Week 6 Big Ten Power Rankings: Lincoln Journal Star

Previous: 1. Last Week: W 38-7 vs. Michigan State.

A ridiculous one-handed touchdown catch by wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was the highlight of a nearly 500-yard day for the Ohio State offense. The Buckeyes will now host an Iowa team which will be fresh coming off a bye week.

Previous: 2. LW: W 21-7 vs. Illinois.

The Nittany Lion defense flexed its muscles in a hard-fought win that was close throughout. Penn State held Illinois to 219 yards of offense and forced two turnovers, dropping its season average to 11.5 points allowed per game. A struggling UCLA team is up next.

Previous: 4. LW: W 34-13 vs. UCLA.

A big first half propelled Oregon to a comfortable win in which it held UCLA to just 172 yards of offense. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who now has nine touchdown passes this season, will look to do further damage against Michigan State on Friday night.

Previous: 3. LW: W 27-24 vs. Minnesota.

Michigan won a second consecutive game with a run-heavy day on offense, narrowly avoiding a blown 21-point lead against Minnesota. Despite being ranked inside the Top 10 nationally, Michigan will hardly be a favorite during its road trip to Washington this weekend.

Previous: 5. LW: 38-21 vs. Wisconsin.

The Trojans appeared to be headed for a disastrous loss to Wisconsin for three-plus quarters before eventually pulling away from the Badgers. Quarterback Miller Moss continues to play at a high level and will face Minnesota next.

Previous: 6. LW: L 21-7 vs. Penn State.

Illinois battled against Penn State, proving itself as one of the Big Ten’s better teams. The Illini can regroup over a bye week and begin preparing for an October schedule which includes games against Michigan and Oregon.

Previous: 10. LW: W 42-28 vs. Maryland.

An undefeated nonconference slate and win over a struggling Michigan State alerted the rest of the conference of Indiana’s potential; its recent win over Maryland reinforced it for good measure. The Hoosiers boast one of the nation’s best offenses and can, incredibly, clinch bowl eligibility this week.

Iowa will take on the Big Ten’s best team this weekend and will need its defense to produce a low-scoring game if it hopes to compete with Ohio State.

Previous: 8. LW: W 28-10 vs. Purdue.

Nebraska falls despite a win having struggled mightily in a scoreless first half at Purdue. Quarterback Dylan Raiola had a stellar second half,  leading the Huskers into a matchup against Rutgers.

Previous: 9. LW: W 21-18 vs. Washington.

A pair of three-point wins — first over Virginia Tech, next over Washington — has set up an impressive undefeated start. If the Scarlet Knights can take down Nebraska on the road, they’ll be considered in the Top 25 conversation.

Previous: 11. LW: L 21-18 vs. Rutgers.

Washington inexplicably found a way to lose a game in which it outgained Rutgers 521-299, picking up eight more first downs than its opponent. Three missed field goals loomed large as the Huskies perpare for a visit from Michigan.

Previous: 13. LW: L 38-21 vs. USC.

Wisconsin showed signs of life in a loss to USC as quarterback Braedyn Locke delivered several explosive plays. A visit from Purdue is an excellent opportunity to bounce back.

Previous: 14. LW: L 27-24 vs. Michigan.

Having stumbled in a loss to Iowa, the Golden Gophers nearly roared back with a statement win. They’ll have another opportunity this weekend when USC comes to town.

Previous: 12. LW: L 42-28 vs. Indiana.

A strong day on offense was overshadowed in a loss to Indiana in which wide receiver Tai Felton suffered an injury. The Terrapins are on bye this weekend.

Previous: 15. LW: L 38-7 vs. Ohio State.

Was Michigan State’s 3-0 start to the season simply fool’s gold? It’s hard to pick out many wins left on the Spartans’ schedule, including a matchup with Oregon this week.

Coming off a bye week, Northwestern will seek to slow down a high-powered Indiana offense.

Previous: 17. LW: L 34-13 vs. Oregon.

An anemic offense that is scoring just 14.8 points per game continues to hold UCLA back. The Bruins will travel to Penn State next.

Previous: 18. LW: L 28-10 vs. Nebraska.

A loss to Nebraska cost offensive coordinator Graham Harrell his job ahead of a road trip to Wisconsin.