Ben Bolch’s Big Ten Power Rankings

Game of the week: Ohio State (3-1) at Iowa (4-0), 12:30 p.m. PDT Saturday on CBS. Long known for their defensive prowess under coach Kirk Ferentz, the Hawkeyes might finally have the offense to match. A late touchdown drive on the road to defeat Michigan showed that Iowa could be the Big Ten’s surprise of the season. Beating the Buckeyes would provide definitive proof.

1. Ohio State (3-1) Jeremiah Smith has more touchdowns than Columbus Airport. (Last week: 2)

2. Indiana (4-0) Quarterback Josh Hoover is no Fernando Mendoza, and that’s a problem. (1)

3. Oregon (3-1) Dylan Raiola should ink huge NIL deal with backup generator company. (3)

4. Iowa (4-0) Hawkeyes finding some offense is scary development for rest of Big Ten. (8)

5. USC (4-1) How much more Lincoln Riley disappointment can this fan base withstand? (5)

6. UCLA (4-0) New concern is how much longer Bruins can keep Bob Chesney. (6)

7. Michigan (3-1) Final ticks of the clock don’t work out this time for Wolverines. (7)

8. Wisconsin (3-1) Last gasp of Luke Fickell may be a sweet sound if this keeps up. (14)

9. Penn State (3-1) Can’t lose at home against a team whose coach is on the hot seat. (4)

10. Minnesota (3-1) P.J. Fleck always has an unexpected victory up his sleeve. (13)

11. Nebraska (4-0) More early promise can’t keep ending in disappointment under Matt Rhule. (11)

12. Washington (3-1) Jedd Fisch usually has something special cooked up for the Trojans. (9)

13. Northwestern (2-1) Aidan Chiles may have found the right home with his third team. (15)

14. Illinois (2-2) Big Noon was a Big Nothing after Illini showed little fight. (12)

15. Michigan State (2-2) Maybe these guys are as dreadful as we originally thought. (10)

16. Purdue (1-3) Moving up when you’re this bad is winning the battle of attrition. (17)

17. Rutgers (1-3) Half expected Greg Schiano to get his 100th win – and a pink slip. (18)

18. Maryland (2-2) Please end the Mike Locksley misery ASAP. (16)