Joe Christensen's Big Ten football power rankings
October 21, 2016 at 6:05AM
1. Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten): The Wolverines combine nation's best scoring defense with its second-best scoring offense.
2. Ohio State (6-0, 3-0): J.T. Barrett has terrific pocket sense and is a better downfield passer than people think.
3. Nebraska (6-0, 3-0): Tommy Armstrong was in a walking boot between games and still delivered another win.
4. Wisconsin (4-2, 1-2): Corey Clement is healthy. What a difference he makes — 25 rushes, 164 yards vs. the Buckeyes.
5. Iowa (5-2, 3-1): One of the losses was to a Northwestern team that looks better and better in hindsight.
6. Penn State (4-2, 2-1): Ohio State needed overtime to win at Penn State two years ago. Saturday night is the encore.
7. Indiana (3-3, 1-2): Kevin Wilson's team is legit. The Hoosiers beat Michigan State and gave Nebraska a pretty good scare.
8. Northwestern (3-3, 2-1): A team that scored seven points in a loss to Illinois State scored 54 to defeat Michigan State.
9. Gophers (4-2, 1-2): Rodney Smith ranks third in Big Ten rushing average, trailing Justin Jackson and Mike Weber.
10. Maryland (4-2, 1-2): That 'M' in the logo stood for mirage after that 4-0 start against a pillow-soft schedule.
11. Michigan State (2-4, 0-3): Four consecutive losses, and the Spartans still play Michigan (Oct. 29) and Ohio State (Nov. 19).
12. Purdue (3-3, 1-2): Under Darrell Hazell, the Boilermakers lost their three games vs. the Gophers: 44-28, 39-38 and 41-13.
13. Illinois (2-4, 1-2): Wes Lunt's replacement, Chayce Crouch, looked good against Rutgers. Up next: Michigan.
14. Rutgers (2-5, 0-4): The Scarlet Knights rank 125th in the nation in passing offense at 126.9 yards per game.
JOE CHRISTENSEN
about the writer
The Gophers quarterback believed in himself, and his transfer to the U has led to a winning record this season.
