Gophers in bottom half of latest Big Ten football power rankings

1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0): After routing Rutgers 58-0, the Buckeyes have outscored opponents 228-37. Ridiculous.

2. Michigan (5-0, 2-0): Picked Alex Hornibrook three times, including a one-hander for the ages by Jourdan Lewis.

3. Wisconsin (4-1, 1-1): Defense performed well enough to beat Michigan. Hornibrook and the offense? Not so much.

4. Nebraska (5-0, 2-0): Huskers have outscored opponents 78-6 in the fourth quarter, in stark contrast to last year.

5. Maryland (4-0, 1-0): Like Michigan and Ohio State, the Terps rank top 15 nationally in offense and defense.

6. Penn State (3-2, 1-1): Trace McSorley racked up 408 total yards – 335 passing, 73 rushing – against the Gophers.

7. Indiana (3-1, 1-0): Proud holder of both the Old Oaken Bucket (Purdue) and Old Brass Spittoon (Michigan State).

8. Michigan State (2-2, 0-2): Mark Dantonio's usually disciplined squad racked up 11 penalties in the loss at Indiana.

9. Gophers (3-1, 0-1): They flustered first three opponents with QB pressure but managed zero sacks at Penn State.

10. Northwestern (2-3, 1-1): Some of last year's defensive tenacity finally showed up in last week's win over Iowa.

11. Iowa (3-2, 1-1): When the Hawkeyes are good, they own the line of scrimmage. Hasn't happened of late.

12. Illinois (1-3, 0-1): Played three good quarters against Nebraska, and led 16-10 heading into the fourth.

13. Rutgers (2-3, 0-2): Ohio State outgained the Scarlet Knights 669-116. Rutgers had just 33 yards passing.

14. Purdue (2-2, 0-1): And still, Rutgers has looked like a world-beater this year compared to this sad outfit.