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2023 Big Ten football power rankings after Week 5

By Chris Peterson

Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talk before the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh and Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule talk before the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports /
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12. Nebraska (2-3, 0-2)

It got pretty ugly last week for Nebraska against Michigan. But also, it’s Michigan, which is going to beat up a lot of Big Ten football teams. The Wolverines have won 17 Big Ten games in a row which is the fourth-longest streak in league history. I expected Nebraska’s defense to be more competitive last week, but the Wolverines were on another level. The Huskers do need a win on Friday night though against Illinois, otherwise, a bowl game feels like a reach.

11. Illinois (2-3, 0-2)

You could probably make a case for Illinois to be ahead of Nebraska in the Big Ten football power rankings. Illinois has won two games but both of them were struggles against Toldeo and Florida Atlantic. Purdue, with former Illinois DC Ryan Walters as head coach, routed Illinois last weekend in West Lafayette. We’ll see if either team can get going on Friday night because right now, the Huskers and Fighting Illini both look bad.

10. Northwestern (2-3, 1-1)

The Wildcats have been playing better over the past two weeks. Rutgers dominated Northwestern, but then again, the Scarlet Knights are 4-1. Ben Bryant has six touchdown passes and three interceptions as well as completing 59 percent of his throws. Penn State overwhelmed Northwestern in Week 5. Yet, the game was close. This team is improving and a bowl game isn’t out of reach.

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