The Big Ten was a lot of fun this week, with some good upsets and some teams that continue to surge out of nowhere (we see you, Northwestern and UCLA). Then some of the teams that were stalwarts last year and a few years ago are tumbling. The good news for Wisconsin fans is that Wisconsin is one of the teams climbing, not falling.
These power rankings are not based on the eye test or how good they are on paper. This is truly a Power Ranking of "what has this team done this season." The undefeated teams are toward the top, and the teams losing are falling. But for teams like Wisconsin and Ohio State, playing the top teams in the nation and losing also doesn't kill your ranking.
1. Indiana Hoosiers
The Hoosiers curbstomped Rutgers, and that came as no surprise to anyone. Indiana remains at the top of the Power Rankings.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes
The Buckeyes handled the surging Iowa Hawkeyes with ease. It was never really close, and Ohio State scored in every single quarter. Ohio State looks really strong, and their only loss this year is to top-ranked Texas.
3. UCLA Bruins
The Bruins may be imposters, but we won't know that until they lose. UCLA was on a bye this week, but they head to take on Oregon this week. That will determine how legit the Bruins are.
4. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Another undefeated team that took care of business against Maryland this week. The Cornhuskers continue to win, even if ugly. The ultimate test will be this week against Indiana, and if somehow the Cornhuskers can pull that off, Matt Rhule will be given his flowers.
5. Wisconsin Badgers
It's hard not to like what Luke Fickell has accomplished this season. The Badgers head into their bye week perfect in Big Ten play, with their only loss coming against Notre Dame to open the season.
6. Northwestern Wildcats
What is happening at Northwestern? Hung tough with Indiana a few weeks ago and then dismantled Penn State on Friday? Wow. This team may actually have some juice. They play a random non-conference game this week against Ball State, but they look good.
7. Minnesota Golden Gophers
The loss against Mississippi State is the only blemish on their record. While not all the games have been pretty, they are 2-0 and are headed to take on Purdue.
8. Iowa Hawkeyes
Hawkeyes ran into a wall with Ohio State but should be a team that rises back up in these rankings. This week's Washington vs. Iowa game will be fun, as both are looking for a rebound.
9. Oregon Ducks
The Ducks are lower than they probably should be but it's hard to get over the fact that this team lost to Oklahoma State. Oregon needs to prove that was a fluke by hammering UCLA this weekend at home.
10. USC Trojans
Lincoln Riley is walking on eggshells over in USC, as this is a prove-it year and he continues to escape games. Wins are wins, but the win over Washington was too close to being a home loss. Now the Trojans take on a reeling Penn State team that will be desperate for a win.
11. Purdue Boilermakers
You have to love what Purdue did this weekend in taking down Illinois in Champaign. Good for the Boilermakers; it's been forever since they've won a Big Ten game. Now, they need to build on it and take down Minnesota.
12. Washington Huskies
The Huskies look miserable this season, and another loss to USC isn't great for Washington. Starting the season 0-2 in conference play was not on Jedd Fisch's wishlist, but they have a chance to win a statement game against Iowa on Friday.
13. Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines thought they hit a home run in their latest hire of Kyle Whittingham, and maybe he needs time to settle in, but so far, this team hasn't been great. Michigan gets a bye week to figure out how they started 0-2 in conference play.
14. Illinois Fighting Illini
Losing to Purdue is rough. Now the Illini are 2-3 on the season and 0-2 in the Big Ten. Not good.
15. Penn State Nittany Lions
Speaking of not good... Wisconsin thought they had a statement win over a ranked Penn State team, but it turns out the Nittany Lions are actually bad. They have to find a way to beat USC this weekend.
16. Michigan State Spartans
The Michigan State vs. Illinois game this weekend is a battle for the bottom of the Big Ten. Yikes.
17. Maryland Terrapins
Mike Locksley is going to be fired. That's all that needs to be said about Maryland.
18. Rutgers Scarlet Knights
This team looks terrible this season.
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