Big Ten power poll

1. Michigan State (3-1, 0-0): Connor Cook has completed 54 of 78 passes and leads Big Ten in passing efficiency (192.3).

2. Nebraska (5-0, 1-0): Randy Gregory has 4.5 sacks in the past two games after piling up 10.5 sacks last season.

3. Ohio State (3-1, 0-0): Freshman J.T. Barrett's confidence grows by the week. He's thrown 13 TDs and 5 INTs.

4. Wisconsin (3-1, 0-0): Outscored Western Illinois, Bowling Green and South Florida by a combined 132-30.

5. Maryland (4-1, 1-0): This team has five consecutive road wins and plays its next road game at Wisconsin, on Oct. 25.

6. Iowa (4-1, 1-0): Fell behind Purdue 10-0 in 24-10 win, but the Hawkeyes defense did not allow a touchdown.

7. Gophers (4-1, 1-0): Defense ranks fourth nationally with 15 turnovers — eight interceptions, seven fumbles.

9. Rutgers (4-1, 0-1): Gary Nova's four TD passes last week gave him 61 for his career, setting a school record.

10. Northwestern (2-2, 1-0): Has Big Ten's third-best scoring defense (16.8), despite giving up 31 points to Cal.

11. Indiana (2-2, 0-1): The Hoosiers had 332 yards against a Maryland team that gave up 694 to West Virginia.

12. Michigan (2-3, 0-1): First time in team's 135-year history it had three losses by the end of September.

13. Illinois (3-2, 0-1): Tim Beckman's team ranks last in the Big Ten in scoring defense (35 points per game).