Big Ten rankings: Penn State-Ohio State clash is 1 vs. 2

Randy Johnson ranks 'em:

1. Penn State (7-0, 4-0): If Saquon Barkley doesn't get you, Trace McSorley will, as Michigan found out. Now the Nittany Lions travel to Ohio State for the Big Ten game of the year.

2. Ohio State (6-1, 4-0): Buckeyes failed first big test against Oklahoma in Week 2. Can they slow Penn State's dynamic offense and take lead in Big Ten East?

3. Wisconsin (7-0, 4-0): Badgers are very good, but we won't know just how good until back-to-back Iowa and Michigan games in November.

4. Michigan State (6-1, 4-0): All four of their Big Ten wins are by eight points or fewer.

5. Michigan (5-2, 2-2): Licking their wounds from the loss at Penn State, the Wolverines prepare for visit from red-hot Rutgers. Didn't think I'd ever be typing that.

6. Northwestern (4-3, 2-2): Wildcats were impressive in win over Iowa. Do it against Michigan State, and they'll have something going.

7. Iowa (4-3, 1-3): Hawkeyes prepare for back-to-back games vs. Ohio State and Wisconsin by facing Gophers with Floyd of Rosedale at stake.

8. Maryland (3-4, 1-3): Terps likely need to beat Michigan, Michigan State or Penn State to make a bowl.

9. Purdue (3-4, 1-3): Boilermakers are sputtering on offense, with only 21 points in past two weeks.

10. Gophers (4-3, 1-3): Was win over Illinois a turning point or just a triumph over a bad opponent? Trip to Iowa will help answer that.

11. Nebraska (3-4, 2-2): Huskers likely need wins over Purdue, Northwestern and the Gophers over the next three weeks to make a bowl.

12. Rutgers (3-4, 2-2): Scarlet Knights seeking their first Big Ten three-game win streak.

13. Indiana (3-4, 0-4): The Hoosiers' four Big Ten losses came against Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan and Michigan State. Ouch.

14. Illinois (2-5, 0-4): The Illini's best chance to win a Big Ten game was last week against the Gophers. Now they face Wisconsin.

Randy Johnson