Big Ten Football Power Poll--Week Five

As a member of the "working media" we get requests to help out other "media" in their articles and pursuits.  Then sometimes we get to steal their ideas and content for our own gain.  Thus, we bring you the Big Ten Power Poll!

I am a voting member in two power polls this season on other websites.  If you want to compare my votes to other "writers" from around the Big Ten, I'm sure they would love a click as well.  Check out the Rutgers Blog www.SalSoothsayer and another blog covering the whole conference, www.talking10.com With out any further delay, I bring you the Week 5 Version, of the Big Ten Power Poll.

Big Ten East

1. Ohio State (Previously #1)

The Buckeyes got all they could handle and then some from Indiana last week.  However, Ohio State did pull it out and hangs onto the top spot....because #2 didn;t play the best either.  Maryland should be much easier this week.

2. Michigan State (Previously #2)

Purdue made things a lot more interesting then they probably should have been...but a W is a W.  On to Rutgers where MSU apparently has not won in its last two games there.

3. Michigan (Previously #3)

Michigan had no trouble with Maryland last week.  It will be a much tougher task this week with Northwestern ahead.  This when we see which of these rising contenders is for real.

4. Indiana (Previously #5)

The Hoosiers played amazing last week against Ohio State.  Can they keep it together at Penn State on Saturday?  A loss and everyone will forget the great start.

5. Penn State (Previous #4)

Barely beating Army at home does not exactly expel confidence Nittany LIons.  With Indian coming to town this week, it could get ugly.

6. Rutgers (Previously #6)

Rutgers had a bye.  Good for them.  Get ready for Sparty..

7. Maryland (previous #7)

Michigan had no problem with the Terps.  Now they get to go to Columbus.  Yeah....this is going to be a bloodbath.

Big Ten West

1. Iowa (Previously #3)

The Hawkeyes are 5/12th of the way to a #specialseason.  An ugly win in Madison is still a win.  Illinois comes to Iowa City this week in what could be a let down game?

2. Northwestern (Previously #2)

Northwestern defense is good.  Very good.  Minnesota's offense is bad.  Very bad.  Which is these statements is more true? We may have a better idea after the Wildcat's trip to the Big House Saturday.

3.Wisconsin (Previously #1)

The Badgers looked terrible in losing to Iowa Saturday.  No running game, and Joel Stave was very bad Stave.  While Nebraska is not great so far this season, a trip to Lincoln still is never easy.

4. Minnesota (Previously #4)

Northwestern crushed the Gophers in every way possible last week.  This week at Purdue is critical for the Gophers.  Win and some of the panic eases up.  Lose....gulp.

5. Illinois (Previously #6)

Illinois snuck out a win over Nebraska in a game they had no business winning.  If they can do the same at Iowa this week....watch out.

6. Nebraska (previously #5)

The Mike Riley era is not off to a good start.  However, things can change around more with a win at home over Wisconsin this week.  A loss and the boobirds may be flying around Lincoln.

7. Purdue (previously #7)

The harbor was nearly opened for the Spartans last week.  Something tells me the lighthouse is on, and the foghorn is blaring for the USS Gopher right now....

Overall

In case you are a pre-divisions purist, and want to see how teams stack up overall, here is my overall Top 14:

1. Ohio State (Previously #1)

2. Michigan State (#2)

3. Iowa (#5)

4. Northwestern (#4)

5. Michigan (#6)

6. Wisconsin (#3)

7. Indiana (#10)

8. Minnesota (#7)

9. Illinois (#11)

10. Penn State (#9)

11. Nebraska (#8)

12. Purdue (#14)

13. Rutgers (#12)

14. Maryland  (#13)

Well...last week was interesting.  We still have a few big question marks on some teams, but this week will tell us a lot about Minnesota, Purdue, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Northwestern and Indiana.

Arguments?  Likes?  Dislikes?  Think I am an idiot?  Tell me in the comments