Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 6

The first week of Big Ten play is in the books. It was an exciting week of Big Ten football. We got to see some close finishes and some big surprises.

We learned some things this week:

Penn State still can't score points.

Ohio State will still play "Tressel Ball" every now and then.

Northwestern has a lot of work to do.

Denard Robinson is the real deal.

In the biggest game of the week, Michigan State knocked off Wisconsin. Where do the Spartans end up now? Who moved up and who moved down? Find out in this week's Big Ten Power rankings.

11. Minnesota Golden Gophers, 1-4 (0-1)—Last Week: 11

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Da'Jon McKnight #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown during the game against the USC Trojans on September 18, 2010 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jamie

Minnesota lost in a close game this weekend. The Golden Gophers fell to Northwestern 29-28 on a field goal in the late moments of the fourth quarter.

A loss is a loss though, and Minnesota has been the worst team in the Big Ten so far this season.

We learned Minnesota doesn't really run a very effective two-minute drill either. Add that to the growing list of problems as a frustrating season continues.

10. Purdue Boilermakers, 2-2 (0-0)—Last Week: 10

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 04: Keith Smith #8 of the Purdue Boilermakers is stopped by Darrin Walls #2 (R) and Jamoris Slaughter #26 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on September 4, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Pu

Purdue didn't play this week but still has no reason to move up. The Boilermakers still have a ton of injuries to deal with and haven't impressed so far this season.

Purdue will open up its Big Ten schedule next week with a trip to Northwestern.

9. Indiana Hoosiers, 3-1 (0-1)—Last Week: 9

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BLOOMINGTON, IN - NOVEMBER 01: Quarterback Ben Chappell #4 of the Indiana Hooisers passes the ball downfield during the game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Memorial Stadium on November 1, 2008 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Get

Indiana put up an offensive show against Michigan but came away empty. The defense is still a big-time question mark, and the teams Indiana has beaten this year are not exactly world-beaters.

The schedule doesn't get any easier this week for the Hoosiers, as a trip to Ohio State is next on the schedule.

8. Penn State Nittany Lions, 3-2 (0-1)—Last Week: 7

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 11: Chaz Powell #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 11, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Penn State traveled to Iowa and lost to the Hawkeyes for the third consecutive season. The offense continues to be a problem, failing to score a touchdown for the second time this season.

Penn State still has not defeated a BCS opponent this year. The Nittany Lions will need to get things figured out on offense and fast if they want to turn their season around.

7. Illinois Fighting Illini, 2-2 (0-1)—Last Week: 8

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CHAMPAIGN, IL - OCTOBER 02: Nathan Scheelhaase #2 of the Illinois Fighting Illini looks for a receiver against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Memorial Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Champaign, Illinois. Ohio State defeated Illinois 24-13. (Photo by Jonathan Da

Illinois fought hard but came up empty against Ohio State. The Illini gave the No. 2 Buckeyes a scare, playing tough all the way into the late moments of the fourth quarter.

The defense looks like it could be pretty good, but without a passing game Illinois may be fighting for life as the Big Ten schedule continues.

6. Northwestern Wildcats, 5-0 (1-0)—Last Week: 6

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Coach Pat Fitzgerald of the Northwestern Wildcats directs play against the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl January 1, 2010 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Every Northwestern fan is feeling relief right now. The Wildcats were almost knocked off by the worst team in the Big Ten to open up conference play. Northwestern was sloppy and almost paid a big price for it.

Northwestern will need to improve on defense, take care of the football, and find some offense outside of quarterback Dan Persa if they want to get better as the season goes on.

5. Michigan Wolverines, 5-0 (1-0)—Last Week: 5

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 25: Tate Forcier #5 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass during the second quarter of the game against Bowling Green on September 25, 2010 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Bowling Green 65-2

Michigan got another outstanding performance from quarterback Denard Robinson in a shootout win against Indiana. The Wolverines still have no answer for any offense though.

If Michigan had any sort of defense, it would be in the mix for the Big Ten title. As it stands they will just have to keep outscoring everyone to get wins.

4. Wisconsin Badgers, 4-1 (0-1)—Last Week: 2

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MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 18: J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Camp Randall Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin defeated Arizona State 20-19. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Wisconsin entered Big Ten play with high hopes of a conference title. Those hopes took a hit Saturday as Michigan State used an impressive running game to beat the Badgers.

Wisconsin is still a good team, and their title hopes are still alive, but Week 1 was a big blow.

3. Iowa Hawkeyes, 4-1 (1-0)—Last Week: 3

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TUCSON, AZ - SEPTEMBER 18: Wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the college football game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Tucson, Arizona. Th

Iowa fans may complain they are not higher. However, a win against Penn State is starting to look less impressive every week as the Nittany Lions continue to struggle on offense.

Iowa lost its only true test so far this season, so it will stay at No. 3 for now. The Hawkeyes are still a good team and should have a decent shot at a conference title.

2. Michigan State Spartans, 5-0 (1-0)—Last Week: 4

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 19: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Michigan State Spartans turns to hand off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on September 19, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Michigan State 33-30. (Photo by J

Michigan State gets the big jump in this week's power rankings after an impressive win over Wisconsin. The Spartans feature a dangerous running game that has been one of the best in the nation so far. Michigan State will have to limit the mistakes going forward.

MSU faces its first true road test this season, and it just so happens to be against archrival Michigan.

1. Ohio State Buckeyes, 5-0 (1-0)—Last Week: 1

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COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 18: Head Coach Jim Tressel of the Ohio State Buckeyes walks across the field before a game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Ohio State got a couple scares when they traveled to Illinois. First was an injury to quarterback Terrelle Pryor. He was fine and came back into the game later.

The second scare was a game that was maybe a little too close for comfort. The Buckeyes didn't put Illinois away until late in the fourth quarter.

Despite the close calls, Ohio State is still the team to beat in the Big Ten.

Big Ten Power Rankings: Week 6

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SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines pushes off a tackle attempt by Manti Te'o #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the final minute at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2010 in South Bend, Indiana. Michigan de

That is it for this week's Big Ten Power Rankings. There is still plenty of football to be played, and more shifting will happen each week. Make sure to check back next week to see where your team ends up.