Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 5

1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0) — The Buckeyes blew out another inferior opponent this week, blitzing Tulane behind five touchdown passes from quarterback Dwayne Haskins. The only difference, of course, was the return of coach Urban Meyer to the sidelines. It came just in time to get a game under his belt before the Buckeyes head to Penn State next week for an East Division showdown. Last week: 1.

2. Penn State (4-0, 1-0) — The Nittany Lions had a tidy little organized practice to open Big Ten play, cruising past an inept Illinois team. Miles Sanders ran for 200 yards and three touchdowns while quarterback Trace McSorley threw for three touchdowns. Now the attention turns to Ohio State, which comes to town next week. Last week: 2.

3. Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0) — The Badgers were clearly reeling after last week’s loss at home and they responded by hitting the road and rallying to beat Iowa. It was probably the stiffest test the Badgers will face within the division as they head into a bye week with early control of the West. Last week: 4.

4. Michigan (3-1, 1-0) — You have to give the Wolverines credit for at least doing what they should, which is beating a team that doesn’t measure up physically. What they did by dismantling Nebraska, though, was perhaps a sign that the offense is starting to come together. A trip to Northwestern is next, a game that doesn’t look as daunting as it did before the season began. Last week: 5.

5. Iowa (3-1, 0-1) — Critical mistakes late in the game cost the Hawkeyes in their matchup with Wisconsin this week, something they’ll be kicking themselves for as the season progresses, especially considering how well the defense and quarterback Nate Stanley have played. They’ll head into a bye followed by three winnable games before a trip to Penn State at the end of October. Last week: 3.

6. Michigan State (2-1, 1-0) — The Spartans got back on the winning track by beating Indiana in the Big Ten opener, however, the same offensive issues continue to plague them. The running game was, again, not effective and the Spartans turned the ball over four times. It didn’t hurt them against Indiana, but until the offensive line starts playing better, the offense will continue to be a concern. Last week: 6.

7. Maryland (3-1, 1-0) — A week after an ugly home loss to Temple, the Terrapins bounced back in impressive fashion by rolling over previously unbeaten Minnesota. The Terps gained 432 yards and didn’t turn the ball over while the defense was solid. They’ll get a week off before a big test comes at Michigan followed by a trip to Iowa two weeks later. Last week: 10.

8. Indiana (3-1, 0-1) — The Hoosiers had an outstanding non-conference run, entering Big Ten play unbeaten. However, a rushing attack that had been dominant at times was nonexistent in a loss at home to Michigan State. The Hoosiers tried to rally, but the defense couldn’t avoid allowing the big play. The Hoosiers get a chance to bounce back next week at Rutgers before traveling to Ohio State. Last week: 7.

9. Minnesota (3-1, 0-1) — The Golden Gophers looked hard to beat in non-conference play, however, that all came to a crashing halt in the Big Ten opener at Maryland. Quarterback Zack Annexstad was intercepted twice and the Gophers offense barely scratched out 250 total yards. The Gophers get the next week off before hosting Iowa. Last week: 8.

10. Northwestern (1-2, 1-0) — It was an off week for the Wildcats, who are trying to overcome back-to-back home losses to Duke and Akron. It won’t be a simple return as Michigan comes to town next week followed by a trip to Michigan State. Last week: 9.

11. Purdue (1-3, 0-1) — The Boilermakers had perfected how to lose close games thanks to silly mistakes through the first three weeks, so bouncing back by beating a ranked Boston College team was impressive. David Blough had an impressive game at quarterback, throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns. Two straight road games are next for the Boilermakers before the meat of the schedule hits. Last week: 11.

12. Illinois (2-2, 0-1) — You’re hearing all the right things from coach Lovie Smith about the direction of the program. However, the Fighting Illini have hardly been competitive against the conference’s top teams, including this week at Penn State when they allowed 63 points. They’ll get next week off in hopes of getting healthy as the quest for six wins continues. Last week: 13.

13. Nebraska (0-3, 0-1) — The only thing keeping the Cornhuskers from being 0-4 might be the fact their opener against Akron was canceled because of storms. If the way they played at Michigan is any indication, Scott Frost has a bigger job ahead of him than expected. The Huskers were outgained 491-132 and allowed four sacks. With Purdue next and road games at Wisconsin and Northwestern, getting that first win won’t be simple. Last week: 12.