4): The Illini have used the same starting five offensive linemen all season, allowing just 16 sacks.

10. Gophers (4-6, 1-5): Peter Mortell's 43.9 punting average ranks third in Big Ten. He's within a yard of the lead.

11. Purdue (2-8, 1-5): Freshman quarterback David Blough passed for 287 yards in a 21-14 loss to Northwestern.

12. Indiana (4-6, 0-6): Jordan Howard leads the Big Ten with 149.9 rushing yards per game, but he missed two games.

13. Rutgers (3-7, 1-6): WR Leonte Carroo returned, and the Scarlet Knights still gained just 259 yards against Nebraska.