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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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Michigan State interim head coach Harlon Barnett, right, reacts to a play against Maryland during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing.
Michigan State interim head coach Harlon Barnett, right, reacts to a play against Maryland during the second half of MSU’s 31-9 loss on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in East Lansing. /

11. Michigan State (2-3, 0-2)

Michigan State’s schedule hasn’t done the Spartans any favors. Yet, they still haven’t beaten a Power-5 opponent and are one of just three Big Ten teams that can say that. There has been momentum for Katin Houser, a recent blue-chip commitment at quarterback, to start this weekend, and we’ll see if that changes things. A win over Rutgers is needed if the Spartans are going to make a bowl game.

10. Rutgers (4-2, 1-2)

Rutgers has two losses but the Scarlet Knights’ only defeats were against Michigan and Wisconsin. The Badgers scored the first 17 points. But Rutgers still has a Big Ten win, plus two other power-5 victories. Greg Schiano and company need two wins for bowl eligibility and a home game against Michigan State on Saturday is a great chance to get win No. 5.

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

The Huskers showed me something in that 20-7 win over Illinois last Friday. Matt Rhule really needed a win going into the bye week. Heinrich Haarberg still hasn’t sold me on being the full-time starter but if he can win more Big Ten football games and keep running the ball the way that he has, it will make it hard for Rhule to make a change. The Huskers are off this week.

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

I understand that the Golden Gophers looked awful against Michigan last week. But so did Nebraska two weeks ago, which turned around and won at Illinois. Minnesota is also off this week and while another nine-win season isn’t looking likely, the schedule is pretty manageable outside of a trip to Ohio State late in the season. Getting running back Darius Taylor back from injury would also help since he’s averaging over 100 yards per game.

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