Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 5

1. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0) – We’ve learned all we can about the Buckeyes against lesser competition, and it looks pretty darned good. Justin Fields was outstanding again in the blowout over Miami (Ohio), throwing for four touchdowns and running for two more. Things start to pick up for the Buckeyes next week with a trip to Nebraska before hosting Michigan State. But for now, it looks like not much will threaten the Buckeyes. Last week: 1.

2. Wisconsin (3-0, 1-0) – If anyone was doubting the Badgers’ place in the Big Ten, and particularly as favorites in the West, then there should be no more doubts after the domination of Michigan. Yes, the Wolverines have their own set of issues, but the Badgers hammered the Wolverines, running over them with Jonathan Taylor and frustrating the UM offense. A visit from Northwestern is next as the Badgers will likely be favored in every game until Ohio State on Oct. 26. Last week: 2.

3. Penn State (3-0) – The Nittany Lions have been a mild surprise this season, overcoming any potential offensive issues by completing a perfect non-conference season. After getting a week off, the Nittany Lions head to Maryland this week before hosting Purdue. Those games come before a difficult stretch that includes Iowa, Michigan and Michigan State, a portion of the schedule that will say a lot about the Nittany Lions. Last week: 4.

4. Iowa (3-0, 1-0) – The Hawkeyes had the week off after their thrilling win over rival Iowa State. They’ll close out non-conference play this week with Middle Tennessee State before hitting a tough two-week stretch that includes a trip to Michigan and a visit from Penn State. They’ll need to avoid any hiccups along the way to keep pace with Wisconsin in the West. Last week: 5.

5. Michigan State (3-1, 1-0) – The Spartans showed their offense is capable of putting points on the board by rolling over Northwestern. However, the key will be finding some sort of consistency. It’s been difficult to attain for Michigan State, which hosts Indiana this week. It will be another chance to fine-tune the offense heading into two straight road games against Ohio State and Wisconsin, the favorites in each division. Last week: 7.

6. Michigan (2-1, 0-1) – There’s plenty of frustration around Ann Arbor these days, which makes sense considering the offense still hasn’t shown up. But the defense looked overmatched, too, in the loss to Wisconsin, which has some wondering where the Wolverines go from here. A visit this week from Rutgers likely offers a chance to regroup but Iowa comes to town next, another team that will put plenty of pressure on the Wolverines. Last week: 3.

7. Nebraska (3-1, 1-0) – Give some credit to the Cornhuskers for rallying to beat Illinois on the road, but you have to wonder how in the heck they got down to the Fighting Illini in the first place. Turnovers didn’t help and the defense took some time to get in gear. Whether the Huskers were looking ahead is tough to determine, but if they were, you can understand considering Ohio State comes to town on Saturday. Last week: 6.

8. Minnesota (3-0) – The Gophers finished off non-conference play perfect with last week’s win, but they didn’t exactly look great, squeaking by each of their opponents. They’ll jump into conference play coming up this week with a trip to Purdue against a team that is scuffling to open the season, providing an interesting early-season matchup between two teams that expected to contend in the West. Last week: 8.

9. Maryland (2-1) – Another Big Ten team that had the week off, the Terrapins will be looking to bounce back from the Temple loss. What’s unclear is whether the Terps are closer to the team that scored 79 points in the opener and 63 in Week 2, or the one that had two points at halftime vs. Temple. The first conference test to find out will be a tough one as Penn State comes to town for a Friday night matchup. Last week: 9.

10. Indiana (3-1, 0-1) – After the blowout at the hands of Ohio State, the Hoosiers rebuilt some confidence at the expense of UConn. Indiana returns to Big Ten play next at Michigan State, before they face Rutgers at home and Maryland on the road. Last week: 11.

11. Purdue (1-2) – The Boilermakers probably didn’t enjoy their week off after a miserable 1-2 start in non-conference play. It’s not the start many expected for the Boilermakers, but they’ll have a chance to wipe things clean this week with a visit from Minnesota. It will be crucial for the Boilermakers to get off to a good start as a trip to Penn State comes the following week. Last week: 12.

12. Northwestern (1-2, 0-1) – The defending West champions are in trouble just three games into the season. The loss at home to Michigan State showed more of the Wildcats’ offensive struggles, and things don’t get any easier from here. A trip to Wisconsin is on the docket for this week followed by a trip to Nebraska and then home vs. Ohio State. Last week: 10.

13. Illinois (2-2, 0-1) – A huge early win was so close for the Fighting Illini, but in the end it simply didn’t have the playmakers to hold off Nebraska. When they needed big plays in the final minutes, the Illini simply didn’t have anyone to turn to. It could lead to come changes, specifically at quarterback, as the Illini get a week off before heading to Minnesota. Last week: 13.