Week Five Big Ten Power Ratings.

The power ratings get shaken up this week after we finally got some competitive head-to-head matchups in. Indiana climbs, while Illinois free-falls. I thoroughly enjoyed last weekend’s slate of games, but this weekend is going to take the cake. Oregon Vs Penn State, Indiana Vs Iowa, and USC Vs Illinois are all marquee conference showdowns that’ll start to shape playoff contention.

1: Penn State
3-0, Vs. Oregon (9/27)

This could be the week we see Penn State lose its claim as the number one-rated team in the Big Ten. If you have any plans on Saturday at 6:30, cancel them. Week five of college football is set up to be one of the best in recent memory. For the national audience, this is the crown jewel. Penn State sees its first challenge because the Ducks are coming to Happy Valley. Vegas gives the Nittany Lions the edge, opening as 3.5-point favorites. Drew Allar needs to play mistake-free football and let the workhorses in the backfield carry them to a victory. James Franklin is not the guy to trust in a battle of titans, but the crowd and personnel should be enough to give them a great shot. Get your popcorn ready, folks, we’re seeing a powerhouse fall Saturday night.

2: Ohio State
3-0, @ Washington (9/27)

The trap is set for the Buckeyes as they head west to face the Huskies. The Buckeyes are on upset watch this week. The Buckeyes have avoided slip-ups over the last few years (other than Michigan). I’ll be looking to see how Julian Sayin handles his first actual road test in Seattle. Sayin could be extremely shaky, and it still won’t matter. Defense always travels; after a bye week, the Buckeyes have no excuse to lay an egg on Saturday.

3: Oregon
3-0, Vs. Penn State (9/27)

The Ducks will have to spread their wings and fly in Happy Valley. Oregon has never experienced anything like Beaver Stadium at night. It’s nothing compared to 5,000 Northwestern fans holding their book clubs during the game. Dan Lanning is the only man who could use the crowd against itself. Lanning has the special skill of making a molehill into a motivational mountain. There will be a quote, picture, or, quite literally, shred of disrespect from Penn State, and Lanning will use every ounce to get the Ducks going. Despite Lanning’s efforts, I don’t visualize the Ducks pulling it off. Dante Moore will be seeing ghosts in State College.

4: Michigan
3-1, BYE WEEK

The Maize and Blue waltzed into Lincoln, played horribly, and came out with a challenging Big Ten road game. Biff Poggi shoved the ball down Matt Rhule’s face all game. Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes create a matchup nightmare for defense. Saturday’s offensive performance looked similar to the national championship squad. Underwood is JJ McCarthy with elite arm strength. The defense could be sharper, but winning in Lincoln isn’t a cakewalk. There’s no reason the Wolverines can’t be in the playoff conversation when it’s all said and done.

5: Indiana
4-0, @ Iowa (9/27)

Alright, Cignetti, that wasn’t too shabby. A slight 63-10 victory over #9 Illinois is slightly impressive. The Illini legitimately looked lost out there. Do I understand why their defense played so well? Not particularly. I do understand, along with the national media, that Fernando Mendoza is the real deal. Mendoza is now the betting frontrunner for the Heisman Award. I’ve been the conductor for the Mendoza train for the past month, but I didn’t expect a run game and defense. Early in the game, it seemed apparent that Illinois stood no chance in Bloomington. The building was buzzing. What do the Hoosiers look like when they don’t get their home-field advantage? I can’t wait to find out Saturday night. The Hawks might give them a run for their money.

6: USC
4-0, @ Illinois (9/27)

The Trojans took down the Spartans’ home on Saturday, 45-31. Jayden Maiava continues to impress with five total touchdowns and no turnovers. After years of disappointment and despair, Lincoln Riley is still struggling to find a reliable defense. The Trojans look borderline unstoppable, so patching together a defense seems paramount for a team with playoff aspirations. Traveling to Champagne will be a perfect test for the Trojans. Fending off an angry and desperate Illinois team will be no easy task.

7: Washington
2-0, Vs Ohio State (9/27)

It’s go time for the Huskies. The Huskies get the giants of the college football world coming to play at their place on Saturday. Washington is nearly unbeatable at home, winning 20 straight at Husky Stadium. The key for Washington is to take advantage of Julian Sayin being squermy early. Demond Williams at quarterback and Jonah Coleman at running back are a dangerous duo that could give the Buckeyes fits. If the Huskies manufacture some early points, they’ll give themselves a puncher’s chance against the biggest program in all the land.

