Big Ten Power Rankings- The Preview

Because it's late and I am an insomniac at heart, here's a sneak peek at where I will (probably) have the Big Ten teams after another crazy week in everybody's favorite conference:

1. Ohio State - Back in the driver's seat after dominating Penn State.

2. Iowa - Better pray that Ricky Stanzi is a quick healer. Lack of a running game suddenly a major, major issue.

3. Penn State - Says here that Daryll Clark just cain't handle pressure. Hmm...

4. Wisconsin - They still haven't beaten anybody this year, losing their only games against top opponents and looking weak doing it. But at 7-2 with games against Michigan, Northwestern, and Hawaii to go, they might not have to beat anybody this year.

5. Northwestern - Huge win at Iowa showcases a tough defense finally rounding into form. Northwestern's wide receivers were also clutch in a game where every offensive yard counted.

6. Michigan State - As expected, demolished Western Michigan.

7. Purdue - You know they're still alive for a bowl bid? Three Big Ten wins is nothing to scoff at, nor are 'quality losses' against Oregon and Notre Dame.

8. Minnesota - Next week's gimme against South Dakota State will get them bowl-eligible, but I could see them being left out in the cold (literally) if nine teams make 6-6.

9. Illinois - Fun fact: Riding a two game winning streak, Illinois has its rivalry game against Northwestern and then a road date at... Cincinnati? Number five Cincinnati? Nice scheduling.

10. Indiana - This week's coaching maneuver o' shame: Kicking deep to a Wisconsin team that had dominated all day with the running game, trailing by three with four minutes left in the game. Oh yeah, you'll get a stop. Definitely.

11. Michigan - Three ugly losses and an upcoming road game at Camp Randall.

(Watch for the full version on Monday, so you can read it at work!)