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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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October 2, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Dedrick Mackey (1) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Minnesota wins 20 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
October 2, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell (7) is tackled by Purdue Boilermakers cornerback Dedrick Mackey (1) during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium. Minnesota wins 20 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Indiana Hoosiers (3-2, 0-2)

The way the Hoosiers have played this season, they could be in the bottom three; luckily enough, there are only three spots for the bottom three. Much like the Wisconsin Badgers, the Hoosiers have not lived up to their preseason expectations.

Quarterback Michael Penix, Jr. has not played well and, despite signing USC transfer Stephen Carr, the Hoosiers have not managed much of a running game so far this season. Things get no easier for Indiana. After their shutout loss to Penn State, the Hoosiers stretch, including Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan.

10. Purdue Boilermakers (3-2, 1-1)

When you are trying to make the postseason, there are games you simply cannot lose. The Oregon State win to open the season was big, but you cannot lose to Minnesota. The Gophers went out and laid an egg against Bowling Green the previous week.

Losing Alexander Horvath has hurt little commitment to the running game head coach Jeff Brohm and the Boilermakers. The defense is playing good football; unfortunately, it is waisting because the offense is not very good.

9. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-2, 1-1)

Injuries to critical parts of the offense have left the Gophers reeling this season. In their loss to Bowling Green, Minnesota did not attempt to throw the football. Quarterback Tanner Morgan had 13 pass attempts for 59 yards.

The Golden Gophers did not try to throw it that often against Purdue either. Morgan had 18 pass attempts in that game. Ironically, head coach PJ Fleck believes in the running game despite not having Mohammed Ibrahim for the rest of the season.

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