From the depths of the Chat Sports corporate HQ, compiled via Morse Code voting each week, we bring you the Big Ten Power Rankings heading into week 5.
*editors note: These rankings do not reflect the opinions of the writer Mandy as they are compiled from opinions of many writers in the Chat Sports network.
1-6: The Contenders
1. Wisconsin Badgers
As one Chat Sports writer put it this week, Wisconsin will just beat the shit out of you. Russell Wilson is by far
and away the best player in the Big Ten thus far (sorry Denard). The offensive line is manhandling defenses in a fashion similar to the good 'ole Nebraska country boy offensive lines of the 1990's. Their first true test will be in front of a ruckus home in Madison Saturday against Nebraska in the first game featuring 2 top ten teams in Madison since the 1960's.
2. Nebraska
Nebraska is like Wisconsin in the sense that they have yet to be truly tested this season, and of course that all changes tomorrow. Look for Bo Pelini to keep things simple in front of a hostile crowd and stick to the running game. QB Taylor Martinez is prone to turnovers and those can be deadly against Wisconsin.
3. Illinois
The Illini have what appears to be the best defense in the Big Ten. If they can cut out mistakes on offense, they have a chance to replicate the magical season of 2007 season and compete for a BCS game. The Illini have not been 4-0 to start a season in 60 years.
4. Michigan State
While some may opine that this ranking is too high, the book on MSU still says that they win with tough defense and mistake free football. They have a chance tomorrow to take down a wounded (tatted?) Ohio State team, putting them in the drivers seat Legends division. With Nebraska likely losing at Wisconsin, and Michigan having a history of collapsing in Big Ten play the last few years, the Spartans need a win in Columbus to prove they deserve to be ranked in the upper echelon of the Big Ten.
5. Ohio State
While the naysayers will balk at having OSU at #5 above an undefeated Michigan, we still give the Buckeyes the edge in a head to head match up vs Michigan as is stands today. Ohio State still can win with defense and is eager to prove that this weekend. The Michigan State game is followed by 3 games vs ranked teams. If OSU can escape with a 3-1 record over the next 4, Luke Fickell may end up getting a permanent role as head man in Columbus.
6. Michigan
Denard Robinson is the nations best running back . . . and he also throws 10-15 times a game to keep the defenses on their toes. The Michigan defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, allowing 10 or less points against 3 of 4 opponents thus far. If Robinson continues to miss wide open receivers, Michigan fans will be looking at another embarrassing Big Ten season.
7-12: The pretenders
7. Northwestern
8. Penn State
9. Iowa
10. Purdue
11. Indiana
12. Minnesota
Big Ten Predictions, week 5:
Nebraska @ Wisconsin: 31-24 Wisconsin
MSU @ OSU: 17-14 OSU
Minnesota @ MIchigan: 42-10 Michigan
Northwestern @ Illinois: 21-10 Illinois
Penn State @ Indiana: 28-21 Penn State
Notre Dame @ Purdue: 31-14 Notre Dame
Follow us on Twitter @ChatSports
Back to the Michigan Wolverines Newsfeed