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Big Ten football — Week 5


Michigan and Illinois are among the key risers this week after picking up big ranked wins in the first week of conference play.

1. Ohio State (3-0)

Previous: 1. Last Week: W 49-14 vs. Marshall.

Quarterback Will Howard was efficient as Ohio State rolled to another big win. More difficult games are on the horizon, but a road trip to Michigan State shouldn’t give the Buckeyes too much trouble.

2. Penn State (3-0)

Previous: 2. LW: W 56-0 vs. Kent State.

Kent State completed just two passes and gained 67 yards of offense in a shutout win for the Nittany Lions. They’ll get the primetime spotlight on NBC this weekend for a ranked matchup against Illinois.

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3. Michigan (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten)

Previous: 5. LW: W 27-24 vs. USC.

The way that Michigan beat USC — with 32 yards passing and 290 on the ground — likely won’t be sustainable in weeks that follow. However, the Wolverines now look to be back on track. With their only loss having come to the No. 1 team in the nation, they jump Oregon in the rankings.

4. Oregon (3-0)

Oregon’s first Big Ten game comes against an opponent it has played 71 times before. The Ducks have won their last four meetings against UCLA and will be heavy favorites again this weekend.

5. USC (2-1, 0-1)

Previous: 3. LW: L 27-24 vs. Michigan.

The Trojans allowed a one-dimensional Michigan offense to run all over them, overshadowing a late comeback effort from quarterback Miller Moss. A Wisconsin team that recently lost its starting quarterback is up next.

6. Illinois (4-0, 1-0)

Previous: 7. LW: W 31-24 vs. Nebraska.

The Illinois defense came up clutch in overtime, showing its strength in a key ranked win over Nebraska. The Illini have surrendered just 12.5 points per game this season and could make an even bigger statement if they take down Penn State next.

7. Iowa (3-1, 1-0)

Previous: 8. LW: W 31-14 vs. Minnesota.

Running back Kaleb Johnson’s 200-yard day got the job done for Iowa in a rivalry win over Minnesota. The Hawkeyes will get a bye week before they face Ohio State.

8. Nebraska (3-1, 0-1)

Previous: 6. LW: L 31-24 vs. Illinois.

A strong start to the season for the Nebraska defense faded in a loss to Illinois, though quarterback Dylan Raiola’s play continues to bring hope for the Huskers. They’ll need to bounce back during a road date at Purdue.

9. Rutgers (3-0)

Previous: 9. LW: W 27-24 vs. Virginia Tech.

Rutgers proved its mettle with a hard-fought win where its defense produced three turnovers, including a win-sealing interception. Now halfway to bowl eligibility, Rutgers will host Washington on Friday night.

10. Indiana (4-0, 1-0)

Previous: 10. LW: W 52-14 vs. Charlotte.

The Hoosiers’ one-year turnaround is already impressive with eight games left to play as quarterback Kurtis Rourke has the offense humming. Should Indiana take down Maryland this weekend, it’ll likely be ranked inside the Top 25.

11. Washington (3-1, 1-0)

Previous: 11. LW: W 24-5 vs. Northwestern.

It took Washington a while to get past Northwestern in its Big Ten opener, and it’s a short week to get ready for its next test. A Friday road date in what should be a loud environment at Rutgers will be a difficult one.

12. Maryland (3-1, 0-1)

Previous: 14. LW: W 38-20 vs. Villanova.

A conference loss to Michigan State two weeks prior is the only blemish on an otherwise strong start to the season for Maryland. However, the Terrapins will be underdogs at home against Indiana this weekend.

13. Wisconsin (2-1)

With Tyler Van Dyke having suffered an ACL injury, the Badgers will turn to Braedyn Locke at quarterback. His first start of the season will be a road trip to USC.

14. Minnesota (2-2, 0-1)

Previous: 12. LW: L 31-14 vs. Iowa.

A pair of turnovers and a porous run defense suck the Gophers in a loss to Iowa. A low-scoring matchup against a Michigan team hellbent on running the ball is up next.

15. Michigan State (3-1, 1-0)

Previous: 15. LW: L 23-19 vs. Boston College.

Quarterback Aidan Chiles is capable of delivering highlight reel plays, but the lowlights are there too. After a three-interception day in Michigan State’s recent loss, he’s in for a challenge against Ohio State.

16. UCLA (1-2, 0-1)

Previous: 17. LW: L 34-17 vs. LSU.

The Bruins played an excellent first half of football then petered out late against a strong LSU team. Can they put up a fight against Oregon?

17. Northwestern (2-2, 0-1)

Previous: 16. LW: L 24-5 vs. Washington.

Northwestern gained just 112 yards, scoring two of its five points via safety in a loss to Washington. The Wildcats are on bye this week.

18. Purdue (1-2, 0-1)

Previous: 18. LW: L 38-21 vs. Oregon State.

The usually productive Hudson Card threw for just 56 yards as a ground-heavy attack wasn’t enough in a loss to Oregon State. Will Card get going when Nebraska comes to town this Saturday?



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