Welcome to the top, Wisconsin – Randy Johnson's Big Ten power rankings

Randy Johnson ranks 'em:

1. Wisconsin (9-0, 6-0 Big Ten): The Badgers, likely the Big Ten's only playoff hope, must emerge unscathed through conference title game, with Iowa and Michigan still visiting.

2. Michigan State (7-2, 5-1): If Spartans win at Ohio State, they're in the East driver's seat.

3. Ohio State (7-2, 5-1): Buckeyes control their own destiny in East, but that destiny includes games vs. Michigan State and at Michigan.

4. Penn State (7-2, 4-2): Nittany Lions' playoff dreams likely died Saturday in East Lansing. They need a lot of help to win the East.

5. Northwestern (6-3, 4-2): After three consecutive overtime triumphs, Wildcats have navigable path to nine wins: vs. Purdue and Gophers, at Illinois.

6. Iowa (6-3, 3-3): Hawkeyes ruined Ohio State's national title hopes. They could do the same to Wisconsin in visit to Camp Randall.

7. Michigan (7-2, 4-2): Wolverines visit Maryland before tough finish: at Wisconsin, vs. Ohio State.

8. Nebraska (4-5, 3-3): Cornhuskers fell to 2-4 at home with OT loss to Northwestern. That doesn't bode well for Mike Riley.

9. Rutgers (4-5, 3-3): Scarlet Knights are movin' on up after notching third Big Ten victory.

10. Purdue (4-5, 2-4): Bowl hopes for Boilermakers likely hinge on night game at Northwestern.

11. Maryland (4-5, 2-4): Tough finish: Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State.

12. Gophers (4-5, 1-5): Home game vs. Huskers should help after enduring a night at the Big House of Horrors.

13. Indiana (3-6, 0-6): Hoosiers have played Michigan and Michigan State tight. They should beat Illinois for their first Big Ten win.

14. Illinois (2-7, 0-6): The Illini have lost seven in a row.