Big Ten power rankings: Michigan and Michigan State surge, Penn State plummets

Last week’s ranking in parentheses

1. Ohio State (1)

Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said Buckeyes QB Dwayne Haskins “is probably the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.” You agree, Paul Finebaum?

2. Michigan (4)

Tailback Karan Higdon, feeling it: “There’s no further question that we’ve got the best offensive line in the country.”

3. Iowa (5)

Nate Stanley completed 21 passes at Indiana — six for touchdowns. Said teammate Jake Gervase: “He reminds us a little of Big Ben (Roethlisberger).”

4. Wisconsin (3)

The Badgers did not simply lay an egg at Michigan. It was a bowling-ball-sized rotten egg.

5. Michigan State (7)

So many injuries, so much heart. Will the Spartans have enough juice (and healthy players) to beat Michigan?

6. Northwestern (6)

Clayton Thorson attempted 64 passes against Nebraska and was sacked only twice. Just don’t ask about the run blocking.

7. Penn State (2)

Sorry, James Franklin, but the Nittany Lions don’t look great or elite.

8. Maryland (9)

Terps defensive back Darnell Savage had two interceptions, matching Rutgers’ completion total. #savage

9. Purdue (11)

A year ago, Illinois broke his ankle. On Saturday, David Blough broke Illinois’ spirit. “It was personal,” he said.

10. Indiana (8)

The Hoosiers’ promising season has devolved into the usual quest for bowl eligibility.

11. Minnesota (10)

A star is born? Freshman tailback Mohamed Ibrahim rushed for 157 yards on 23 carries in the ’Shoe.

12. Nebraska (13)

Even winless UTEP and San Jose State are like: C’mon, Huskers, what’s wrong with you?

13. Illinois (12)

Mike Epstein averaged 10 yards per carry. The problem: He carried it once. What’s the deal, Lovie?

More Top Picks Creality 3d Cr 10s

14. Rutgers (14)

Someone needs to crawl from New Jersey to Columbus and beg Greg Schiano to come back.

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Twitter @TeddyGreenstein