POWER RANKINGS

Breaking down the Big Ten

1. Ohio State:

In 1916, the Buckeyes skunked Oberlin 128-0. They play Rutgers this week. We’re not saying. We’re just saying.

2. Minnesota:

Forget needing to row the boat. The Golden Gophers are humming along because P.J. Fleck has installed an outboard motor on this vessel.

3. Penn State:

The Nittany Lions continue to search for the elusive title of “elite” team. Maybe Minnesota can show them the way?

4. Michigan:

Jim Harbaugh is licking his chops at the thought of what the Wolverines might do to in-state rival Michigan State.

5. Wisconsin:

The West is still up for grabs, but the Badgers are running out of time. They need a Minnesota slip-up something fierce.

6. Indiana:

The Hoosiers travel to suddenly Unhappy Valley, where they’ll try to take advantage of a pouting Penn State.

7. Iowa:

The air is out of the balloon. It’s now about playing spoiler by sticking a pin in Minnesota’s title hopes.

8. Illinois:

Bowl-eligible for the first time since 2014, the Illini are idle, which gives them another week to bask in their new celebrity.

9. Purdue:

It’s taken awhile, but the banged up Boilermakers have moved from the have-nots to the have-a-littles.

10. Michigan State:

You can’t spell Michigan State and Sparty without M-E-S-S-Y. A win against Michigan would help clean things up.

11. Nebraska:

The Cornhuskers are the struggling miler on the final lap. Just get to the finish line already.

12. Maryland:

The Terrapins get a week off to work on what ails them. But a sturdy offensive line can’t be found at the pharmacy.

13. Northwestern:

How to win when your offense is mostly vacant? Play UMass.

14. Rutgers:

Here comes Ohio State. The Scarlet Knights are about to feel like the dinosaurs did when the meteor hit.