After a two week break, I am back to run down the Big Ten as I see it and there have been some movers and shakers. As we enter week 6, the top 2 spots appear to be solid but the bottom half can easily be debated. Ohio State and Michigan seem to be on a collision course for that regular season finale but who will challenge them along the way and are we seeing clarity in the west? Let's take a look.
1- Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)
Last week: Beat Rutgers 58-0
This week: vs. Indiana
- The Buckeyes just have so much firepower and look like the team to beat. Most teams that lose talent like OSU did to the NFL draft typically take a step back. Not Urban Meyer teams. Indiana brings a lot of momentum to the horse shoe but this shouldn't be much of a game.
2- Michigan (5-0, 2-0)
Last week: Beat Wisconsin 14-7
This week: @ Rutgers
- Michigan continues to showcase an outstanding defense and great special teams. Offense continues to find consistency and this weekend could be a perfect opportunity for the O to really have some fun.
3- Wisconsin (4-1, 1-1)
Last week: Lost to Michigan 14-7
This week: Bye
- The Badgers have proved one thing this year and that is their defense will keep them in every game. The offense desperately needs to find an identity. A much needed week off will be very beneficial as the Badgers try to take down Ohio State in two weeks.
4- Nebraska (5-0, 2-0)
Last week: Beat Illinois 31-16
This week: Bye
- It hasn't always been pretty for the Big Red but they have dominated the 4th quarter. Like Wisconsin, the bye week could not have come at a better time as Nebraska is banged up and facing a much more challenging schedule ahead.
5- Indiana (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: Beat Michigan State 24-21 (OT)
This week: @ Ohio State
- It's weird seeing the Hoosiers actually play defense. As the offense isn't nearly as explosive the defense adds an element that make Indiana a scary opponent for anyone... except maybe Ohio State.
6- Maryland (4-0, 1-0)
Last week: Beat Purdue 50-7
This week: @ Penn State
- I get that the Terps haven't played anyone but who is apologizing for that? D.J. Durkin has done an admirable job of taking advantage of a generous schedule and pumping confidence into this team. A win in Happy Valley would go a very long way.
7- Michigan State ( 2-2, 0-2)
Last week: Lost to Indiana 24-21 (OT)
This week: vs. BYU
- MSU is learning that life without Connor Cook isn't that swell. The offense continues to sputter in key moments and Sparty still has Michigan and Ohio State to deal with.
8- Penn State (3-2, 1-1)
Last week: Beat Minnesota 29-26 (OT)
This week: vs. Maryland
- A remarkable second half effort against Minnesota proved to be the difference and with key players sitting that game, PSU should feel great about finding a way to win. Maryland provides an interesting challenge as we continue to try and figure out who Penn State is.
9- Minnesota (3-1, 0-1)
Last week: Lost to Penn State 29-26 (OT)
This week: vs. Iowa
- The Gophers looked legit for one half against Penn State on the road but the defense really struggled down the stretch. They will have to get over it fast with a desperate Iowa team coming to TCF Bank Stadium this Saturday in a must win situation.
10- Northwestern (2-3, 1-1)
Last week: Beat Iowa 38-31
This week: Bye
- Northwestern got a huge performance from Justin Jackson and defensively harassed C.J. Beathard all afternoon. The Cats will regroup during the bye week as they try and figure out a way to snag 4 more wins and get bowl eligible, something that looked impossible after week 2.
11- Iowa (3-2, 1-1)
Last week: Lost to Northwestern 38-31
This week: @ Minnesota
- What is going on with the Hawkeyes? Even the players are without answers. Iowa all of a sudden can't block, can't stop the run, and are making foolish mistakes. That is not the stable of a Kirk Ferentz team. Iowa travels north with a "must win" feel against Minnesota.
12- Illinois (1-3, 0-1)
Last week: Lost to Nebraska 31-16
This week: vs. Purdue
- Illinois showed considerable improvement on offense, rushing the ball for 100 plus against Nebraska. The defense also looks tough at times with solid talent in the front 7.
13- Rutgers (2-3, 0-2)
Last week: Lost to Ohio State 58-0
This week: vs. Michigan
- Rutgers doesn't get any breaks after getting throttled by Ohio State and now welcoming Michigan to New Jersey. Figures to be an unpleasant evening for the home team.
14- Purdue (2-2, 0-1)
Last week: Lost to Maryland 50-7
This week: @ Illinois
- The ship continues to sink for Purdue and there doesn't appear to be any relief in sight. The only question is will Darrell Hazell survive the season?
