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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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Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17.
Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the NCAA football game against the Wisconsin Badgers, Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Wisconsin Badgers won 38-17. /

9. Purdue (2-3, 1-1)

The Boilermakers have been up and down this season but they looked like a bowl team — possibly even a Big Ten West contender after a 44-19 win over Illinois. Purdue just got beat by three touchdowns by Wisconsin, so let’s not get carried away but Hudson Card threw for 217 yards and two touchdowns, while the Boilermakers rushed for 189 yards. A big test awaits on Saturday against Iowa.

8. Minnesota (3-2, 1-1)

The loss at North Carolina was understandable. The Gophers should have played better but the biggest regret was the blown lead against Northwestern. Darius Taylor has been a revelation for Minnesota and is averaging over 100 yards per game. The defense also has eight interceptions in five games. Frankly, Minnesota should be 4-1. However, with Michigan coming to town, it’s likely starting at 3-3 and will have its work cut out if it wants to contend in the Big Ten West.

7. Rutgers (4-1, 1-1)

Kyle Monangai has rushed for 454 yards this season and outside of the Michigan game, Rutgers has had success on the ground. The Scarlet Knights don’t get a ton of credit for beating Wagner 52-3, yet the Rutgers defense is allowing just 12.8 points per game. Rutgers also had a solid running game but we’ll find out if the Scarlet Knights deserve this spot in our Big Ten football power rankings this week with their road trip to Wisconsin.

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