Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 5

1. Penn State (4-0, 1-0) – The Nittany Lions did it in dramatic fashion, scoring on the final play of the game to stun Iowa, but they remain unbeaten with winnable games up next against Indiana and Northwestern. It might have been the scare they needed as they get ready for a stretch in the middle of the season that will be a true test. Last week: 1.

2. Wisconsin (3-0) – The Badgers had the week off and now will get ready to kick off Big Ten play with a visit from Northwestern next week followed by West Division games with Nebraska and Purdue. It gives the Badgers a chance to start quick and prove they’re the team to beat in the West. Last week: 2.

3. Ohio State (3-1, 1-0) – The Buckeyes have bounced back from the Oklahoma loss with two easy wins to close out non-conference play. They head to Rutgers next and then get Maryland and Nebraska before the showdown with Penn State, which could determine who wins the East. Last week: 3.

4. Michigan (4-0, 1-0) – The Wolverines overcame a slow start and the loss of QB Wilton Speight to get past Purdue. In the process, John O’Korn (8) might have established himself as the starting quarterback. The Wolverines now get the week off before hosting rival Michigan State. Last week: 4.

5. Iowa (3-1, 0-1) – The Hawkeyes move up despite losing at home in their conference opener to Penn State. Iowa proved it could hang with arguably the best team in the Big Ten, rallying to take the lead late only to lose on the final play of the game. The Hawkeyes hit the road to take on MSU next. Last week: 7.

6. Minnesota (3-0) – The Gophers took the week off and get ready to host Maryland next week in their Big Ten opener. The confidence is high after a pair of easy wins the previous two weeks and the schedule sets to give Minnesota a chance for a quick start in conference play. Last week: 9.

7. Michigan State (2-1) – The Spartans killed themselves in the loss to Notre Dame, giving up 21 points on three turnovers. They head into Big Ten play against Iowa feeling like they have the ability to make plays, but will need to start valuing the ball if they have any hope of competing in the East. Last week: 5.

8. Indiana (2-1, 0-1) – The Hoosiers built some confidence by beating up on Georgia Southern as they prepare for one of their toughest tests of the season with a trip to Penn State up next. The offense has been humming, but the question is whether the defense can hold up against the best in the East. Last week: 11.

9. Maryland (2-1) – All the good feelings of the quick start to the season that included a win at Texas evaporated quickly with a one-sided loss at home to Central Florida, a game that saw the Terps get outgained 428-197. Maryland hits the road to open conference play at Minnesota this week followed by a trip to Ohio State. Last week: 6.

10. Purdue (2-2, 0-1) – The Boilermakers held a 10-7 lead over Michigan at halftime on Saturday but were dominated in the second half. The offense that was so good a week ago in a win at Missouri was held to just 10 yards in the second half. Last week: 8.

11. Northwestern (2-1) – The Wildcats had the week of and they likely will need all the preparation they can get as they head to Wisconsin next week to open Big Ten play. The offense has been inconsistent at best, and Northwestern hopes the extra time works out all the kinks. Last week: 10.

12. Nebraska (2-2, 1-0) – The Cornhuskers actually sit atop the West with a win over Rutgers, but they hardly set the world on fire with a win over the lowly Scarlet Knights. They get another winnable game next week against Illinois before back-to-back games with Wisconsin and Ohio State. Last week: 13.

13. Rutgers (1-3, 0-1) – The up-and-down play for the Scarlet Knights continued as they held a second-half lead on the road against Nebraska but couldn’t close the deal, gaining just 194 total yards. It doesn’t get any easier for Rutgers next week with Ohio State visiting. Last week: 12.