1. Ohio State (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten): After hammering Rutgers, the Buckeyes begin a stretch of Michigan State, Iowa and Penn State.
Gophers' loss to Purdue shakes up Big Ten power rankings
Illinois' win over Wisconsin was another result that made the West Division race a lot more intriguing.
October 5, 2022 at 10:23PM
2. Michigan (5-0, 2-0): Wolverines outrushed Iowa 172-35. They should run all over Indiana.
3. Penn State (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten): Workmanlike 17-7 win over Northwestern didn't earn style points, but it's not a loss. Nittany Lions have a bye week to prepare for a trip to Michigan.
4. Maryland (4-1, 1-1): Terps shut out Michigan State in the second half, and now are host to Purdue in an important matchup for both teams.
5. Illinois (4-1, 1-1): After a 34-10 rout of Badgers in Madison, Fighting Illini have their "Orange Out" game against Iowa. A win would make a big statement in the West race.
6. Purdue (3-2, 1-1): Boilers forced the Gophers into uncharacteristic mistakes. They'll see if that formula works at College Park.
7. Gophers (4-1, 1-1): Bye week comes at a good time for the heart and soul of the offense, running back Mohamed Ibrahim, to heal. They need to fine-tune their game with trips to Illinois and Penn State up next.
8. Iowa (3-2, 1-1): How big is the game at Illinois? Hawkeyes still have Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin and Minnesota on the schedule.
9. Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2): Gutsy move in firing Paul Chryst, who won 72% of his games. Interim coach Jim Leonhard has a chance to lead the Badgers on a productive run and earn the full-time job.
10. Michigan State (2-3, 0-2): The bad news: Spartans have been outscored 100-48 in three straight losses. The worse news: now they face Ohio State.
11. Nebraska (2-3, 1-1): Interim coach Mickey Joseph made his mark in the win over Indiana. Winnable game at Rutgers is next.
12. Indiana (3-2, 1-1): After the loss to Nebraska, the Hoosiers face a daunting path to bowl eligibility.
13. Rutgers (3-2, 0-2): With Huskers and Hoosiers next on the schedule, Scarlet Knights can see an opportunity.
14. Northwestern (1-4, 1-1): Game effort in 17-7 loss to Penn State. Wildcats need to take advantage of a Wisconsin team in transition.
Brennan Rigsby, a transfer from Oregon, has a 40-inch vertical and can shoot from long range. The Gophers are counting on him now with Mike Mitchell Jr., injured.