8: Illinois
3-1, Vs USC (9/27)

Illini fans must feel about an inch tall right now. This was supposed to be the best Illinois football team since Red Grange was running around. Beliemma got outclassed by the Bloomington clown. I don’t blame Illini fans for feeling bleak about their season of destiny. 2025 is their best shot at the playoffs ever. Illinois has to get up to the mat quickly to take on the Trojans at home on Saturday. Illinois is back on track for its playoff push with a win.

9: Iowa
3-1, Vs. Indiana (9/27)

The Hawks looked like a Bizarro-land version of their typical selves. The offense won us the game. I haven’t said that about Iowa football since I’ve been watching Iowa football. Gronowski had some moments that had me doing double-takes. Gronowski dealt the ball all over the field and used his feet when needed. The one aspect of the Hawks’ performance on Friday that gives me significant pause was the pass coverage. Athan Kaliakmanis looked like Peyton Manning against us in the first half of Friday’s game. Phil Parker cracked the code for the second half to help stop the bleeding. Fernando Mendoza might dice us up and down the field this weekend. The fans of Kinnick need to be on their A game to shake up Mendoza and give us a chance to pull off the upset.

10: Michigan State
3-1, BYE WEEK

The Spartans’ offense is firing on all cylinders this year. The Aidan Chiles experience is finally consistent. Michigan State has some nice things to look forward to. Michigan State got run out of the stadium on Saturday. I don’t take much stock in cross-country losses. The Spartans are a top ten Big Ten squad and should win most of the games they get at home.

11: Maryland
4-0, BYE WEEK

The Terps might have something cooking in 2025. Maryland went into Camp Randall and cared for the Badgers like they were light work. The Badgers looked truly awful, but I’ll give Maryland some credit. Malik Washington looks seasoned for being a true freshman. The Terrapins contained the Badgers all day, and the pass rush looks impressive. Mike Locksley will mess around and save his job, and I’ll gladly admit I was wrong about it.

12: Nebraska
3-1, BYE WEEK

Oh no, Nebraska fans, who could’ve seen this coming? The entire Big Ten may know that Nebraska will never win a big game. The Blackshirts got flattened by the Michigan running game all day long. Raiola is the definition of flash over substance, and it makes me so happy. Rhule still can’t get the Huskers to win close games, and at this point, I’m doubting he ever will.

13: Rutgers
3-1, @ Minnesota (9/27)

[Sad Inarticulate Italian Noises]

14: Minnesota
3-1, Vs. Rutgers (9/27)

The Gophers have their work cut out if they want to make any noise in the conference this year. They have a good place to start this weekend, taking on the defeated Scarlet Knights. The lower half of the Big Ten has lots of opportunity for movement. With firings and complete rebuilds, the Gophers are at least stable than the competition. Well, at least for now.

15: Purdue
2-2, BYE WEEK

The Boilermakers put up a decent fight against Notre Dame, losing 56-30 on Saturday. Purdue gets a little reset, then gets a shot at a statement win against Illinois at home. Buy all the Barry Odom stock you can right now.

16: Wisconsin
2-2, BYE WEEK

Luke Fickell’s seat is turning into magma. The fall from grace of Wisconsin football cannot be exaggerated. In terms of an identity, they have none. Compared to the days of running the football and defense, Wisconsin is a directionless boat, lost at sea. They’ll need a savior to come and rescue them. Their savior is not currently on the roster or coaching staff, so the Badgers should punt to next season.

17: Northwestern
1-2, Vs UCLA (9/27)

Things are just really, really, really sad at the bottom. I wouldn’t wish for my worst enemy to have to watch the entirety of UCLA Vs Northwestern—really gross stuff.

18: UCLA
0-3, @ Northwestern (9/27)

Head coaching search starts now.

The Hawks need a win against Indiana like you and I need air. Kinnick Stadium is going to show the Hoosiers what we’re about. I want to see Curt Cignetti run away with his tail between his legs. Iowa will need some breaks to win on Saturday, and there’s no reason we can’t find a couple. Show up, be loud, and let’s go shut Cignetti’s mouth.

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