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2023 Big Ten football power rankings after Week 6

By Chris Peterson

Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh reacts during the second quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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After Week 6, most Big Ten football teams have played three games, and here are our updated Big Ten football power rankings. 

Nothing to earth-shattering took place during Week 6 of the Big Ten football season. It was the third game of conference play for most teams.

Maryland looked serious about upsetting Ohio State for three quarters before turnovers doomed the Terps. Iowa, did what it does, and won ugly over Purdue, while Wisconsin defeated Rutgers.

Nebraska notched a big win (for Matt Rhule and the Huskers bowl hopes) at Illinois and at the same time, Michigan football beat Minnesota even worse than it beat Nebraska.

We look at what it all means and update our Big Ten football power rankings going into Week 7.

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

OK, so I had Northwestern higher in last week’s Big Ten football power rankings, but after a three-point win over Howard, it’s clear the Wildcats still haven’t improved. They do have a shot at a bowl game if they can go 3-3 down the stretch, but I see a 3-9 record as more likely than 6-6. Northwestern didn’t even have any turnovers. It gave up 169 yards on the ground and also allowed four sacks.

13. Indiana (2-3, 0-2)

The Hoosiers will try out their new offensive coordinator this week at Michigan. Last week was a bye for the Hoosiers. Rod Carey might give the offense a spark. The problem is the lack of playmakers outside of Cam Camper. He’s probably the one dude on Indiana’s offense who could actually play snaps for Michigan this season which reveals a broader issue. Tayven Jackson is expected to start but there could be a short leash if the offense struggles.

12. Illinois (2-4, 0-3)

Gun to my head, I’d take Illinois if the Fighting Illini played Indiana, which is why Illinois is No. 12 but the Fighting Illini have looked bad in each of their three Big Ten football games. Nebraska got its first conference win against Illinois by 13 (20-7) and the margin should have been much wider. The defense has been a real issue and the loss of DC Ryan Walters to be Purdue’s head coach, as well as some NFL draft picks, have taken the teeth from what was one of the Big Ten’s best unit’s last season.

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