POWER RANKINGS
This is Isaac Newton week in the Big Ten, when the laws of motion and gravity begin separating contenders from pretenders who fall back to earth (we’re looking at you, Maryland and Rutgers). The Terrapins finally get tested against a heavyweight in Columbus, while the Scarlet Knights get their big tent torn apart at Camp Randall. We’re still not sure what to do with Minnesota. As for contenders, idle Penn State maintains a slim lead over Michigan, while Ohio State waits in the wings.
1. Penn State (5-0, 3-0)
Last week: 1
This week: Idle
What to know: Not much to do in State College during off weeks except rake leaves into piles, picture them as Buckeyes and Wolverines and bag them.
2. Michigan (5-0, 2-0)
Last week: 2
This week: at Minnesota
What to know: After hearing reports of being underachievers, the Wolverines finally stop playing like wannabes. A big win in Minneapolis would bump them back to the top.
3. Ohio State (4-0, 1-0)
Last week: 3
This week: vs. Maryland
What to know: In a switcheroo, Lou Holtz asks, “I wonder where Ryan Day is right now?” Answer: Gameplanning for “Ohio Against the World” and for upsetminded Terrapins.
4. Maryland (5-0, 2-0)
Last week: 4
This week: at Ohio State
What to know: The Terrapins are undefeated yet unranked in the Associated Press top 25? That’s nearly as outrageous as the possibility of losing by three touchdowns in Columbus.
5. Wisconsin (3-1, 1-0)
Last week: 5
This week: vs. Rutgers
What to know: The hard-to-read Badgers resemble the episode of “Seinfeld” in which Jerry’s girlfriend looks great or shady, depending on the lighting. It should be bright in Madison against Rutgers.
6. Iowa (4-1, 1-1)
Last week: 6
This week: vs. Purdue
What to know: Quietly, especially on offense, the Hawkeyes keep winning games and positioning themselves to represent the West in the conference title game.
7. Rutgers (4-1, 1-1)
Last week: 7
This week: at Wisconsin
What to know: It’s not that the Scarlet Knights won’t “Keep Chopping” in Camp Randall, but it’s hard to win when bringing an ax to a chainsaw fight.
8. Purdue (2-3, 1-1)
Last week: 9
This week: at Iowa
What to know: The good news for the Boilermakers is they are a level above Illinois, Indiana and Northwestern. The bad? They’re still looking up at Iowa.
9. Northwestern (2-3, 1-2)
Last week: 11
This week: vs. Howard
What to know: Howard is no relation to Moe Howard of Three Stooges fame, but if the Wildcats lose this one they’ll certainly deserve a pie in the face.
10. Minnesota (3-2, 1-1)
Last week: 12
This week: vs. Michigan
What to know: Brady Hoke coached Michigan the last time Minnesota gave the Wolverines a black eye (2014). Unfortunately for the Gophers, Saturday brings another swing and a miss.
11. Nebraska (2-3, 0-2)
Last week:8
This week: at Illinois (Friday)
What to know: Two steps forward, one back is not the worst result when rebuilding a program, but in Lincoln it’s looking more like one forward, two back.
12. Illinois (2-3, 0-2)
Last week: 10
This week: vs. Nebraska (Friday)
What to know: Until Purdue pasted 44 points on them last week, the Illini could be proud of their defense. Has the fizz gone flat for Bret Bielema in Champaign?
13. Indiana (2-3, 0-2)
Last week: 13
This week: Idle
What to know: Two ways to look at a bye week in Bloomington. 1. Able to lick your wounds; 2. Licking wounds can infect them, and the Hoosiers don’t need things to get any worse.
14. Michigan State (2-3, 0-2)
Last week: 14
This week: Idle
What to know: Sparty showed an ounce of life against Iowa, but MSU will need more than two tablespoons of positive play to reach bowl eligibility.
Rob Oller is a sports columnist for the Columbus Dispatch. Reach him at roller@dispatch.com and @rollercd.