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Big Ten Football Power Rankings, Week 6: Iowa, Penn State battle for No. 1

By Dante Pryor

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions prepares to lead his team onto the field before the white out game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions prepares to lead his team onto the field before the white out game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (6) runs the ball as Michigan Wolverines defensive back DJ Turner (5) tackles him during their game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Ebony Cox / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Wisconsin Badgers running back Chez Mellusi (6) runs the ball as Michigan Wolverines defensive back DJ Turner (5) tackles him during their game Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Ebony Cox / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel /

14. Northwestern (2-3, 0-2)

It was a straw poll to see who the worst team in the Big Ten was this week, and after a 56-7 drubbing at the hands of the Wisconsin Badgers, the Wildcats have drawn the short straw. Northwestern has traditionally been a team that outplays its metrics.

Simply put, because the Wildcats don’t beat themselves (penalties and turnovers), they can win games the analytics say they should not. However, they usually have some talent. This season was going to be a tough one because of the NFL-level talent (including two first-round picks) they lost. But 56-7, though, sheesh.

13.  Wisconsin (1-3, 0-2)

The Badgers are the other side of the coin. The Badgers were supposed to contend for the Big Ten West Division and possibly have a shot at taking down Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game. Wisconsin will be fortunate to play in a bowl game.

It appears the Badgers missed on Graham Mertz, the highest-rated quarterback prospect in school history, and they have not found a replacement for Johnathan Taylor. Their wide receivers are not explosive either. Their only hope is to ride their defense to six wins.

12. Illinois (2-4, 1-2)

It was a forgone conclusion that the Illini were not going to be very good this year. However, the Illini have trended in the wrong direction since their opening weekend win over Nebraska. Without an actual number one receiver, Illinois’ passing game was bound to struggle.

Converted quarterback Isaiah Williams and Duece Spann are flashing but very raw at receiver. Quarterback Brandon Peters has been ineffective, and that is being generous. Don’t be surprised to see an Artur Sitkowski appearance against Wisconsin.

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