Big Ten power rankings after week 5: How high does USC climb after beating Badgers?

Week five of the college football season is already in the books and it was another fun week for the Big Ten. Let's look at our conference power rankings after another round of games.

Week 5: Lost vs. Oregon, 34-17

UCLA can continue to tout moral victories if it needs something to cling to. However, the Bruins still look like the worst team in the Big Ten. What's more, it is hard to find a conference win on the Bruins' remaining schedule. It's going to be a long season for fans of that program.

Week 3: Off

Northwestern had week five off. They'll likely need that extra time to prepare for one of the nation's top offensive teams, Indiana, which comes to Northwestern in week six.

Week 5: Lost vs. Nebraska, 28-10

After averaging only 12.6 points per game in the last three contests, Purdue fired offensive coordinator Graham Harrell following the loss to Nebraska. Will that help turn things around for the Boilermakers? Probably not given that Wisconsin, Illinois, and Oregon are up next on the schedule.

Week 5: Lost at Michigan, 27-24

Minnesota showed tremendous resolve when it pushed Michigan to the brink after being down big early. In fact, if a controversial on-side kick had gone their way, they might have pulled off the massive upset. Now, they have a chance to make another statement if they can upset USC in what will be a highly anticipated home game.

Week 5: Lost at USC, 38-21

Outscored 28-0 in the second half by USC in week 5, Wisconsin couldn't pull off an upset in a game that the Badgers led by ten points at the half. The offense was non-existent in the second half and the passing game was a relative no-show with backup QB Braedyn Locke running things for the first time this season. They will have a chance to get right against Purdue in week six, though.

Week 5: Lost at Indiana, 42-28

Maryland learned what most people in the nation are finding out, Indiana has a legitimate offense. The Terrapins don't and they couldn't keep up with the Hoosiers in week 5. A winnable game against Northwestern awaits after an open week. Both come at a good time for Maryland.

Week 5: Lost vs. Ohio State, 38-7

Michigan State was the first name-brand program to face Ohio State this year but the Spartans didn't put up much of a fight. It seems unlikely that they will give No. 6 Oregon a better game this week on the road. In fact a brutal schedule the rest of the way has MSU staring down the barrel of another long season.

Week 5: Lost at Rutgers, 21-18

Washington missed out on a golden opportunity to upset Rutgers on Friday night in New Jersey. Three missed field goals spelled doom for the Huskies including one to tie the game as time expired. Now, the Huskies face four ranked teams in the next five games with three of those five games being road tilts.

Week 5: Won at Purdue, 28-10

Beating lowly Purdue by 18 points is nothing for Nebraska to write home about. However, picking up wins over Rutgers, Indiana, or Ohio State (their next three opponents) would be. It will be interesting to see how freshman QB Dylan Raiola plays during that stretch as his maturation continues.

Week 5: Lost at Penn State, 21-7

Illinois stepped up in weight class in week five and found out it is still a ways away from being a Big Ten contender. The Illini were shut down at the line of scrimmage by a brutally tough Penn State defensive front. Now, they get a week off to prepare for Purdue. But after that, business picks back up with games against Michigan and Oregon.

Week 5: Off

After an impressive win over Minnesota in week 4, Iowa was off this past weekend. They'll need that extra time to prepare for Saturday's road game at No. 3 Ohio State. Can the Hawkeye defense slow down one of the nation's most talented offenses? If not, the Hawkeyes will be in trouble.

Week 5: Won vs. Maryland, 42-28

Indiana continues to be one of the stories of the year in college football. Now ranked 23rd overall, their offensive onslaught will likely continue this week against Northwestern. The Hoosiers have four games against unranked teams before playing Michigan and Ohio State in consecutive games in November.

Week 5: Won vs. Washington, 21-18

Rutgers legitimized their hot start by beating a name-brand team in Washington. It wasn't easy though as the Huskies missed three field goals in the three-point game. Still, the name of the game is to survive and move on, which is what the Scarlet Knights are doing. This week's game at Nebraska could further legitimize what Rutgers is building.

Week 5; Won vs. Wisconsin 38-21

After sleepwalking through the first half of its game with Wisconsin, USC flexed its muscles after halftime. Still, questions abound about the offensive and defensive line. However, USC may have discovered a new go-to No. 1 wide receiver in Ja'Kobi Lane, who had a 10-catch, 105-yard, two-touchdown showing against the Badgers.

Week 5: Won vs. Minnesota 27-24

Michigan won its second straight home game by the score of 27-24 to stay in the playoff conversation. However, questions about their QB play remain after Alex Orji threw for only 86 yards in the victory. At some point, Michigan will need more from that position if it hopes to have the type of season that its fan base expects.

Week 5: Won vs. Illinois 21-7

Shutting down the Illinois offense was an impressive feat by Penn State. Racking up seven sacks and holding the Illini to just 219 yards, Penn State showed by it is a playoff favorite. Now, the Nittany Lions get a pseudo scrimmage at home against UCLA before the big showdown with USC on October 12.

Week 5: Won at UCLA, 34-13

A workmanlike effort against UCLA on the road continued the Ducks' winning ways in 2024. They likely won't be tested much this week by Michigan State. However, we are nearing the home game with Ohio State, which will be one of the games of the year in the country.

Week 5: Won at Michigan State, 38-7

Finally, Ohio State played a power conference team in week 5. Of course, it was one of the worst power conference teams in America, Michigan State. We still don't know what Ohio State has to offer and we may not until the trip to Eugene on October 12.