7. Michigan Wolverines (3-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 8 (+1)
Last week's game: W, 30-27 vs Nebraska
After an ugly loss to Oklahoma earlier this season, the Wolverines are officially back on track after taking down a very good Nebraska team in a hostile environment. Michigan showed that it's ready to play classic Big Ten football, as running back Justice Haynes rushed for 149 yards and a touchdown. This Michigan team may have less talent all-around than in years past, but it's showing the same usual grit as one of the top threats in the conference.
8. Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 9 (+1)
Last week's game: L, 30-27 vs No. 21 Michigan
Nebraska has the rare occurence where it moves up in the power rankings despite a loss. The Cornhuskers looked legit against a tough Michigan team, and they may have even won if it weren't for an early interception that forced them to play catch-up. Their defense looks fast and physical, and Dylan Raiola can win a game by himself at quarterback. This Nebraska team is one that should intimidate any Big Ten opponent on its schedule.
9. Illinois Fighting Illini (3-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 4 (-5)
Last week's game: L, 63-10 vs No. 19 Indiana
It can't be a good feeling when one loss might've just derailed an entire season. Illinois went into its matchup against Indiana with high hopes while under the radar as the ninth-ranked team in the nation. Losing in the fashion they did completely bashed those hopes, and made it look like they were under the radar for good reason. A team that once looked like it could contend with teams like Ohio State and Oregon became a run-of-the-mill conference team in the blink of an eye.
10. Maryland Terrapins (4-0)
Last week's ranking: No. 14 (+4)
Last week's game: W, 27-10 vs Wisconsin
Maryland came into the season projected to be one of the bottom-dwellers in the Big Ten, but are off to an impressive 4-0 start after beating Wisconsin. The Terrapins even got some love in the most recent AP top-25 poll. However, they've yet to play a half-decent opponent this season, and will get their first dose of that after a bye, against the Huskies in Week 6.
11. Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 11
Last week's game: BYE
Minnesota holds its ground at the No. 11 spot during a bye week, but had its stock drop a bit after the Cal team that just beat them proceeded to lose 34-0 to San Diego State. The Golden Gophers begin conference play this week against Rutgers in a must-win game if they want to hold on to the respect they had at the start of the season as a Big Ten dark horse.
12. Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 12
Last week's game: W, 38-28 vs Rutgers
The Hawkeyes kicked off their conference schedule with a win against Rutgers in a game that was tied going into the fourth quarter. A usually-stout Iowa defense was gashed by a mediocre Rutgers offense for 400 yards, and once again their own passing game looked uninspiring. The bright side is that the run game looked fantastic behind a great O-line. The Hawkeyes will have their work cut out for them with an upcoming game against 11th-ranked Indiana at home.