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Big Ten Power Rankings, Week 5: Michigan, Ohio State on a collision course

By David Rouben

Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) makes a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter defended by Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Derrick Tindal (25) at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Amara Darboh (82) makes a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter defended by Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Derrick Tindal (25) at Michigan Stadium. Michigan won 14-7. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Ricky Jones (4) runs with the ball after a catch in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Indiana Hoosiers beat the Michigan State Spartans by the score of 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Ricky Jones (4) runs with the ball after a catch in the second half of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Indiana Hoosiers beat the Michigan State Spartans by the score of 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Even when Michigan State won the Big Ten last year, they still suffered a setback against Nebraska. While their loss to Wisconsin came much earlier than that, and at home, they still had a chance to contend by running the table. Instead, they lost to Indiana for the first time since 2006, before Mark Dantonio was in charge!

Tyler O’Connor looked to rebound from his awful outing against Wisconsin. He did his part by finishing 21-of-35 with three touchdowns, none bigger than his one with 11 seconds left. While they kept the Hoosiers off the board in the first half, their defense let them down in the second half. And neither kicker was able to convert on their field goal attempts, but a dumb penalty in overtime gave Griffin Oakes another shot, who made no mistake from 20 yards out.

Now dropping to 0-2, the Spartans no longer control their own destiny. They also have to navigate with a depleted linebacking corps, as Jon Reschke and Riley Bullough are out for the foreseeable future. While it won’t affect the conference standings, they can’t afford to lose to BYU.

It’s getting a lot harder to ignore Maryland these days. While beating up on Purdue isn’t exactly a noteworthy achievement, it was still a statement win. They have already improved on their record from last season, and are now one of four unbeaten teams left in the Big Ten, even if all four of their wins have come against sub-par opposition.

Maryland has proven that they’re one of the best rushing teams in the Big Ten when four of their touchdowns came on the ground. While carries were split pretty evenly, Ty Johnson stood out from the bunch, as he put up a monster statline of 204 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries.

Maryland has an explosive offense, which now has 173 points in four games. That’s a bit of a surprise, considering DJ Durkin was a former defensive coordinator. But their defense had a great day too, as they sacked David Blough six times. However, Perry Hills turned it over for the first time all season, which shouldn’t happen against an opponent like Purdue.

When looking at their upcoming schedule, going 3-1 in October would be the best case scenario. That’s because they face a murderers’ row of opponents in November in Michigan, Ohio State, and Nebraska. If they can secure a bowl game before then, it would be a very successful first season for Durkin.

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