Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 5 edition

Sep 26, 2015; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats running back Warren Long (13) carries the ball during the second half of the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa remains unbeaten after putting a beatdown on North Texas this week. The Hawkeyes carried the momentum over from their 57-yard game-winning field goal with time expiring against Pittsburgh into a big win over a lesser opponent. C.J. Beathard continues to play well in place of Jake Rudock, completing 18-of-21 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. The Hawkeyes could end up winning the Big Ten West if they continue to play this well.

Must Read: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: Highlights, game thread

The wealth of running backs in Madison each season is almost sickening for opponents. Watching the Wisconsin Badgers plug in a new running back and having him succeed every year is unbelievable as freshman Taiwan Deal is the latest in the long line of talented backs. With Corey Clement out for a month, Deal took over on Saturday, running for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Joel Stave continues to look like a new and improved player and the Badgers shut Hawaii out at home, 28-0.

Out of all the surprises in the Big Ten this season, I don’t think any is more shocking than how well Northwestern has played to start the year. The Wildcats are 4-0 with a huge week one win over No. 21 Stanford at home and a solid road victory against Duke last week. All of those tough opponents led to a near-letdown against Ball State in week four. The Wildcats must continue to trust Clayton Thorson as well as get the ball in the hands of Justin Jackson moving forward.

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