1. Northwestern (5-0 Overall, 1-0 Big Ten Conference) Northwestern isn’t perfect – no team in the country is – but it’s the closest to it in this conference. The Wildcats just shut out the Minnesota Gophers and held them to 173 total yards. Offensively, quarterback Clayton Thorson is efficient, and running back Justin Jackson has established himself as one of the conference’s premier backs. A test at the Big House against Michigan awaits Northwestern this weekend. 2. Ohio State (5-0, 1-0) When Ohio State was on the ropes against Indiana this week, it put the ball in the hands of its best playmaker, and he got them a hard-fought win. That was running back Ezekiel Elliott, who ran for 274 yards on just 23 carries. The Buckeyes survived by the skin of their teeth, 34-27, but with playmakers like Elliott, it’s a lot easier to overcome tough situations. Luckily for the Buckeyes, they have back-to-back home games they should win with ease. Should. 3. …
Continue Reading: Big Ten football power rankings, Oct. 6
