Big Ten football power rankings
1. Oregon (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten): After a 39-18 win over Maryland, the Ducks can clinch a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game with a win at Wisconsin on Saturday.
2. Ohio State (8-1, 5-1): The Buckeyes overwhelm Purdue 45-0 and now turn attention to Saturday’s game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field. They’ll also try to not peek ahead to the Nov. 23 showdown against Indiana.
3. Indiana (10-0, 7-0): The Hoosiers show they can win a low-scoring contest by beating Michigan 20-15. The win did wonders for their playoff chances, and they have a bye before their Nov. 23 clash at Ohio State.
4. Penn State (8-1, 5-1): Tight end Tyler Warren rushes for two TDs in 35-6 rout of Washington. Nittany Lions finish with trips to Purdue and Minnesota, and home game against Maryland.
5. Iowa (6-4, 4-3): The Hawkeyes bolt to 10-0 lead over UCLA in Rose Bowl Stadium, then score only one TD the rest of the way in 20-17 loss. Despite the defeat, Iowa is still in line for a trip to Tampa for the ReliaQuest Bowl.
6. Gophers (6-4, 4-3): One step forward, one step back. Gophers follow up their win at No. 24 Illinois by laying an egg in 26-19 loss at Rutgers. Bye week comes at a good time to get the running game healthy. They’ll need it against Penn State and Wisconsin.
7. Illinois (6-3, 3-3): Illini had a bye and saw teams they’re pursuing, Iowa and Minnesota, suffer upsets. They can move up with a win over Michigan State.