B1G Power Rankings following Week 5
Just like that, Week 5 is in the books with October rolling around in full force. And if you thought previous weeks of the 2022 season were wild, Week 5 brought everything from a heated coach altercation to a weird and wild showing across the B1G West.
On thing’s for certain: The gap between the top 3 teams in the B1G and the rest of the conference looks enormous. We’ll see if any team can change that — and if any team wants to win the West — moving forward.
Without further ado, here are Tradition’s B1G Power Rankings entering Week 6:
14. Northwestern (1-4)
Last week: at Penn State, L 17-7
Yes, Pat Fitzgerald, that was “one hell of a B1G football game” for a rain-soaked afternoon in Happy Valley. However, that tough effort only goes so far after losses to SIU and Miami (OH). The Wildcats have plenty of work to do, but hopefully the tough outing helps get some of the gritty mojo back for Northwestern.
Up next: vs. Wisconsin
13. Indiana (3-2)
Last Week: at Nebraska, L 35-21
The Hoosiers might want to rethink their tempo offense for when the B1G East schedule rolls around. Facing Nebraska, Indiana converted just a pair of 3rd-down plays and allowed the Huskers to control the time of possession for more than 34 minutes. If the Hoosiers do that against Michigan, the Wolverines might score 80.
Up next: vs. Michigan
12. Nebraska (2-3)
Last week: vs. Indiana, W 35-21
For now, the Huskers are out of the cellar with a win over Indiana. Casey Thompson engineered the big fourth quarter while Mickey Joseph secures his first win as the head coach for Nebraska. After the win, Trev Alberts provided an awesome moment by awarding Joseph the game ball. Can Nebraska find momentum for October?
Up next: at Rutgers
11. Rutgers (3-2)
Last week: at Ohio State, L 49-10
It can certainly be said Greg Schiano and his squad never quit, though the Scarlet Knights could have used some of the fight displayed in the fourth quarter much earlier in the game. Rutgers was outmatched on the road in Columbus, and there’s really no shame in that against the No. 3 team in the nation. Schiano also cleared the air on the brouhaha with Ryan Day after the game. If the Scarlet Knights are serious about getting to a bowl game, Week 6 brings a must-win for the program.
Up next: vs. Nebraska
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10. Michigan State (2-3)
Last week: at Maryland, L 27-13
Michigan State’s defense held an opponent under 30 points! Beyond that, the Spartans allowed just a pair of second-half field goals in the game against Maryland. Unfortunately, the offense was shut out in the second half of the road defeat. Back to the drawing board for Mel Tucker as the losing streak hits 3 games.
Up next: vs. Ohio State
9. Wisconsin (2-3)
Last week: vs. Illinois, L 34-10
Welcome back, Bret. Now get the heck out of town. Bielema’s return to Madison with Illinois was tough to handle as the Illini steamrolled by the Badgers. Beyond the loss, injuries are piling up for Wisconsin with 3 offensive pieces dinged up in the game, including Keontez Lewis getting carted off the field in the game.
Up next: at Northwestern
8. Iowa (3-2)
Last week: vs. Michigan, L 27-14
Listen, we know the story on the Hawkeyes, and it hasn’t changed following the loss to Michigan. Iowa was always going to need a game-changing defensive play to beat the Wolverines, but Michigan played a conservative gameplan with JJ McCarthy, and it paid off. The good news? After the week that was in the B1G West, Iowa’s defense might be enough to carry the team back to Indy. Competing against Ohio State or top-tier programs, that’s another story.
Up next: at Illinois
7. Purdue (3-2)
Last week: at Minnesota, W 20-10
Yes, head-to-head results do matter for these rankings, but Purdue doesn’t quite vault ahead of the Gophers here due to some bad late blemishes on the record. The bounce-back win matters, but the Boilermakers certainly provided some questions to address while winning. At least Devin Mockobee provided a spark with 112 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.
Up next: at Maryland
6. Minnesota (4-1)
Last Week: vs. Purdue, L 20-10
What’s the best way to not follow up a 4-0 start to the season? Play the way Minnesota did on homecoming. Yes, playing with Mohamed Ibrahim hurts, but that doesn’t explain the lack of push up front for Bryce Williams and Trey Potts. It also doesn’t explain Tanner Morgan throwing 3 interceptions at home against the Boilermakers.
Up next: BYE
5. Illinois (4-1)
Last Week: at Wisconsin, W 34-10
Illinois comes away as the big winner – and big riser – in the conference for Week 5. Tommy DeVito had a trio of rushing touchdowns, Chase Brown hit 100 yards on the ground and the Illini defense forced 3 turnovers in the win. It was a picture-perfect day of Badger hunting for Bret Bielema. Now, can the Illini take down Iowa?
Up next: vs. Iowa
4. Maryland (4-1)
Last week: vs. Michigan State, W 27-13
Taulia Tagovailoa might have been banged up for the game – and rattled by brother Tua’s dramatic injury Thursday night – but it didn’t hold him back. Tagovailoa threw for 314 yards and a touchdown as the Terrapins put the loss to Michigan behind them with a solid win. In the process, Tagovailoa climbed Maryland’s all-time passing ranks. Whether or not Maryland cracks the AP Poll remains to be seen as the Terrapins brace for upset-minded Purdue in Week 6.
Up next: vs. Purdue
3. Penn State (5-0)
Last week: vs. Northwestern, W 17-7
James Franklin was not interested in weather-related excuses following the turnover festival against Northwestern. However, the weather actually impacts how these power rankings perceive the Nittany Lions. Weather matters, and it slowed Penn State’s offensive attack in Week 5. Fortunately, Penn State did enough to escape disaster and cruise into the bye at 5-0. Up next: An Oct. 15 date with Michigan in the Big House between (likely) undefeated squads.
Up next: BYE
2. Michigan (5-0)
Last week: at Iowa, W 27-14
The curse of Kinnick Stadium is no more for the Wolverines! Despite a pedestrian effort from JJ McCarthy, Michigan rolled to a convincing win in Iowa City. Blake Corum continued his blazing start to the season, and Michigan’s electric running back is also playing his way into the Heisman buzz as we hit October.
Up next: at Indiana
1. Ohio State (5-0)
Last week: vs. Rutgers, W 49-10
Week 5 was all about the Miyan Williams show with the running back tying a program record with 5 rushing touchdowns in the game. At least, Williams’ performance was the big story until Ryan Day and Greg Schiano went at it following a flagrant late hit. Day downplayed the event after the game, saying the two coaches smoothed it over, but the confrontation added a spicy end to an otherwise forgettable blowout.
Up next: at Michigan State