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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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6. Iowa (4-1, 1-1)

Last week’s win over Michigan State wasn’t pretty. The Hawkeyes also lost Cade McNamara to a season-ending injury. Deacon Hill appears to be the next man up and he did enough to lead Iowa past Michigan State. The offense is averaging just 240 yards per game though and if that doesn’t change, it’s hard to see Iowa winning the Big Ten West.

5. Wisconsin (3-1, 1-1)

The 21-point win over Purdue two weeks ago looks even more impressive after the way the Boilermakers dominated Illinois last week. Wisconsin is battling injuries but Braelon Allen is healthy and he’s the driving force behind the offense. Tanner Mordecai has only thrown two touchdown passes but is completing 66 percent of his throws in addition to four touchdown runs. The defense is 19th nationally in scoring and the Badgers feel like the team to beat in the West.

4. Maryland (5-0, 2-0)

You have to give Mike Locksley credit. Maryland has won all five of its games by at least 18 points. Maryland is winning Big Ten games by an average of 23. Taulia Tagovailoa is throwing for nearly 300 yards per game and has 13 touchdown passes. If this team was in the West, the Terps could have a shot to play for the Big Ten football championship. They still could but we’ll find out on Saturday as Maryland travels to Ohio State in an attempt to show it is for real.

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