Joe Christensen's Big Ten football power rankings

1. Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten): The Wolverines combine nation's best scoring defense with its second-best scoring offense.

2. Ohio State (6-0, 3-0): J.T. Barrett has terrific pocket sense and is a better downfield passer than people think.

3. Nebraska (6-0, 3-0): Tommy Armstrong was in a walking boot between games and still delivered another win.

4. Wisconsin (4-2, 1-2): Corey Clement is healthy. What a difference he makes — 25 rushes, 164 yards vs. the Buckeyes.

5. Iowa (5-2, 3-1): One of the losses was to a Northwestern team that looks better and better in hindsight.

6. Penn State (4-2, 2-1): Ohio State needed overtime to win at Penn State two years ago. Saturday night is the encore.

7. Indiana (3-3, 1-2): Kevin Wilson's team is legit. The Hoosiers beat Michigan State and gave Nebraska a pretty good scare.

9. Gophers (4-2, 1-2): Rodney Smith ranks third in Big Ten rushing average, trailing Justin Jackson and Mike Weber.

10. Maryland (4-2, 1-2): That 'M' in the logo stood for mirage after that 4-0 start against a pillow-soft schedule.

11. Michigan State (2-4, 0-3): Four consecutive losses, and the Spartans still play Michigan (Oct. 29) and Ohio State (Nov. 19).

12. Purdue (3-3, 1-2): Under Darrell Hazell, the Boilermakers lost their three games vs. the Gophers: 44-28, 39-38 and 41-13.

13. Illinois (2-4, 1-2): Wes Lunt's replacement, Chayce Crouch, looked good against Rutgers. Up next: Michigan.