Joe Christensen's Big Ten power rankings

1. Ohio State (5-0, 1-0): Fourteen first-half rushing yards vs. Indiana, but then Ezekiel Elliott dashed for 55, 65 and 75.

2. Michigan State (5-0, 1-0): This team has been hit hard with injuries, including one to star left tackle Jack Conklin.

3. Northwestern (5-0, 1-0): How good is this defense? The Wildcats have allowed three touchdowns – in 20 quarters.

4. Michigan (4-1, 1-0): Over the past 15 quarters, Jim Harbaugh's squad has outscored its opponents 119-7.

5. Iowa (5-0, 1-0): The difference last week: The Hawkeyes had an effective running game; Wisconsin didn't.

6. Illinois (4-1, 1-0): Ranks seventh in Big Ten in scoring defense (17.8). Ranked last in that category a year ago.

7. Wisconsin (3-2, 0-1): Joel Stave was good all year before Iowa brought constant pressure while stuffing the run.

9. Gophers (3-2, 0-1): Jerry Kill's squad is 8-2 in its past 10 Big Ten games — when the opponent is unranked.

10. Penn State (4-1, 1-0): After ugly win over Army, James Franklin basically sang "Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive."

11. Nebraska (2-3, 0-1): The bloom is off the rose for Tommy Armstrong, who went 10-for-31 with an INT at Illinois.

12. Purdue (1-4, 0-1): The Boilers have several promising pieces. Trying to put it all together for a Big Ten win.

13. Rutgers (2-2, 0-1): Suspended WR Leon Carroo returns this week. Suspended coach Kyle Flood? Next week.