Week 6 Big Ten Power Rankings

Now that week six of the college football season is over, it’s time to look at the power rankings in the conference. For a look at last week’s rankings, click here. First, the rankings will be broken up by the Big Ten East and the Big Ten West. Then, it will be an overall Big Ten power rankings in the end.

Big Ten Power Rankings East:

1: Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines are still undefeated following their big win against Minnesota. The Wolverines were able to put up over 50 points, and there is still no reason why they should not be placed first in the Big Ten Power Rankings. Their bye week is not for another couple of weeks, but that may work in their favor for now while they have the momentum. They should remain steady in this number-one spot for at least three more weeks.

2: Ohio State

The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled this weekend against Maryland. Ohio State did get the win in the end and deserve credit, but they struggled. Because they won, and Penn State had a bye week, there is no reason for the Buckeyes to fall in the power rankings for the Big East. They will have to clean up some of their mistakes ahead of next week, a game they should win.

3: Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions had their bye week in week six. This leaves them in third, where they were placed in week five. Hopefully, for them, they get healthy, regroup, and come out strong in week seven.

4: Maryland

The Maryland Terrapins put up a fight against the Ohio State Buckeyes in week six. This is one of those examples where the final score does not depict how close of a game this really was. The two teams were tied at the half, and even the third quarter ended a three-point game. Between Ohio State’s defense and some poor mistakes by Maryland, the Buckeyes got the win. The Terrapins are still in fourth in the Big East.

5: Rutgers

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights truly struggled against the Wisconsin Badgers. The offense made too many mistakes and truly struggled. Throwing a pick-six is always hard to walk away from. Being down 17-0 at halftime was too hard for them to come back from. Next week they cannot play the second half from that far behind, or else where they place in the power rankings could definitely fall.

6: Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans are coming off of their bye week. They are low on the power rankings but will face Rutgers next weekend. If they are well rested, they may be able to defeat the Scarlet Knights and move up in the week seven Big East rankings.

7: Indiana

The Indiana Hoosiers are another team who had a week six bye week. Hopefully, they used this week to rest up and prepare to face a tough opponent in week seven, the Michigan Wolverines.

Big Ten Power Rankings West:

1: Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Badgers had a big win against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in week six. They completely controlled the first half, and their win puts them in first for the Big West power rankings. One thing to watch for is their second-half play next weekend. They only scored seven points in the second half and gave up 13. This could be something dangerous to watch for.

2: Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeyes had a big win in week six against the Purdue Boilermakers. Yes, this is a win that was expected, but losing your starting quarterback is never easy. Quarterback Deacon Hill did throw one interception, but he also passed for a touchdown. It wasn’t pretty, but getting the win is important, and keeps them in second for this week’s Big West power rankings.

3: Northwestern

While this is not what was expected when the season began, the Northwestern Wildcats are in third in the Big West in this week’s power rankings. They are 3-3 heading into their bye week. With them beating a Big Ten opponent this season, they are in a good place this week.

4: Minnesota

The Minnesota Golden Gophers had a tough loss this weekend. They are still in fourth after defeating Nebraska earlier in the season. If the Gophers lose again, expect them to drop in the power rankings, but for now, they do remain in fourth. This is especially because they lost to Michigan of all teams. They do have a bye week next week, and they will need to take this break and come out strong to finish the season.

5: Purdue

The Purdue Boilermakers had their chance to defeat the Iowa Hawkeyes, who were without their starting quarterback, and they could not make the most of it. Iowa does have a strong defense, and Purdue was still able to score 14 points, but they need to be better. Next week they will have a tough matchup against Ohio State.

6: Nebraska

Nebraska had a big, and extremely important win over the Illinois Fighting Illini. The win saved the Cornhuskers from falling into last place in the Big West power rankings. It may not have been the most fun game, with a 20-7, but it was still a must-win, and Nebraska did it.

7: Illinois

It’s been a rough season for the Fighting Illini. They now stand at a 2-4 record, and in seventh in this week’s Big West power rankings. They needed the win this week, but could only put up seven points. It does not get any easier on them next week as they face Maryland. Hopefully, they can get another win this season and continue to put up a fight.

Big Ten Power Rankings Overall:

1: Michigan Wolverines (6-0)

Next Opponent: Indiana Hoosiers (2-3)

2: Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)

Next Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers (2-4)

3: Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0)

Next Opponent: UMass Minutemen (1-6)

4: Maryland Terrapins (5-1)

Next Opponent: Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4)

5: Wisconsin Badgers (4-1)

Next Opponent: Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1)

6: Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1)

Next Opponent: Wisconsin Badgers (4-1)

7: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-2)

Michigan State Spartans (2-3)

8: Michigan State Spartans (2-3)

Next Opponent: Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-2)

9: Indiana Hoosiers (2-3)

Next Opponent: Michigan Wolverines (6-0)

10: Northwestern Wildcats (3-3)

Next Opponent: BYE WEEK

11: Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-3)

Next Opponent: BYE WEEK

12: Purdue Boilermakers (2-4)

Next Opponent: Ohio State Buckeyes (5-0)

13:  Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-3)

Next Opponent: BYE WEEK

14: Illinois Fighting Illini (2-4)

Next Opponent: Maryland Terrapins (5-1)