13. Michigan State Spartans (3-1)
Last week's ranking: No. 10 (-3)
Last week's game: L, 45-31 vs No. 25 USC
Michigan State looked questionable in its Big Ten opener against USC. The Spartans defense continues to look paper thin, as it has now given up 109 points in the past three weeks. However, the offense kept them in the game and Aidan Chiles certainly has the physical tools to put top-tier teams on upset watch in any given week. With Nebraska, Indiana, Michigan, and Penn State still left on their schedule, we'll see if they can get one.
14. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-1)
Last week’s ranking: No. 13 (-1)
Last week's game: L 38-28 vs Iowa
Rutgers took a loss in its first conference game of the season, but still looked good enough to keep them ahead of other losing teams like Purdue and Wisconsin. The Scarlet Knights have a game on the road against Minnesota coming up, which is a winnable game that can allow them to rise in the rankings.
15. Purdue Boilermakers (2-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 16 (+1)
Last week's game: L, 56-30 vs Notre Dame
Like Nebraska, Purdue also moves up in the rankings despite a loss, thanks to a 30-point output against Notre Dame. The Boilermakers are making strides in the right direction after an abysmal season last year. Both of their losses, this one to Notre Dame, as well as a loss by just two scores to USC, are a lot better than what most expected going into the season.
16. Wisconsin Badgers (2-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 15 (-1)
Last week's game: L, 27-10 vs Maryland
In the midst of one of the toughest schedules in the country, a home game against Maryland was one of the few that Wisconsin was supposed to win. The Badgers didn't, and coach Luke Fickell is officially on the hot seat. It's doubtful that Wisconsin will be favored in any of the remaining games on their schedule, making a 2-10 season entirely possible.
17. UCLA Bruins (0-3)
Last week's ranking: No. 17
Last week's game: BYE
The Bruins had a bye week to regroup after firing their head coach, and now have a good chance to earn their first win of the season against Northwestern coming up. No matter what happens in that game, UCLA has been an embarrassment to the Big Ten so far, and even to the old Pac-12. They need to get their act together quickly.
18. Northwestern Wildcats (1-2)
Last week's ranking: No. 18
Last week's game: BYE
Northwestern also had a bye week to gear up for an absolutely enthralling matchup against UCLA. Unfortunately that game will be on at the same time as Washington vs Ohio State, otherwise I would recommend everyone to tune into it. In all seriousness, it will be interesting to see the two teams play each other to gauge just how bad (or good?) they truly are.