The Big Ten turned into a demolition derby in Week 5, with two massive games sending shockwaves through the rankings. Oregon claimed a monumental road win, Indiana snuck out of a trap game at Iowa undefeated, and Illinois defeated USC.
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The Week 5 Big Ten Scoreboard Highlights
- Oregon 30, Penn State 24 (2OT) (Ducks win thriller at Beaver Stadium)
- Ohio State 24, Washington 6 (Buckeyes dominate on the road)
- Indiana 20, Iowa 15 (Hoosiers survive in Iowa City)
- Illinois 34, USC 32 (Illini upset the undefeated Trojans)
The Rankings
- Ohio State Buckeyes (4-0) Ohio State didn’t just win on the road against a good Washington team; they dominated, winning 24-6. The defense remains suffocating, giving up only six points to a potent offense. They are the standard until someone proves otherwise. Next Week: vs. Minnesota
- Oregon Ducks (5-0, 2-0 B1G) What a statement. Oregon marched into Happy Valley and took down the preseason favorite Penn State in a double-overtime epic, 30-24. This is the biggest win for the program since joining the Big Ten and officially stamps them as a national title contender. Next Week: Bye
- Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1, 1-1 B1G) The loss sto Oregon stings, especially at home in double overtime, but the talent is undeniable. The defense is fierce, and the offense fought hard against an elite opponent. They drop two spots, but Penn State is still firmly in the championship hunt. Next Week: at UCLA
- Indiana Hoosiers (5-0, 2-0 B1G) Five and oh! Curt Cignetti has the Hoosiers at 5-0 after gutting out a crucial road win over Iowa, 20-15. Surviving Iowa City is a massive resume booster, and Indiana is rapidly climbing into the elite tier of the Big Ten. Next Week: Bye
- Illinois Fighting Illini (4-1, 1-1 B1G) The biggest riser of the week. Illinois pulled off the upset of the year by beating the previously undefeated USC Trojans, 34-32. This win wipes away any lingering doubt and puts the Illini squarely in the mix in the conference. Next Week: at Purdue
- USC Trojans (3-1, 1-1 B1G) The high-flying Trojans tasted defeat for the first time in a high-scoring loss to Illinois. Their offense is still explosive, but the narrow defeat shows that the defensive questions are still valid. They need a reset to refocus for the grind ahead. Next Week: Bye
- Michigan Wolverines (3-1, 1-0 B1G) Michigan had a much-needed bye week. They’ve proven they can win conference games, but they need to show they can beat the conference elite, which begins soon. Next Week: vs. Wisconsin
- Maryland Terrapins (4-0, 1-0 B1G) Maryland was on a bye this week. At 4-0, they remain one of the most surprising undefeated teams, holding onto their spot near the top thanks to their perfect record. Next Week: vs. Washington
- Iowa Hawkeyes (3-2, 1-1 B1G) The Hawkeyes drop after the narrow home loss to Indiana, 20-15. Despite the loss, their defense keeps them competitive in every game. They’ll need better offense to stay in the West division race. Next Week: Bye
- Washington Huskies (3-1) The Huskies struggled in their first major test, falling to Ohio State 24-6. The offense couldn’t move the ball against the nation’s best defense, but they still own an impressive non-conference record. Next Week: at Maryland
- Michigan State Spartans (3-0) The Spartans had a bye week and stay put. They are undefeated, but their schedule has been light. They need to prove their 3-0 start is legitimate when they finally face Big Ten competition. Next Week: at Nebraska
- Wisconsin Badgers (2-2, 0-1 B1G) The Badgers had a bye week to lick their wounds after a tough Week 4 loss. They must win against Michigan to avoid a disastrous start to their conference schedule. Next Week: at Michigan
- Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1, 0-1 B1G) Nebraska was on a bye week and stays put. Their loss to Michigan in Week 4 shows they still have a gap to close against the conference’s better teams. Next Week: vs. Michigan State
- Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1) Minnesota defeated Rutgers 31-28. Their record is solid, but questions about their ceiling remain after their loss to Cal earlier in the season. Next Week: at Ohio State
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-2, 0-2 B1G) Rutgers lost at Minnesota. While they’re 3-2, they don’t have a quality win. Next Week: Bye
- Purdue Boilermakers (2-2, 0-1 B1G) Purdue was on a bye week. Next Week: vs. Illinois
- Northwestern Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 B1G) Northwestern Defeated UCLA 17-14 to get ther first conference win. Next Week: vs. Louisiana Monroe
- UCLA Bruins (0-4, 0-1 B1G) UCLA continued to lose, and the program remains in crisis after the early coaching change. They have a massive climb ahead hosting Penn State. Next Week: vs. Penn State
