Big 10 Power Rankings Entering Week Six

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A bye week won't help Northwestern escape the Big 10 basement despite the five teams ahead of them losing in Week 5. The Wildcats have a shot at a quality win next week, welcoming No. 23 Indiana to Evanston.

UCLA endured a third consecutive double-digit loss, dropping by 21 to Oregon at home. Quarterback Ethan Garbers has struggled greatly (808 pass yards, 3:6 TD:INT) but the Bruins strength of schedule this far makes them difficult to evaluate. Week 6 brings another tough matchup, making the trek to Pennsylvania to play the Nittany Lions.

The Boilermakers lingered in the 28-10 loss to Nebraska in Week 5, taking a 0-0 stalemate into the half before scoring the first points of the game with a third-quarter field goal. Purdue was outscored 28-7 the rest of the way. They'll travel to Madison to face the stumbling Badgers in Week 6, and they'll do so with a new play-caller after the team cut ties with offensive coordinator Graham Harrell on Sunday.

Maryland was issued several gifts early on in Saturday's 42-28 loss to Indiana, generating interceptions on the first two Hoosier drives and forcing a fumble with five minutes left in the first half. The Terps couldn't cash in on the opportunities, going three-and-out on all three possessions. Still, they kept it close and were tied with IU until the final minute of the third quarter, when Indiana scored their first of three unanswered touchdowns to put Maryland away.

The Spartans got rolled over by Ohio State, accumulating just 246 yards of total offense and turning the ball over three times. Perhaps there was an inkling of hope when the second quarter began and Michigan State trailed by only three, but 21 second-quarter points from the Buckeyes dashed any thoughts of an upset in East Lansing. Now 3-2, Michigan State will take on Oregon in Eugene during Week 6.

After getting blown out by Alabama in front of a home crowd, Wisconsin looked like a team possessed in the first half against USC. They forced a pair of turnovers and showed flashes of the air raid offense Badger fans expected under OC Phil Longo, taking a 21-10 lead into the break. 21 points would be all that Wisconsin would score in the game, with USC dominating late and scoring 28 unanswered points. Redshirt sophomore Braedyn Locke's (13-for-26, 180 yards, 1:1 TD:INT) first start in place of injured Tyler Van Dyke yielded mixed results, with general inaccuracy hampering what could have been an above-average day through the air. Losers of two straight, Wisconsin is set up for a bounce back at home against Purdue in Week 6.

Friday's 21-18 loss to Rutgers was loaded with missed opportunities on the Huskies side. They missed three field goals -- two in the final eight minutes -- and turned the ball over on downs from Rutgers' two yard line. Washington outgained Rutgers 521 to 299 but converted just two of their 12 third down chances. The Huskies will face Michigan at home in Week 6.

That one hurt. Minnesota came inches away from overcoming a 24-point fourth quarter deficit, with their successful onside kick attempt being overturned on an offsides call. The Golden Gophers didn't come away with points until their eighth drive, accumulating 45 yards of offense before that drive. Still, they did enough to keep it close against a ranked opponent in a hostile environment, which warrants some upward movement.

Spots eight through 10 are interchangeable, and Iowa being on a bye in Week 5 means they'll end up getting the short end of the stick. Riding a two-game win streak, the Hawkeyes will take on No. 3 Ohio State in Columbus.

The nation had its eyes on Piscataway Friday night, with the primetime game serving as an introduction to Kyle Monangai, who rushed for 132 yards and a score. While Rutgers was credited with the win, it felt more like Washington beat themselves. The Huskies missed kicks of 37 and 55 yards in the final eight minutes and forced Rutgers into three-and-outs on four of six second-half drives. The Scarlet Knights are on the brink of being ranked, and a Week 6 road win over Nebraska could be enough to push Rutgers into the Top 25.

The Cornhuskers rebounded from a heartbreaking overtime loss to Illinois last week with an 18-point win over Purdue. Nebraska didn't score in the first half, and the score read 7-3 in favor of the Huskers entering the final quarter. However, Nebraska put up 21 points in the final frame to pull away and get back on track. They'll face Rutgers at home in Week 6.

One of the biggest surprises in college football, the Illini traveled to Beaver Stadium undefeated and ranked as the 19th team in the nation. They couldn't replicate their early season success Saturday, failing to score after their 11-play, 75-yard opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. Still, it was a one-score game until the midway point of the fourth quarter, when a Luke Altmyer interception set Penn State up for the game-sealing touchdown. Illinois will have Week 6 off before welcoming Purdue to Champaign.

Stress levels in Michigan Stadium were sky high during the Woverines' 27-24 win over Minnesota. Michigan cruised through the first three quarters, claiming a 24-3 lead entering the final frame. They yielded three consecutive scoring drives to the Golden Gophers, with the first coming off an Alex Orji interception and the second being set up by a 60-yard punt return. It would take a controversial offsides call on an onside kick to secure the victory, but alas, Michigan advances to 4-1. They'll be at Washington in Week 6.

It wasn't pretty, but Indiana stepped up when it mattered Saturday against Maryland, overcoming four turnovers to earn a 42-28 win. Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers played complementary football, allowing zero points off turnovers. The Terps tied the game at 21-21 midway through the third quarter on a 75-yard rushing touchdown but Indiana punched back and scored 21 unanswered points. The Hoosiers hopped into the AP Top 25

An upset seemed to be brewing in Los Angeles when Miller Moss lost the ball on a strip sack late in the first half while the Trojans were trailing 21-10. However, USC blanked the Badgers in the second half, roaring back with 28 unanswered points capped off with a 55-yard pick-six by Mason Cobb. The victory was a much-needed bounce back after dropping to Michigan in Week 4. They'll look to keep on the right track with a win over Minnesota in Week 6.

Saturday's 21-7 win over Illinois was a statement victory. The Nittany Lions controlled the line of scrimmage, rushing for 241 yards, generating seven sacks and limiting the Illini to 34 total rush yards. Penn State forced a punt or turnover on six of Illinois' final seven drives and didn't commit a turnover. With Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen dominating on the ground, Drew Allar hasn't been asked to do all too much through four games. However, he's been excellent when called upon, completing 70.9 percent of his passes for 864 yards and an 8:1 TD:INT. Penn State faces UCLA at home in Week 6.

The Ducks have shaken off their rusty start, and a 37-34 victory over Boise State in Week 2 looks better every week. Oregon wasn't challenged by UCLA, cruising to a 34-13 victory on the road. Dillon Gabriel did throw his first interception of the season but it was an all-around clean win for Oregon. They'll face Michigan State next week before facing Ohio State in Week 7.

It was just another day in the office for the Buckeyes, dominating Michigan State in a 38-7 victory. Freshman Jeremiah Smith had another excellent game, reeling in five passes for 83 yards in a score. He's now scored in each of the Buckeye's four contests. Ohio State boasts a 42-point average margin of victory, but they may be tested for the first time in Week 6 against Iowa.