Well it’s starting to appear that last year was a one season abberation for Michigan State...they appear to be back, and just in time to get the Gophers this week. I’m sure that will work out well for us. Otherwise, not much movement this week except Minnesota keeps falling...

As a reminder I rank the teams both 1-7 in their respective divisions, and then 1-14 overall in the Big Ten.

Here are my Week 5 Big Ten Football Power Rankings;

Big Ten East:

1. Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State went into the Windy City and handled Northwestern with ease 31-7. Yawn. The Nittany Lions now get a week off before their schedule gets a lot tougher as they get Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State back to back to back.

2. Ohio State Buckeyes

I guess Maryland used up all the energy they had left against Minnesota. Ohio State had no problem with this version of the Terrapins winning running away 62-14. The Buckeyes now head to Lincoln for a prime time matchup against the Cornhuskers.

3. Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State took it to Big Brother once more in a 14-10 win over the Wolverines. That’s now 8 of the last 10 games in the series won by the men from East Lansing. Any chance they have a letdown game this week? Minnesota fans are hoping.

4. Michigan Wolverines

Michigan did not play in the inclement weather in the Big House last Saturday night, and now have to deal with losing to MSU again. Harbaugh will not be pleased. They get to go to Indiana this week to take out their angst on the Hoosiers. .

5. Indiana Hoosiers

A 27-0 win over Charleston Southern shouldn’t be enough to move you up a slot, but this week it is. Enjoy it while it lasts Hoosiers before Michigan takes it all away.

6. Maryland Terrapins

Maryland went from looking ok at Minnesota to absolute hot garbage at Ohio State. And they may have lots ANOTHER qb... Ouch. Northwestern comes to town this week.

7. Rutgers Scarlet Knights

You didn’t lose last week Rutgers...so that’s a plus. The BIG TEN GAME OF THE YEAR occurs this weekend in Champaign. Soak it all in.

Big Ten West

1. Wisconsin Badgers

Another week another easy win. Wisconsin is probably on cruise control until the Big Ten title game. That’s...unsettling. Purdue comes to Camp Randall this week in a game that shouldn’t be too interesting but might be for a half.

2. Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa let Illinois pretend they had a chance for a half before blowing them out in the second half. They now get a bye week to sit back and enjoy Iowa City. Over/Under of 3 minor drinking tickets this weekend?

3. Purdue Boilermakers

Purdue stays in the 3 spot because the rest of the Big Ten West is trash. Enjoy your trip to Madison.

4. Northwestern Wildcats

Northwestern couldn’t handle a tough Penn State squad. No surprise there. They go to Maryland this week in what should be a pretty easy win.

5. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Get crushed by Wisconsin and move up? Well consider it more of a move down by another team to remain nameless until the next paragraph. Ohio State comes to town this weekend...poor Linconites.

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers

Sigh. Thats all. Hopefully the Gophers can find some of that night game magic against the Spartans or its going to be another long week.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini

Illinois lost again. No surprise there. But they get their super bowl this week when Rutgers comes to town. Who can win the battle of the bottom feeders?

Big Ten Teams Ranked 1-14

1. Penn State Nittany Lions (Previously #1)
2. Ohio State Buckeyes (#2)
3. Wisconsin Badgers (#3)
4. Michigan State Spartans (#5)
5. Michigan Wolverines (#4)
6. Iowa Hawkeyes (#6)
7. Purdue Boilermakers (#7)
8. Northwestern Wildcats (#9)
9. Nebraska Cornhuskers (#11)
10. Indiana Hoosiers (#12)
11. Maryland Terrapins (#8)
12. Minnesota Gophers (#10)
13. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (#13)
14. Illinois Fighting Illini (#14)

As always, if you disagree, let me know in the comments.